Merrisa Dawn Santos (She/Her)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
Online in Illinois
(Online Only)
In the intricate tapestry of our lives, the pursuit of happiness, safety, and love is a universal quest. Yet, for many, the journey toward emotional wellness is fraught with challenges beyond their control. Trauma, familial history, and the burdens of life can cast shadows that obscure life's inherent beauty. I believe that each individual deserves to uncover, rediscover, and reclaim life's joy and purpose.
As a compassionate and dedicated psychoanalytical therapist, I aim to guide you through this transformative process with warmth and understanding. Through welcoming and conversational counseling services, I aim to create a space where you can explore the intricate connections between your mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach seeks to assist you in reconnecting with your higher purpose, allowing you to navigate life unburdened by emotional pain.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Men, Military / Veterans, Pacific Islander, Women clients.
Languages: English/Spanish
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Brainspotting A therapy that uses eye positions to access and process unresolved trauma. It helps release emotional and physical pain held in the body.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Imago Relationship Therapy Helps couples understand how childhood experiences influence adult relationships. It teaches communication techniques to deepen connection.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Jungian Therapy Draws on Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes, dreams, and the collective unconscious. It helps people explore deeper layers of meaning.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Music Therapy Uses music listening, songwriting, or rhythm exercises to support healing. It is effective for stress, emotional expression, and cognitive challenges.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Neuropsychology Examines how brain function affects thinking, memory, and behavior. It often involves assessment and rehabilitation strategies.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy Based on Freud’s theories, it explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences. It seeks to bring hidden issues into awareness.
- Psychodrama A group therapy that uses role-play and dramatization to process emotions. It helps clients gain perspective and release tension.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Reality Therapy / Choice Theory Focuses on present choices and taking responsibility for actions. It helps clients create more fulfilling relationships and lives.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Schema Therapy Identifies deep-rooted negative patterns formed in childhood. It combines CBT, attachment theory, and experiential methods for change.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Social Constructionist Therapy Looks at how social and cultural context shapes identity and problems. It helps clients create new narratives of meaning.
- Social Learning Therapy Based on the idea that people learn behaviors by observing others. It applies modeling and reinforcement to encourage healthy change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Transactional Analysis Explores interactions through the lens of Parent, Adult, and Child roles. It aims to improve communication and self-awareness.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: I became a psychoanalytical therapist because I believe in the transformative power of self-awareness and understanding. Exploring the depths of the unconscious mind and uncovering the roots of one's thoughts and behaviors can lead to lasting change and emotional well-being. I chose psychoanalysis as my therapeutic approach because it offers a unique framework for delving into the complexities of the human psyche, providing individuals with a profound opportunity for self-discovery and healing.
Psychoanalysis, with its emphasis on the unconscious mind, allows me to work with patients in a way that goes beyond surface-level symptoms, addressing the underlying causes of emotional struggles. I am passionate about creating a space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences in a deep and meaningful way, fostering insight and facilitating personal growth.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $135 to $150
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Meritain, Meridian, Allied, Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Merrisa Dawn Santos MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
- Female
- License # 178.018515
- Licensed in IL
- Practicing Since 2021
Merrisa Dawn Santos Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: An alternative option: Zoom
In embracing a holistic approach to counseling, my patients can expect a therapeutic journey that transcends traditional boundaries, addressing the interconnected facets of mind, body, and spirit. Throughout our work together, individuals often experience a profound shift in their understanding of self and their place in the world.
One notable aspect of my approach is the emphasis on fostering self-awareness and mindfulness. Patients frequently describe a heightened sense of consciousness about their thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Together, we explore these elements with curiosity and without judgment, paving the way for a deeper understanding of personal strengths and areas for growth.
The integration of diverse therapeutic modalities is another hallmark of my practice. I draw from various approaches, tailoring our sessions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual. This dynamic and flexible approach ensures that our work together is a truly personalized and effective exploration of your emotional landscape.
Furthermore, I prioritize creating a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment. Patients frequently share feelings of comfort and safety, knowing that our sessions are spaces free from judgment. This collaborative spirit extends to the bilingual aspect of my practice, ensuring that language is not a barrier to effective communication and understanding.