Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.In my therapeutic approach I utilize trauma-informed practices, attachment theory, system's theory, psychodynamic, and person-centered. I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.The tone and environment I like to promote and create in my sessions is the practice of emotional safety, warmth, and self-compassion. It may feel like working with a coach/advocate that will promote positive change, self-advocacy, and encourage challenges at a pace that is realistic and supportive.