Therapist LaVerne Merritt-Morrison Photo

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison, LMHC

Addictions LGBT Trauma and abuse Anger management Self esteem
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About me

I have earned my B.S. in Human Services/Counseling. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with my master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling, May 2004. In September 2006 I was grandfather in as a New York State, License Mental Health Counselor. On 3/31/16, I was grandfather in as a Master Addiction Counselor from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Counselor. I have 20 years’ experience of substances use therapy, 15 years’ experience with individuals with dual diagnosis, 5 years’ experience working in transitional housing with individuals with chronic medical conditions.

I am a Credential Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor. I attended Narco Freedom Institute for my 60-hour Compulsive Gambling Training, and I received my Specialty in Gambling Designation. I have obtained not only a theoretical base to go along with my practical knowledge of human behavior, but also, I have developed the skills necessary to help others to empower themselves. My approach to therapy is motivational interviewing along with cognitive behavioral therapy, most importantly I use a client-centered approach to meet the client where they are.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou

Professional experience

20yrs in practice

Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Antisocial Personality, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Isolation/Loneliness, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Personality Disorders, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Sex Addiction, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing

License information

NY LMHC 003287-1

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for LaVerne Merritt-Morrison. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

LaVerne has helped me find solutions to overcome issues surrounding addiction. She help identifies issues of what create urges and target ways to prevent it.

Written on May 08, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and relationship issues

LaVerne is highly compassionate therapist. She's supportive and asks questions that help me to reflect on my perspective. Thank you LaVerne!

Written on May 06, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd

So far, my experience have been great. Mrs. Morrison really challenges the way think about yourself, by connecting the issues you face. I’m really happy that she’s my therapist.

Written on Apr 15, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

LaVerne is relatable and easy to talk to . She is great with her recommendations and observations and is mindful to keep reminding me that I get to make decisions for myself in this. She is fun and funny and I find I can share openly in a very safe and carefree way. I do love how sharp she is with her assessment of situations I describe and to try to navigate them in a different way in the future so that I feel better about them. She is super empowering.

Written on Mar 30, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

La Verne is a calm, cool, collected presence in my life. She helps to navigate my trauma by asking the right questions at the right time. she is currently laying out a road map of recovery for me with work i can do internally to finally find a sense of peace within myself. Big thanks to La Verne for helping me find security in my relationship with myself and others.

Written on Mar 05, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

LaVerne has been nothing but a wonderful, caring, joyful and extremely charismatic person. A few months with LaVerne has really let me grow emotionally in such a tremendous way. She listens and communicates clearly, making the healing/growth process very tailored to you while also giving you the tools that she knows will help you long term. She also challenges your way of thinking, so that you can analyze your patterns and learn from situations that you've often found yourself in. I think that's a great sign of someone who knows how to help, rather than a therapist that is trying to see growth as fast as possible. For anyone that is looking for help and isn't quite sure where to start, LaVerne will make you feel comfortable and welcome. I can't thank her enough for how much she's helped me.

Written on Jan 29, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes