Hello, I'm Merrily

Pronouns: she/her

Identities: Cisgender, female, heterosexual, Korean born, transracial and transnational adoptee, able bodied, straight sized, Asian American therapist

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California

MN Board of Social Work - Board Approved Clinical Supervisor

Offers telehealth and in-person (Minneapolis, MN)

Can conduct therapy in English

My Story

I am thrilled to share my collaborative and culturally responsive approach to working with individuals! My goal is to create a space where everyone feels empowered in their unique experience of healing.

I am passionate about values such as body liberation, inclusivity, working from an anti-oppressive lens, and providing affirming care for LGBTQIA+2S/QTBIPOC individuals. As a social worker, I believe in taking action against systemic oppression and acknowledging its impact on mental, emotional, and physical health.

With 15 years of experience in clinical social work, I have worked in various mental health settings and even teach as an adjunct faculty member in a Masters Social Work (MSW) program at Augsburg University. Outside of work, I love running, exploring new places, spending time with loved ones (including my stubborn, senior blind dog!), reading, Korean BBQ, and binge watching series and having to finish one before I can watch anything else.

My Approach to Therapy

I am an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist with a therapeutic approach based on understanding relationships, attachment, and how larger systems impact our lives.

In my practice, I use different techniques, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), ego state therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and somatic (body-focused) approaches.

I believe it's important to look at both your inner experiences and the outside forces that shape your life. This means understanding the systems that have helped or hurt you and using an anti-oppressive and anti-racist approach. Together, we will work holistically to support your journey toward healing and wholeness.

Starting therapy can sometimes feel like a sign that something is wrong with us. But I want you to know that you were already more than enough when you began this journey, and you will still be more than enough when you finish. You are enough just as you are. Above all, I am committed to honoring and celebrating the humanity in each person I work with.

Education

University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI - Masters of Social Work
University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN - BA Criminology
EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist
Adoption Competent Therapist

Speaking Engagements

2019 Le Semana Culture Camp - Minnesota - "What makes talking about race and racism so hard? Any why it is a required ongoing conversation for every transracial adoptive family?"
2018 KAAN Conference - Minneapolis, MN - "Post-adoption support in the United States"
2017 IKAA/AKASF Conference in 2017 - San Fransicso, CA - "Post-adoption support and healing power of art"