Mark Merrick, M.S. Clinical Psychology
Marriage and Family Therapy Registered Intern, IMF 51529
Supervised by Randy Powell, MFT 27433
mmerrick@journeyscounseling.com
Extension 120
Mark is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with Journeys. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanguard University in Psychology where he was awarded Outstanding Psychology Student for his graduating class in 1993. In May of 2006 he earned Master of Science in Clinical Psychology.
"I have experience working with couples and individuals on a number of relational topics."
Artists
"Due to my experience as a performing musician, I tend to have insight into the struggles artists (drama, music, painting, sculpture etc.) experience. I thoroughly enjoy working with artists as we face down blocks in creativity, self-criticism, and the demands of the world versus artistry."
Children and Play Therapy
"Children are especially interesting and enjoyable in therapy. There are some excellent therapies available centered around play, art, stories, and music. It's true that children are resilient, but sometimes a therapeutic setting is necessary to help that resilience emerge. Through play children can process and move through emotional issues such as divorce, death, peer acceptance, and identity."
Couples Therapy
"You may feel like you are alone, experiencing something unique in your marriage, but your struggles do not define you. They include you. You are part of a shared human experience in your struggle. At one time you and your spouse felt like you had everything in common, but now they feel mysterious and difficult to understand. Is it possible to love someone who is so different? It is possible and those differences can actually make your love stronger."
Families in Ministry
"Families in ministry face inordinate demands and pressure that many other families do not. In truth they have the same needs as everyone else, but due to their position matters become complicated. Visible ministry positions demand a squeeky clean image. Close friendships are difficult to find and maintain. Common outlets for stress are closed off. Job demands require 24x7 accessibility by parishioners. The question, "Am I doing enough for God?" can be haunting. All of this can cause great stress upon ministers who already feel like islands, cut off from support. As an adult child of Evangelical parents I understand the demands placed on pastors and missionaries. I find work with this group to be very rewarding and part of my calling."
Men's Sexuality and Identity
"In recent years I have spent a great deal of time helping men with issues of identity and sexuality. It might be said that American masculinity has experienced an identity crisis of its own over the last 20 years. What does it exactly mean to be man? Can we be both strong and sensitive? What does God require of us in our sexuality?"
Previously Mark worked in coporate settings as a software developer, Software Development Manager, and a Director of Project Management. Currently he owns a web and technical services company. Married for 18 years, he also spends free time playing guitar and occasionally performing with local groups.
As a child he grew up traveling and performing with his Evangelist parents and then settling down while they pastored a church near Bakersfield California.
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