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Katie Merrill, LCSW
Living with overwhelming anxiety is tortuous.
Maybe you're at a point where the tools you relied on in the past aren't working for you anymore and you're left feeling confused and defeated. Maybe you feel like others don't understand how great your suffering is, or what it's like not to be able to escape your thoughts and rituals.
I want you to know that you are not alone and support is available to you. Peace of mind is attainable.
My name is Katie Merrill and I'm a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Santa Monica OCD and Anxiety Center. I became a therapist because I believe that all individuals deserve to be seen and heard by another in their most challenging times. It is through connection that meaning is made from pain and we find it in ourselves to open up to change.
I find few things more rewarding in life than the privilege of working alongside another as they discover new strength in themselves, break free from rituals that don’t serve them, and awaken to their true potential.
I particularly love treating OCD and anxiety disorders because I find that when people learn and apply the correct tools to tackle their symptoms, there comes an empowerment and freedom they may not have known existed for them.
I know the first step of reaching out can seem daunting, but my promise to you is that I will create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment for you to take that first step. Beginning therapy puts you on a path toward cultivating a richer, more meaningful, and joyful life that is governed by you, rather than your fears. The work can be difficult, but I will be with you every step of the way. I look forward to hearing from you.
I (Katie Merrill) received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from UCLA and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Berkeley. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California (#88317). I have spent years working with adults and youth suffering from trauma, severe mental illness, grief, substance abuse, and mood disorders in a variety of clinical settings, and have received extensive training in such areas through The People Concern and Children’s Institute, Inc. I have most recently provided services at OCD Specialists, where I received exceptional training and supervision in ERP, CBT, and ACT in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. I am furthermore trained in the most up-to-date treatment of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) through The Professional Training Institute via The TLC Foundation for BFRBs.