LaVerne Merritt-Morrison

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with three decades of clinical experience. She earned a B.S. in Human Services and a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. LaVerne brings long experience working with addiction and related challenges, and she helps people facing anger, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and life changes.

Her work emphasizes a client-centered approach. Sessions focus on what a person needs right now and build on their strengths. She uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change and cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.

LaVerne has extensive practical experience in substance use therapy and dual diagnosis care. She has also worked in transitional housing settings with people who have chronic medical conditions. Her background includes training in compulsive gambling work and a long history supporting people with addiction-related concerns.

Clients can expect straightforward, respectful conversations that aim to clarify goals and next steps. LaVerne helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck and practices small, doable changes in session. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

She practices in New York and offers services in English. People from outside the U.S. may also be seen; confirm options when you start the process. To begin, use the platform Start Therapy flow and complete the short matching questionnaire.

How her approaches work online and in sessions

LaVerne uses a client-centered approach that emphasizes listening and meeting people where they are. This method focuses on the person’s experience and helps set goals that feel relevant and realistic.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and then try new behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and patterns that cause repeated problems.

Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that supports readiness for change. It helps people weigh options, boost motivation, and move toward concrete steps they feel ready to take.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will collaborate with each person to choose strategies that match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan over time based on what helps.

The profile does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm the available options when you begin. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when appropriate, and remove travel time. Talk with her about what will fit your schedule and comfort so sessions become a manageable part of everyday life.