Nicole Merhaut, LMFT

Nicole Merhaut was born and raised in California and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona in 2009. She later relocated to Florida and completed a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University in 2015. In 2016 and 2017 she added certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis and in Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors. Nicole is an LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, reflecting specialized training in working with individuals, couples, and families.

With eight years of professional experience, she has served in community mental health roles including Targeted Case Manager, Master Level Practitioner, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has supported children, individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, anger, family conflict and co-parenting stress, substance misuse, autism spectrum concerns, eating and food-related issues, self-harm, and challenges associated with chronic medical conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Nicole draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to help people move toward their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy examines how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and offers practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. Solution-Focused Therapy is goal-directed and collaborative, emphasizing present strengths and steps toward a preferred future. She brings a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental style and partners with each person to identify priorities, build coping skills, and navigate life changes.

CBT and Solution-Focused Support Delivered Online

Nicole uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in ways that adapt well to online formats. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns; it is often applied for anxiety, stress, low mood, and similar concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy is goal-directed and collaborative, concentrating on present strengths and small steps that move a person toward their preferred future, which can be especially useful for navigating life transitions and clarifying priorities.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Nicole collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting tools and focus as progress unfolds so the approach aligns with the client’s values and circumstances.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and engage with licensed professionals from different locations while preserving a collaborative, goal-focused treatment process.