- Relational focus
- Behavioral cognitive lens
- Neurodiversity-aware
About Merry
Merry McKinnon is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with 33 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and the everyday effects of ADHD. Her approach centers on building a trusting relationship so clients feel safe to look at what is getting in the way of progress.
Merry often meets people who first notice problems as overwhelm, isolation, or trouble at school and work. She has particular experience supporting people with attention and learning differences, including high-functioning Autism Spectrum presentations and Auditory Processing Disorder. Those differences frequently show up alongside social anxiety, grief, or motivational blocks.
Her work uses a relational foundation combined with a behavioral‑cognitive lens. That means conversations focus on how thoughts and habits influence feelings and actions, while the relationship itself is used to try new ways of coping. Sessions include noticing strengths, testing small changes, and revisiting self‑beliefs that limit progress.
Merry also helps people facing shame, guilt, communication problems, and the loneliness that follows life transitions. She pays attention to practical changes that can improve day-to-day routine and motivation.
She believes it is never too late to discover abilities and gifts. The goal is to help people reduce barriers and move toward goals they value. Working together is presented as an ongoing, respectful process.
Background and approach notes: Merry holds the LMFT credential, licensed in California. Her practice draws on long experience with adults who present with depression, ADHD, social anxiety, and related concerns. She encourages a collaborative process that identifies strengths and practical steps to improve functioning and mood.
Merry often meets people who first notice problems as overwhelm, isolation, or trouble at school and work. She has particular experience supporting people with attention and learning differences, including high-functioning Autism Spectrum presentations and Auditory Processing Disorder. Those differences frequently show up alongside social anxiety, grief, or motivational blocks.
Her work uses a relational foundation combined with a behavioral‑cognitive lens. That means conversations focus on how thoughts and habits influence feelings and actions, while the relationship itself is used to try new ways of coping. Sessions include noticing strengths, testing small changes, and revisiting self‑beliefs that limit progress.
Merry also helps people facing shame, guilt, communication problems, and the loneliness that follows life transitions. She pays attention to practical changes that can improve day-to-day routine and motivation.
She believes it is never too late to discover abilities and gifts. The goal is to help people reduce barriers and move toward goals they value. Working together is presented as an ongoing, respectful process.
Background and approach notes: Merry holds the LMFT credential, licensed in California. Her practice draws on long experience with adults who present with depression, ADHD, social anxiety, and related concerns. She encourages a collaborative process that identifies strengths and practical steps to improve functioning and mood.
This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.