Katia Merhi

Short Biography

You might be feeling anxious, stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past experiences, navigating a major life transition, or trying to make sense of emotions that feel hard to control. Having grown up between cultures and countries, I understand what it means to adapt, to start over, and to search for a sense of belonging. These experiences shape how I show up in the therapy room, with sensitivity to both the visible and invisible challenges people carry. My role is not to lead you, but to walk alongside you with care, curiosity, and respect for your pace and your story.

Therapy Philosophy

You don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to make sense of what’s happening inside. Together, we work at your pace to help you feel more grounded, more in control, and more like yourself again.

Special Training & Certifications

You might be feeling anxious, stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past experiences, navigating a major life transition, or trying to make sense of emotions that feel hard to control. Having grown up between cultures and countries, I understand what it means to adapt, to start over, and to search for a sense of belonging. These experiences shape how I show up in the therapy room, with sensitivity to both the visible and invisible challenges people carry. My role is not to lead you, but to walk alongside you with care, curiosity, and respect for your pace and your story. I work with youth and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. Whether your experiences feel recent or long-standing, we move at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, integrating EMDR, CBT, and DBT in a way that feels practical and supportive rather than overwhelming.

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Anxiety Panic attacks Obsessive thoughts Persistent sadness or low motivation Mood swings Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Complex trauma (C-PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Relationship conflict Family conflict Low self-esteem Self-criticism People-pleasing Stress & Life Adjustment Burnout Major life transitions Relocation or adjustment difficulties Grief & Loss Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Difficulty regulating emotions Feeling stuck Loss of meaning or direction Personal growth “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Person-Centered Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy EMDR Internal Family Systems (IFS) Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values

Feminist-informed Culturally responsive Immigrant and refugee-affirming Intersectional awareness

Relational & Healing Philosophy Values

Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Centering safety and trust Empowerment through connection Co-created healing relationship

Identity, Community & Belonging Values

BIPOC-affirming Multicultural sensitivity Cultural identity exploration

Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values

Somatic / body-based awareness Mindfulness-oriented Creative expression in therapy Rest as resistance Spiritual but not religious Grounded presence Self-compassion and stillness

Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values

Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Professional collaboration Non-hierarchical relationship

Clinic / Practice Environment