Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Winter Garden, FL covered by United Healthcare

Do you feel broken, beaten down by life's circumstances, trapped in your current existence, or tethered to a life you never wanted? Life can be stressful and overwhelming to ​say the least. You can feel stuck in life and lose hope of ever having the life you dreamed of before the path you were on was changed. Maybe a loved one died, you got pregnant, you lost your job, or you moved away from all your support system to a place where you feel truly alone. Or hell, the whole world gets hit with a sudden virus that hits pandemic heights.

Ever feel like every time you take a step forward, life knocks you down a flight of stairs? Now not only do you have to get back up, but the next step forward is uphill. You may be experiencing difficulty adjusting to the changes in your life. This can be exhausting and very tempting to give up on those dreams you had and begin settling for what life is now. You can feel trapped in a life you hate, doing a job you wake up everyday dreading to go to, and surrounding yourself with people you don't really care for.

What if the things that used to help you relax are not helping anymore and you cannot simply stop? You can feel powerless and stuck in a cycle that will not release you. Sometimes if feels like you can see the world crumbling around you but you cannot stop it. It can feel hopeless. No one deserves to live that way.

​What if I told you it didn't have to be that way? What if I told you that your dreams were still achievable but maybe need some adjustments in order to reach them? Are you ready to break the chains binding you to this unhappy existence? Do you wish to feel free of the stress and anxiety that keeps you feeling stuck?

It is true! You can still achieve your dreams! There may need to be a few modifications but you CAN be HAPPY! I will help guide you as you forge a new path to your dream life. Many times the circumstances in your life that have trapped you are molehills compared to the obstacle you can become to your own success. It didn't happen willingly, but you have begun to tell yourself, "I don't deserve my dream life. It is not possible to achieve it. It's just too much for me to handle. I will get to it later."

Eventually putting your dreams on the back burner leads you to have resentments and regrets. Let's change that trajectory together. We will identify the problematic thought patterns that have sabotaged your dreams and held you hostage. We will challenge them with truth and reality grounding you in the present moment and looking for the things you are grateful for in this life. We will then work together to change those thought patterns to new ones that encourage and create success. We will build you a support system that builds you up, provides your wind to soar, and cheers you on even when you are not feeling like you can rise to the challenge. YOU WILL FLY!!!​

Are you ready to break free, spread your wings, and soar? Call me for a free consultation! Let's set you on your journey to a life you enjoy!

My name is Cora McNeese Nelson and I am an Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. I provide counseling services via telehealth which is a fancy way of saying my services all occur through video sessions, phone calls, or messaging plans. This can offer some flexibility in scheduling as neither of us have to commute to an office and I can offer services later in the evening than typical business hours. There are several benefits to telehealth services, but these services are not appropriate for everyone or every situation. Feel free to do a free consultation to find out if telehealth services with me are a good fit for you.

I earned both my Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work Degrees from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. I am licensed in the state of New York. I am a dedicated professional with a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families.

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'm a highly accomplished and experienced licensed mental health counselor and wellness coach. My approach is holistic, addressing, mind, body, and spirit.

As a Latina immigrant,cultural sensitivity is of paramount importance to me.

I'm compassionate by nature and also want the therapeutic experience to be fun. Therapy shouldn't feel like punishment so I use creative ways to keep us moving forward in your healing process.