Hi, I’m Merrik Hetherington, LPC. I work with children, teens, young adults, parents, and families to help them navigate life’s challenges with confidence and connection. My approach is creative and collaborative, often incorporating art, games, music, and humor to engage clients in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I focus on building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting each person’s unique path toward growth and healing.
Merrik Hetherington, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (she, her)
- Manage Medications: No, provides therapy only
I work with children, teens, young adults, parents, and families, including those navigating separation, divorce, or blended family dynamics. Starting counseling is a big step, and I deeply respect the courage it takes to begin. I believe everyone has the capacity for meaningful, growth-oriented change, and I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where we can work through life’s challenges together.
My approach is collaborative, creative, and flexible. While I value the power of traditional talk therapy, I also incorporate humor and engage clients through a variety of modalities such as games, art, music, and writing. These tools can be especially effective in building connection and supporting emotional expression, particularly with younger clients.
I genuinely enjoy working with children, teens, and their caregivers because it allows for stronger relationships and more effective support for the child’s goals. I focus on meeting each client’s needs while offering guidance and collaboration to the broader family system. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and responsive to everyone involved.
Credentials
Education
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio
In-network and Self Pay
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Employers Health Network
- Humana
- Medicare
- Partners Direct Health
- Sana Benefits
- Seton Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialities
Behavioral Issues, Oppositional Defiance (ODD), Parenting
Expertise
- Academic Issues
- ADD / ADHD
- Adoption
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Boundaries / Assertiveness
- Codependency
- Conflict with Friends
- Depression
- Divorce / Breakup
- Family Conflict
- Fear of Rejection
- Lack of Emotional Awareness
- Life Transitions
- Mood Swings
- Not Happy or Satisfied with life
- Parenting
- Personal Growth
- Religious Trauma
- Self-Harm
- Shyness / High Sensitivity
- Social Anxiety
- Spiritual Growth
- Stress / Burnout
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Christian Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family Systems
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Multicultural
- Narrative Therapy
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Play Therapy
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Strength-Based
- Structural Family Therapy
Locations
Client Focus
- Age Groups Served: Children (6 to 10), Preteen, Teen and Adults
- Participant Types: Individual Counseling
- Language Spoken: English