About

Personal statement

Beverly Merriam is a native of Atlanta, and a proud mother of 4 married children and 14 grandchildren. Her passion is to enrich the relationships she influences both professionally and personally.

“It is NOT good for us to be alone! We are created to journey through life in relationships … those kinds of connections that foster support, trust and love.”

These times are fast paced and hectic. Multi-tasking is admired and technology reigns, contributing to an environment which negatively effects the quality of our relationships, and fosters isolation. We desperately need intimacy, true and authentic connection emotionally and spiritually. Although this need is critical for our well-being, in fact our very life blood, many have rarely had that kind of experience and may be suffering from inflicted pain and hurt. Additionally, we may have a fractured relationship even within ourselves, marked by deeply ingrained negative thought patterns and endless destructive internal conversations.

Is there hope? The good news is….. there is healing and hope for change, a change that can open the possibility for creating authentic and loving relationships. Even if we have not experienced nurturing relationships, we can CHOOSE to seek out caring people and become more skilled at interacting with others and with ourselves. THAT, is the great news! We have a choice to change, and guess what? Not only designed for loving relationships, but we are created to change, grow and transform! John Ortberg in his wonderful book, The Life You Have Always Wanted, recalls and suggests we not be like the cartoon character, Popeye who adamantly proclaimed, “I yam what I yam!” Nothing is farther from the truth than that statement. We CAN change, IF we choose.

In Beverly’s counseling practice, occasionally a client might state, “well that’s just the way I am.” She lovingly confronts and assures them that we do have a choice to change…as long as we are alive and breathing. We don’t have to stay stuck. If what we are doing isn’t working, then let’s change it and do something that does. How empowering!

“The possibility of transformation is the essence of hope.” — Aaron Beck, American psychiatrist

Aaron Beck, American psychiatrist and father of cognitive therapy has two powerful statements regarding this idea. “The possibility of transformation is the essence of hope” and “the single most toxic element in relationships is the belief that the other person can not change.”

Therapeutic Approach

“I see my counseling style as one which combines cognitive behavioral and family systems therapies, with a significant focus on the client’s spiritual life. While respectful of differences, I embrace a Christian worldview.” Faith and one’s concept of God has a tremendous impact on our lives. One’s view of God effects all aspects of life, especially relationships, setting the stage for intimacy. The word intimacy, from the Hebrew word, yada, means to know, really KNOW someone, or to be known and accepted. How we view and experience God has a direct impact on our horizontal relationships. Does God seem distant, critical, harsh, or approachable, forgiving and personal?

“My desire is to connect with clients through respect, empathy, acceptance, and genuine concern. I hope to be part of the process for you to find hope, healing and freedom.”

Areas of Specialization – Individual, Couples, Groups:

• Marital/Relationship Issues
• Depression & Anxiety
• Low Self-esteem
• Codependency & Boundaries
• Life Transitions
• Grief & Loss
• Issues of Faith
• Support Groups Available:
  Boundaries
• Depression & Anxiety
• Spiritual Direction

Education:

Beverly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in education, and a Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in professional counseling from Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Beverly has received post graduate education from the Psychological Studies Institute, a graduate school providing training in integrating applied psychology and theology. 36 years of experience in the field of counseling including: two local psychiatric hospitals, a long-term residential program for adolescents, employee assistance programs, trauma response and speaker for corporate and church retreats, and private practice. Beverly worked for 15 years in various capacities for PSI (now Richmont Graduate School) including enrollment, marketing and recruiting.

Certifications and Professional Memberships:

• Licensed Professional Counselor-Georgia
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
• Affiliate Counselor for New Life Ministries (newlife.com)

Cost:

$150 per session — Individual Therapy (60 minutes)

$175 per session – Couples Therapy (60 minutes)

$75 per session — Group Therapy

$250 per session – Couples Therapy (90 minutes)

A sliding scale is available for those who qualify.

Payment options: Cash, check, Zelle, Venmo

How to Contact Me

Send me an email to get started on your journey to emotional freedom.