My Story
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
I have worked with many different cultural backgrounds, as well as those with differing spiritual beliefs. Since attaining my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have pursued many therapeutic techniques to help my clients. My clinical interests include treating trauma for adults as a Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level 2, professional, as well as providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy.
Luís Merced, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP-II
Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level II
What is trauma?
People, sometimes, compare themselves to others experiencing more horrific experiences. Often times, we may have the automatic desire to downplay the impact of what happened to us. Unfortunately, the nervous system may react regardless of how we may box things up. I like to think of trauma as those negative experiences that still impact us from time to time. Whether it is in our dreams, the way we shape our relationships or remain guarded, and even the way we think of ourselves, these boxed up feelings leak out from time to time. Even traumas sustained generations ago, may still impact individuals in their current lives. This is called intergenerational trauma. Please click on the link below for more information about intergenerational trauma.
Services
Trauma Therapy
The Process of Healing
Now that we discussed trauma, you may ask how can I help. Well, we start by understanding your past and present, concurrently. We then create a team of resources for you to utilize during your first few sessions. This helps ease into your traumas at your pace.
My disciplines of treatment include, EMDR and Attachment-Focused-EMDR in treating trauma-related issues by assisting individuals to overcome distress, trauma, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms. I'm also trained in Biofeedback, Ego State/Dissociation (Parts Work), the Flash Technique, and Intergenerational Trauma to help clients discover relief.
Psychotherapy
Give Yourself Another Chance
Although I specialize in trauma, I use an integrated approach when working with all of my clients and utilized Cognitive Behavioral strategies, namely DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) while working with those not specifically seeking trauma-informed care. I strive to use my experience, as well as my honest and open style of communication to act as a positive support to help clients fulfill therapeutic and life goals. My primarily focus is helping clients enhance positive traits and feelings as well as strengthening existing skills. I strive to utilize the client's reality and values within our work together.
Cost of Services
Telephone Consultation (15 minutes) Free
Intake $180
Ongoing Individual Session: $160
**Out of Network**(What does this mean?)
Payment is due at the time of service
“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well”
Hippocrates
About
Servicing Washington State: Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and surrounding areas. Currently, exclusively utilizing telemedicine for sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Note: I am able to see anyone in the whole state of Washington via video session. I see clients of various sexual orientations, gender identity, and gender expressions ages 18 and up.
Specialties
Individual Counseling
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Anxiety
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Attachment Disorders
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Behavioral Issues
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Coping Skills
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Depression
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Divorce
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Dual Diagnosis
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Emotional Disturbance
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Grief
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Infidelity
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Intimacy Disorders
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Life Transitions
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Relationship Issues
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Self Esteem
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Trauma and PTSD
Outside My Scope of Practice
Under the following conditions we refer to a specializing clinician.
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Court Evaluations
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Parenting Evaluations
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Expert Witness
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Forensic Evaluations
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Parenting or Custody Evaluations
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Sex Offender Work unless in conjunction with an established treatment provider. Decided on a case by case basis.
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Anger Management
