Ashley Merriman, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have over 15 years of experience in mental health and support services, working directly with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. My intersecting identities as a queer, black, bi-racial, disabled woman in a larger body inform how I show up in the clinical space. I invite clients to bring their full selves into our work in order to show up authentically and without shame. As an inclusive and affirming clinician, I partner with clients to identify strengths and address barriers to achieving their goals and develop a path towards healing and overall wellness. I use an empowerment-based holistic approach that is informed by a variety of psychological theories and modalities, including Attachment, Cognitive Behavioral, Somatic, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic therapies. I have extensive experience working with people who have dealt with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I work with individuals and couples of every gender expression and sexual orientation. I am passionate about social justice and incorporate an anti-oppression, body liberation, and PIC (Prison Industrial Complex) abolitionist lens into my work, particularly in supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and bi-racial/ multi-racial folks with issues of identity, racial & sexual trauma, eating disorders, veganism & eco-anxiety, and interpersonal struggles. I also utilize my in-depth knowledge of the film and TV industry to support entertainment industry workers, artists, and creatives who’ve struggled with misconduct, discrimination, and/or harassment or are just trying to find their place in a high stress industry. My practice is poly, kink, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ affirming.