
ABOUT RIVERBEND FAMILY COUNSELING

TERRI MERRITT MA, LMFT, LPC
LICENSE INFO
Licensed Professional Counselor
OR #C5631
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
OR #T1908
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CREDENTIALS
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Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy
Teaching Credentials: Art & Elementary
Bachelors in Art
Trauma Informed Care Practitioner
Certified Prepare & Enrich Facilitator
Domestic Violence Advocate
Gottman Methods Trained
EMDR Trained
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MEMBERSHIPS
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Association for Play Therapy (APT)
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD)
EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP) Volunteer
ABOUT TERRI MERRITT
HELLO, I'M TERRI!
I'm dually licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist & Professional Counselor in Bend, Oregon. I am an educator, artist, and a mother to four amazing children (with the youngest two being internationally adopted).
I enjoy an active lifestyle of traveling, yoga, scuba diving, and volunteer work in 3rd world countries. I have spent many years in the Pacific Northwest and appreciate hiking and any water related outdoor activities. I look forward to providing the service of eco-therapy as I appreciate the restoration experienced through nature.
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I have a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University in Anaheim, CA. My graduate training focused on treating clients through the lens of their family systems while focusing on attachment, trauma, and using EMDR. My undergraduate studies concentrated on art, education, and
theology at Azusa Pacific University.
My clinical counseling experience of working in a counseling center and at a veteran’s transitional shelter allowed me the
opportunity to provide therapy with those experiencing diverse challenges.
I worked with children, teens, adults, and couples with relational issues, addiction, grief, traumatic experiences, recovering from abuse and violence, coping with depression, managing anxiety, sexual orientation issues, and transitions of life.
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WHY I’M A THERAPIST
Therapy came naturally to me! My life experiences, both interpersonal and through travel, have placed me in a position to understand that there are many situations in life that we simply cannot navigate alone. Sometimes we need to learn new tools or experience the support of someone being our advocate. In essence, being a therapist is who I was made to be. I enjoy collaborating with clients and assisting them to discover and reach their goals… to realize their worth, overcome family dysfunction, and let go of unhealthy beliefs and behavior patterns. We were meant to live an abundant life to the fullest! I endeavor to come along side you to provide support you in making meaningful, positive life changes.
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HOW I CAN HELP
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My goal is to provide support and cultivate a connection with my clients so you can develop confidence in creating and achieving your goals. Next we will take active steps to experiencing meaningful transformation and healing. In therapy it is essential to feel safe and accepted in an environment that is free of judgment. Individual and relational therapy will involve delving into the treasures of my therapy tool box and discovering what works best for you to create the momentum of positive changes you are seeking.
Therapy is about Connecting
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Contact me today for your complimentary 15 minute phone consultation!