Dulce Merida
Orlando
Summary
A compassionate and bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist providing quality counseling to individuals, couples, and families. Proven track record of helping clients achieve emotional stability and mental well-being. Skilled in developing therapeutic relationships and providing evidenced-based interventions for clients with a wide range of mental health issues, including client special populations; I.e. Child abuse and neglect cases, substance abuse, and neurodivergent clients. Committed to providing a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment for clients.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LifeStance Health
07.2024 - Current
- Established rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural competence in counseling sessions.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of client progress, adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments and diagnoses of clients, identifying appropriate treatment goals and strategies.
- Implemented creative approaches to therapy, such as art and sand tray therapy techniques, engaging clients in new ways to express emotions and process experiences.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Willow Lane Counseling
05.2024 - 07.2024
- Established rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural competence in counseling sessions.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of client progress, adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments and diagnoses of clients, identifying appropriate treatment goals and strategies.
- Implemented creative approaches to therapy, such as art and sand tray therapy techniques, engaging clients in new ways to express emotions and process experiences.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
The Hazel Counseling Center for Families and Children, LLC
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided support to clients by listening attentively, offering feedback, and helping them identify resources.
- Identified potential crises situations and provided crisis intervention services when needed, including child abuse and neglect cases.
- Conducted assessments of client mental health needs to develop treatment plans and goals.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, including documenting relevant information from each session.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Faith Christian Academy
04.2022 - 04.2024
- Provided support to clients by listening attentively, offering feedback, and helping them identify resources.
- Identified potential crises situations and provided crisis intervention services when needed, including child abuse and neglect cases.
- Conducted assessments of client mental health needs to develop treatment plans and goals.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, including documenting relevant information from each session.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Multiple Early Childhood Learning Centers
06.2012 - 04.2024
- Demonstrated the ability to effectively manage a classroom of up to 20 preschoolers while maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment.
- Incorporated music, art, drama and movement into daily lessons in order to engage young learners.
- Developed lesson plans that were tailored to meet the individual needs of each child in order to maximize their educational potential.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress including assessments, observations, and anecdotal notes.
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Lyon Counseling, LLC
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Provided support to clients by listening attentively, offering feedback, and helping them identify resources.
- Identified potential crises situations and provided crisis intervention services when needed, including child abuse and neglect cases.
- Conducted assessments of client mental health needs to develop treatment plans and goals.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, including documenting relevant information from each session.
Early Intervention Specialist
Lighthouse of Central Florida
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Consulted with parents about strategies to use at home to promote healthy development in their children.
- Provided family-centered, individualized services to families with young children, specially within cases of child abuse and neglect.
- Supported families by providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Collaborated with other professionals, such as speech therapists and physical therapists, to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Student and Children's Ministry Coordinator
NewCity Church of Orlando
03.2018 - 06.2020
- Developed the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Built trusted professional relationships with teachers using strong listening and engagement skills.
- Adapted quickly to changing environments while remaining focused on goals.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress.
Education
PhD in Counseling Education And Supervision - Mental Health Counseling
Denver Seminary
Littleton, CO05-2028
Master of Science (M.S.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Palm Beach Atlantic University
12.2021
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Florida International University
05.2017
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Early Childhood Education
Miami Dade College
05.2014
Skills
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Behavioral Assessment
- Crisis Intervention
- Suicide Prevention
- Grief Counseling
- Clinical Documentation
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Family Counseling
- Intake Screening and Treatment Planning
- Child Abuse and Neglect Crisis Care
Certification
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida).
- Registered Play Therapist.
- Member of the Florida Association for Play Therapy and the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association.
- Pursuing Sand-Tray Training Certification (Already Trained in Multiple Levels).
- Pursuing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist license.
- Pursuing Qualified Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor licenses.
Additional Information
- QPR Gatekeeper trained (Suicide Prevention).
- Storytelling and Metaphor Design in Play Therapy trained.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy trained.
Accomplishments
Current Graduate Student Representative for the Florida Counseling Association.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LifeStance Health
07.2024 - Current
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Willow Lane Counseling
05.2024 - 07.2024
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
The Hazel Counseling Center for Families and Children, LLC
09.2023 - 05.2024
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Faith Christian Academy
04.2022 - 04.2024
Early Intervention Specialist
Lighthouse of Central Florida
08.2021 - 04.2022
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Lyon Counseling, LLC
01.2021 - 12.2022
Student and Children's Ministry Coordinator
NewCity Church of Orlando
03.2018 - 06.2020
Lead Preschool Teacher
Multiple Early Childhood Learning Centers
06.2012 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Florida International University
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida).
- Registered Play Therapist.
- Member of the Florida Association for Play Therapy and the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association.
- Pursuing Sand-Tray Training Certification (Already Trained in Multiple Levels).
- Pursuing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist license.
- Pursuing Qualified Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor licenses.
PhD in Counseling Education And Supervision - Mental Health Counseling
Denver Seminary
Master of Science (M.S.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Early Childhood Education
Miami Dade College
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