- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
About LaVerne
LaVerne Merritt-Morrison is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a B.S. in Human Services/Counseling and a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling. LaVerne has long worked with substance use issues and related mental health concerns and brings practical, direct help to people facing these problems.
She has two decades of experience in substance use therapy and extensive work with individuals who have dual diagnoses. Her background includes transitional housing work with people managing chronic medical conditions and a credential as an alcoholism substance abuse counselor. She also completed a 60-hour Compulsive Gambling training and holds a Specialty in Gambling designation.
LaVerne describes her approach as client-centered, using Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide sessions. She focuses on clear steps people can try between meetings, and she talks through habits, triggers, and concrete alternatives rather than abstract theory.
In practice she helps people address anger, addictions, trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, self-esteem, parenting pressures, and career stress. She also works with issues such as abandonment, codependency, impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsive concerns. Her work often blends motivation-focused conversations with behavioral tools to change patterns.
Sessions tend to emphasize straightforward goal-setting and skill practice. LaVerne aims to help people notice what keeps a problem going, try different responses, and track small changes over time. Her style is pragmatic and focused on what works in everyday life.
How her approaches translate to online work
LaVerne uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what the person brings, helping people feel heard while they identify next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at thoughts and actions that keep problems going and teaches concrete tools to change those patterns. Motivational Interviewing concentrates on what matters to the person and builds motivation to try new behaviors.Finding the right approach is part of the process. She will work with the client to decide which combination of methods fits their goals and preferences, adjusting what they try as progress or barriers appear. That collaborative decision-making helps keep sessions practical and focused on real-life concerns like anger, cravings, or panic.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Many people find remote sessions help them practice skills in the settings where problems occur, and therapists can use the same CBT worksheets and motivational techniques effectively in virtual meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she address?
She works with addictions, anger, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, and related issues such as codependency and impulsivity.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered, with Motivational Interviewing to build readiness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change patterns.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of clinical experience, including 20 years in substance use therapy and extensive work with dual diagnosis.
What credential and location are listed?
She is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York.
Which languages and international work are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.