Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Homestead, FL

Hi there! I’m so glad you found your way here, I’m Merlyn. What drew me to therapy wasn’t theory, but the quiet moment when someone feels safe enough to exhale, speak their truth, and realize they were never too much to be understood. Healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about understanding the parts of you that had to fight, protect, and survive.

I also provide Christian-integrated counseling for women who share this faith, helping you explore your struggles through both science and Scripture, where psychology and God’s truth work together beautifully. This blend honors both emotional and spiritual healing, creating space for restoration that feels whole and grounded.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida and the founder of Merlyn Asencio Psychotherapy & Wellness, LLC. I specialize in working with high-functioning women, the ones who appear composed, capable, and self-aware, yet feel anxious, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. As the creator of The Merlyn MethodTM, I combine attachment-based EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy to help you reconnect with your voice, rebuild confidence, and experience peace that lasts beyond the session.

I am licensed as a mental health counselor, and for the past 11 years I have specialized in therapy with children, adolescents, families, and couples, in addition to providing qualified supervision of registered mental health counseling interns. More recently, I served as the clinical director of an infant mental health program in Sarasota, Florida. I received my Master's of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, and have provided therapy for families and couples in their homes, outpatient office settings, and in my private practice.

My approach to therapy for children and parents, and couples is attachment focused. My practice is based on the belief that we all need healthy attachments to significant people in our lives, and when we are hurting, it is then that we need others most. This is why I have found this therapeutic approach to be so effective. Relationships are at the core of our humanity.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with over 19 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling, eating, shopping and hoarding), depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, trauma, children and adolescents in foster care, OCD and eating disorders. I am a qualified supervisor for therapists and have treated professionals with substance abuse disorders to maintain their licensure.

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Before becoming a counselor, I spent many years as an educator in both elementary and special education.

That experience shaped how I connect with people, meeting them where they are, listening deeply, and believing in their potential. I aim to bring that same commitment and compassion into every therapy session.

As a child, I had my share of challenges, but I’ve worked through them and never let them define me. I believe in growth, in strength, and in choosing to create the life you want to live. As a counselor, I strive to help my clients gain the power of self-understanding and realize their unique brilliance.

I strive to support people in becoming more of who they already are, not to change them, but to help them find their path with confidence and clarity. I provide direction while respecting your autonomy, always staying grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your life.

The therapeutic methods I use are informed by evidence-based practices; a strong respect for neurodiversity; and a deep understanding of anxiety, overwhelm, and what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced world. My professional path combines the best of both worlds – mental health and education – to support clients in a practical, informed, and deeply personal way.

I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education from St. Bonaventure University and Le Moyne College, followed by a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure. Through years of teaching, forensics, and private practice, I’ve learned that lasting change starts with understanding, and that’s precisely what I aim to offer every client I work with.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and find yourself having difficulty focusing on completing daily tasks? Are the people closest to you concerned about your ability to maintain and stay afloat? Have you found that once you finally get a chance to relax, you are left with exhaustion and racing thoughts with increased worry?

Explore the difference of in-person therapy in an uplifted, spa-like environment in St. Pete & Hyde Park.

Originally from New York, I hold a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a BA in Neuroscience. I worked at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies for thirteen years alongside world-class health and wellness experts, which brings depth to my work as a psychotherapist. I studied Buddhism and have practiced yoga and meditation for over 20 years. Clients describe me calm, warm and resourceful. Client testimonials can be found on my website.