Carolyn R. Mericle

Carolyn R. Mericle is a doctoral intern and licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA) in the final year of the Ph.D. program in Humanistic Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, providing psychological assessment and art- and clay-based psychotherapy.

At Dayspring, she offers psychological assessment as a central part of her work and is deeply interested in understanding the complexities of the human mind through thoughtful psychological evaluation. She approaches assessment as a collaborative and meaningful process aimed at developing a holistic understanding of a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This work seeks to clarify strengths, identify challenges, and inform careful diagnosis, treatment planning, and personal growth. It is a privilege for her to support clients through this process.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic and existential traditions and informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, supported, and able to explore what matters most to them, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, mindfulness, and the search for meaning. Healing and growth are understood as emerging through connection and presence. Creative and body-based practices. including clay therapy, sensorimotor art therapy, and guided drawing, are integrated to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and expression, especially when experiences are difficult to put into words.

Clinical experience includes school counseling and community mental health, supporting children, adolescents, and women across a range of mental health concerns, and conducting psychological assessments for autism, ADHD, and mood disorders. Whether through therapy or assessment, she offers careful attention, compassionate presence, and practical insight in support of meaningful change. Beyond her clinical and academic work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and two sweet but quirky cats, as well as traveling, yoga, reading, creating art, crocheting, and being near the ocean.

“Art is a way of knowing that is different from, but no less valid than, verbal knowing.” — Shaun McNiff

“The (art) image is a bridge between inner experience and outer expression.” — Cathy Malchiodi