CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

DM Portrait of Denise Mercherson

Denise Mercherson

Compassionate, practical guidance for life change

LCSW Illinois

Experience
5 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Denise

About Denise

Denise Mercherson is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker who supports people navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, depression, and major life transitions. She centers her work on respectful, sensitive care and collaborates with clients to create a plan that fits each person's circumstances and goals.

Background and approach

With five years of professional experience, Denise focuses on practical strategies alongside emotional support to help clients build confidence and make meaningful change. Her approach emphasizes tailoring sessions to individual needs, whether the priority is improving communication, processing forgiveness, clarifying life purpose, or managing day-to-day coping.

Denise aims to meet clients where they are, offering encouragement and evidence-informed techniques while acknowledging the courage it takes to pursue a more satisfying life. She frames therapy as a partnership that empowers people to take steps toward lasting progress.

How therapeutic methods translate to online care

Denise commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing practical changes in behavior to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasizes clarifying values and learning skills to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking committed steps toward a meaningful life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapy process and happens collaboratively. The therapist will work with each client to explore which methods feel most helpful based on their goals, personal preferences, and the issues they bring to sessions, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy schedules and varied comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life and allow ongoing access to support and skills practice without requiring travel, helping people sustain momentum between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Denise commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem challenges, depression, and coping with life changes, and also focuses on communication problems, forgiveness, and discovering life purpose.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is collaborative and sensitive, using evidence-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to tailor strategies to each client's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has five years of professional experience working with clients on a range of emotional and relational concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for Denise?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149019311 and practices from that state.
Can people who live outside the United States work with her?
Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts sessions with English-speaking clients.
Which session formats does she offer?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Communication problemsForgivenessLife purpose

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English