Merrium Stidham

“To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.” – Buddhist proverb

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I provide a holistic, evidence-informed approach to therapy, helping adults navigate OCD, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges with greater clarity and self-trust. I have specialized training in trauma and substance use counseling, and I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals managing OCD, including those experiencing intrusive thoughts and compulsive patterns that feel difficult to break.

My work is strongly rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supporting clients inbuilding psychological flexibility, reducing avoidance, and reconnecting with what matters most to them. I am also currently engaged in intensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention(ERP) to further strengthen my work with OCD. I tailor each session to the individual, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches to address both the mental and physiological impacts of stress and trauma.

As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), I incorporate mind–body awareness into therapy in a clinically grounded way, drawing from breathwork, nervous system regulation, present-moment attention. For clients interested in a more integrative approach, this can support deeper awareness and regulation without requiring prior experience in yoga or meditation. I place a strong emphasis on both insight and application, so our work goes beyond simply processing experiences.

While there is always space for you to feel heard and supported, therapy with me is also focused on helping you build practical skills, deepen self-understanding, and create meaningful shifts in your day-to-day life. I approach therapy as a collaborative and supportive process, where you can feel both challenged and understood.

Whether you are working through intrusive thoughts, healing from past experiences, navigating complex relationships, or seeking a stronger sense of alignment in your life, we will move at a pace that feels steady and sustainable. My goal is to help you build the skills, insight, and resilience needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of the therapy room, you can usually find me spending time with my dog, Sebastian, deep in my sourdough era, cooking something new, or planning my next trip. I am also a big music lover and really value the small, grounding moments in everyday life.