- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Solution-focused work
About Merle
Merle Montalvo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi with 23 years of practice. She works with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, low self-esteem, depression, relationship concerns, family matters, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and life changes.
She describes becoming a social worker as a midlife shift and uses that perspective when helping people make changes now. Conversations are direct and practical. Sessions focus on immediate steps, clearer thinking, and tracking progress over time.
Her background includes outpatient care, inpatient settings, intensive outpatient programs, home health, and hospice work. That variety has exposed her to many life stages and endings. It informs how she talks about aging, hospice and end-of-life topics, and the stresses that come with them.
Merle uses a mix of approaches rather than one fixed method. Cognitive behavioral techniques help with thinking patterns. Solution-focused work narrows in on what people want to change next. She also draws on mindfulness and psychodynamic ideas when they fit the situation.
She notes the influence of cultural mix on how people make meaning from experience. That idea often comes into sessions when discussing family of origin issues, communication patterns, codependency, and forgiveness. Her style aims to identify patterns people repeat and practical ways to alter them.
Practical matters such as coping after disaster, veteran issues, and midlife questions are part of her caseload. People meet to make plans, test small changes, and notice what helps them function better day to day.
How her approaches translate to online work
Merle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in straightforward ways. CBT involves looking at unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety or depression. Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on small, concrete steps and what a person wants to see change next, which can be useful for family of origin patterns and midlife transitions.She also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices. Mindfulness can help with stress, anger, and grounding during difficult feelings. Deciding which mix of approaches to use is a collaborative process; the therapist and client discuss goals, try methods, and adjust based on what is helpful.
The exact session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they can fit appointments into busy days, have shorter check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. Online work can also make it easier to continue care after a move or during major life changes, with the therapist helping clients shape sessions to meet practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Mississippi
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic approach or style?
She takes an eclectic, practical approach. Sessions use cognitive behavioral ideas, solution-focused steps, mindfulness, and psychodynamic thinking as appropriate.
How many years has she practiced?
She has 23 years of professional experience working in a range of clinical settings.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in Mississippi.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her practice?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.