Tara Merchant, LMHC

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and Adrian Simmons, LMFT, congratulates you on taking it. Adrian specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. She takes a client-centered, collaborative approach, tailoring sessions to your unique needs in a safe and supportive environment.

Adrian prioritizes clear communication, active listening, and a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive approach. She is calm and patient, helping you feel understood while providing guidance. She believes therapy is a partnership, working together to set meaningful goals and adapt them as insights develop.

Adrian uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and may integrate mindfulness and other strategies based on your needs. Together, you’ll identify challenges, develop practical coping skills, and work toward your goals. The first session focuses on understanding your background, what brings you to therapy, and creating a plan to support ongoing growth.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

Melinda Morris is a dedicated and compassionate LCSW with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has been a practicing counselor since 2018. Melinda specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, transitional periods, and relationship issues. Her approach isclient-centered and integrative, combining techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and solution-focused therapy to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs and identifying their personal strengths to enhance theirprogress in becoming and feeling the best version of themselves in any new chapter they maybe experiencing. Throughout her career, Melinda has worked primarily in nonprofit and private practice settings. She is known for her empathetic listening, non-judgmental attitude, and ability to build rapport and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients so they can find their voice and be truly heard and understood. Melinda is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health treatment. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). When she's not working, Melinda enjoys traveling, hiking, painting/drawing, and spending time with her awesome kiddo and fur babies.

Essence Jackson-Jones is a Professional Counselor and Art Therapist with extensive experience supporting teens, college students, and young adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, and mood-related concerns. She earned her Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has practiced in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and community-based settings. Essence integrates creative and evidence-based approaches to promote emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth, combining her background in counseling and the arts to help individuals connect with their inner strengths and cultivate balance through insight, creativity, and intentional growth.

Essence believes that meaningful healing begins when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. She creates a warm, collaborative, and authentic environment where clients can explore their experiences safely. Guided by compassion, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity, she tailors each session to meet clients where they are while encouraging resilience, self-expression, and the development of coping skills that foster long-term emotional well-being. Art making in session is encouraged as an invitation rather than an expectation.

Essence begins by learning each client’s unique story, background, and goals during the initial sessions. She collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect their needs and strengths. Her therapeutic process integrates dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral strategies (CBT), and creative expression to deepen insight and emotional regulation. Essence’s person-centered, strengths-based approach helps clients move toward greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment.

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Meagan Blews is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina.  She graduated with her MA in Professional Counseling in 2011, and after being a stay at home mom for six years, ventured into community mental health.  Meagan has served as both a lead clinician and Interim Center Director over the years and is passionate about providing quality assessment and treatment options. With extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Meagan provides comprehensive and empathetic care to her clients.

Meagan's approach to therapy is deeply rooted in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that clients feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their healing journey. Her passion lies in empowering individuals with the skills necessary for emotion regulation, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.  Meagan utilizes a mindfulness-based approach, guiding clients toward acceptance and self awareness in order to help clients overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.  Through a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, she fosters a safe space for exploration and self-discovery.

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