Meet Merlande: an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in Twin Cities, MN
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Who I support
I'm honored to support LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant communities, and I offer therapy in French for those who feel most at home expressing themselves in their own language. It is important to me to create a safe space for people, particularly those who feel they don’t fit in.
What shapes how I show up
I grew up in a culturally diverse neighborhood, and my identities as Black Caribbean, first-generation, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped my perspective on mental health and therapy. As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in the Twin Cities, MN, I see how cultural beliefs can either support or hinder our willingness to seek help.
a warm welcome from Merlande, LGBTQ+ Affirming therapist in the Twin Cities, MN
I strive to connect with clients with genuineness, understanding, and respect by recognizing the importance of cultural backgrounds, personal struggles, and community dynamics. My goal is to facilitate healing and growth, acknowledging that every person’s story and experience is unique.
How we might work together
I support individuals in addressing internalized messages about themselves that are shaped in part by societal norms and expectations. I utilize trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in my work, along with helping you build the connection between the body and mind, such as breathing exercises and journaling.
What people say about working with me
They describe my style as embodying active listening, empathy, and warmth.
A little more about me
I value empathy, respect for autonomy, confidentiality, and the impact culture has on our experiences. Outside of work, I love running with my dog, playing piano, traveling to new places, and connecting with others.
A gentle invitation
If anything here resonated with you, that matters. Taking the first step toward support can feel like a lot, and there's no pressure to have it all figured out before you reach out.
Book a free initial consultation with our team to learn more about working with Merlande — a relaxed, no-commitment conversation where you can ask questions, share a little about what's bringing you in, and get a feel for whether working together feels right.
Further Reading and Resources
About the Author
Merrily Young-Hye Sadlovsky (she/her/hers), MSW, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and co-owner of MindBalance Mental Health Care, an independent holistic mental health practice serving Minneapolis and individuals across Minnesota. She is an EMDRIA EMDR-Certified Therapist and teaches clinical courses as an adjunct faculty member in an MSW program in Minneapolis. Her work focuses on culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy supporting adoptees, BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, and college and graduate students navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, disordered eating, and life transitions.
Educational Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our perspectives and understanding at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or insurance advice, and should not be relied on as such. Reading this content does not create a therapeutic or professional relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional.
A Note About This Blog
The ideas and experiences behind every post are the writer’s own. AI is used as a writing helper — for brainstorming, grammar, and organizing thoughts — so the content is as clear and readable as possible. Everything is reviewed before publishing, with citations and links added to credit the programs, people, and resources that inspired it. Transparency matters, especially when the topic is mental health. Readers deserve to know how this content is made.
