- ADHD and learning differences
- Behavioral-cognitive approach
- Grief and motivation
About Merry
Merry McKinnon is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 33 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, and questions about life purpose. Merry notes a long history of helping people who suspect or have been diagnosed with ADHD and those with learning differences like high-functioning autism or non-verbal learning disorder.
She often sees anxiety and isolation that come from undiagnosed neurodiversity. Those challenges can show up as disorganization, social anxiety, or problems at school and work. Merry also addresses seasonal affective disorder, social phobia, guilt and shame, and the practical frustrations of young adult life.
Merry describes her approach as relational and grounded in behavioral and cognitive ideas. She focuses on building a trusting relationship first. Conversations aim to help people notice their strengths and test unhelpful thoughts and habits in everyday life.
Sessions typically include practical strategies for organizing tasks, managing attention, and breaking down overwhelming goals. She also works through grief, motivation blocks, and distorted self-image using talk and problem-solving steps. The tone is straightforward and focused on what can change now.
People seeking help for life direction, work or school setbacks, or long-standing attention and learning differences may find her experience relevant. Before booking, confirm current session options and formats to match scheduling needs.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Merry works from a behavioral-cognitive perspective. This approach involves looking at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and trying small experiments to change them. It can help with anxiety, low motivation, attention challenges, and changing daily habits.She also emphasizes relational work. That means building trust and using conversation to reveal strengths and current self-beliefs. This helps when people are rethinking work, relationships, or life direction after a setback.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Merry will discuss options and decide together what feels most useful based on the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. The plan can shift as progress and challenges become clearer.
Please confirm current session formats and scheduling options before booking, as the original biography did not list explicit formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also permit flexible scheduling that can help people manage appointments around school or job commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
Merry works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and life purpose questions. She also focuses on ADHD and learning differences that affect school, work, and social life.
How would she approach someone feeling stuck in life?
She uses a relational approach with behavioral and cognitive ideas. Sessions focus on noticing strengths, testing unhelpful thoughts, and trying practical steps to shift routines and motivation.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 33 years of professional experience working with adults on attention, learning differences, mood, and anxiety concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States book with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.