Mrs. Merri Copeland-Cook

Licensed Professional Counselor

Merri is one of our most experienced therapists with an incredible passion for seeing her clients establish and restore a confident healthy lifestyle.  She has over 9 years experience evaluating and treating clients within both the outpatient and forensic realm.  During Merri’s career, she has worked with individuals throughout each stage of the legal process.  Specifically, she works with sexualized violence, sexual offense behaviors, and antisocial lifestyles.  Merri is certified to conduct sex offender evaluations, including assessing for sexual violence risk, sex related diagnoses, need for treatment, and treatment progress.  She is certified and highly qualified to conduct assessments using such as the STATIC-99R, The STABLE 2007, the Screening Scale for Pedophilic Interests (SSPI), and the Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS). 

Merri has an openminded, non-biased approach to sex offense therapy and works with her clients to assist them in learning the skills and tools to reduce their risk in the community, not only with sex offending behaviors but also, with other previous criminal behaviors. Merri also specializes in Bariatric evaluation and counseling.  Through her own struggles with complications requiring Gastric Bypass herself, she understands the needs unique to that population, including the pressures of insurance and physician requirements for evaluation and treatment from a qualified mental health provider.  Merri assists clients who are considering Bariatric Surgery through preparing them for pre-operation as well as meeting with them for postoperative follow up. She finds joy in providing clients with the support and tools needed to overcome the emotional and mental changes that are experienced as the body changes. 

Merri is also highly trained in evidence-based approaches, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  She is also exploring and training in her newest interest,  Integrated Sex Therapy.  

Aside from all of her amazing areas of expertise, Merri also specializes in working with couples, children, and families looking for positive and healthy change.  She believes that when individuals are motivated and shown dignity and respect, the change process is incredibly possible.  Merri is always involving herself in research, trainings, and ongoing workshops.  Merri tends to “geek-out” on resources and is always looking for new ways to help her clients become the best version of themselves.

“I view my work with clients as being very collaborative.  I believe client’s bring a lot to the table already, and I want to walk with them through this process.  My clients appreciate that I offer a ton of support and make them feel safe in therapy, yet don’t shy away from giving direct feedback and ideas, or challenging a thought or belief that might be getting in the way of progress. I like to hear about their challenges, past and present, believing that they hold many keys to their own breakthroughs.” -Merri