Merry Walensa , LPCC

Merry Walensa is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in California with 17 years of experience. She has supported people through grief and loss, helped build motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, and assisted with career planning and workplace difficulties. Merry also works with clients facing major life changes and transitions, bringing an integrative approach that includes spirituality and elements of inclusive existential thinking.

Her work emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. Merry frames therapy as a collaborative process and aims to empower individuals to take courageous steps toward greater fulfillment and wellbeing. She encourages consistent attendance and communication about scheduling, and asks new clients to book a video appointment first before using phone or chat options. Merry values courteous communication and supports each person as they move toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Merry often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people clarify their values and take purposeful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. ACT can be useful for managing anxiety, stress, and navigating life changes.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, a supportive approach that prioritizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening to help clients build self-understanding and trust in their own ability to change.

Merry incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can assist with issues like depression, anxiety, and coping with everyday challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Merry collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts the focus over time so treatment stays practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity through transitions, and access licensed professionals from home or work. New clients are asked to schedule a video appointment first before using phone or chat options.