Key details
- CredentialsLPCC
- LicenseLPCC, California / 322
- NPI1457820821
- Experience17 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationCalifornia
About
- grief and loss
- self esteem
- career challenges
About Merry
Merry Walensa is a California LPCC with 17 years of professional experience. She works with adults on concerns such as grief and loss, self-esteem and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life transitions, stress, anxiety, addictions, family problems, intimacy-related concerns, sleep issues, parenting challenges, anger, depression, and compassion fatigue.
Merry uses an integrative approach that draws on several evidence-based therapies. She blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and client-centered techniques. Her work also includes existential ideas and space for spiritual questions when clients want that explored.
Sessions focus on practical skills and clear conversation. Clients can expect to talk about what’s happening now, what patterns keep showing up, and what small steps could feel manageable. Merry encourages looking at values, workable behavior changes, and emotion regulation strategies rather than quick fixes.
The initial step for new clients is a video appointment. After that first session, phone or chat options may be used when appropriate. Merry asks clients to keep scheduled appointments or provide advance notice when cancelling.
She describes therapy as a collaborative process. The clinician helps people identify goals, practice new ways of responding, and reduce the impact of recurring anger, stress, or grief so daily life feels more manageable.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Merry commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and taking action that aligns with those values despite difficult feelings. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.She also draws on client-centered principles, which means the therapist listens closely and follows the client's pace while helping to identify goals. Finding the right mix of techniques is part of the process; Merry will collaborate with each person to decide which approaches fit their needs and preferences.
The practice requires a video appointment for the first session; after that, phone or chat may be used when appropriate. Please confirm current session options before booking if you need a specific format. Online work can make it easier to schedule sessions around work or family commitments, reduce travel time, and allow for focused skill practice between meetings. Therapists and licensed professionals can adapt exercises and worksheets to follow-up online so progress is practical and connected to daily life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues are addressed?
She works with adults who struggle with snapping at loved ones, built-up resentment, workplace frustration, and other anger-related patterns.
What is her therapeutic style?
Merry blends ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, and client-centered methods to focus on skills, values, and emotion regulation in everyday situations.
How much experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience supporting adults with grief, stress, anxiety, anger, and related concerns.
Is she a licensed clinician and where is she based?
She is a California LPCC and practices in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session which must be a video appointment.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.