MERINDA LEACH, LMFT, LPC
Merinda is a Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families to explore new perspectives, discover helpful coping tools, and maximize strengths. She has particular interest and experience in working with Individuals with Anxiety, Couple Relationships, Step Families, and Teens .
Merinda has lived in the Treasure Valley for a decade and a half with her husband of 29 years. She enjoys reading, writing, art, music, and travel. She also enjoys hanging out with her children and spoiling her grandkids!
QUALIFICATIONS
Merinda earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 1997. After time spent raising kids, volunteering, and teaching art lessons; Merinda attended the highly respected counseling Master's program at Northwest Nazarene University for her graduate training, where she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Academic Honor Society.
Studying Marriage and Family Counseling, she carefully selected her internship site and outside training opportunities to support her family systems work. She completed the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy 4-day Externship, advanced Core Skills Training, and an EFCT course on affair healing. Merinda continues to seek ongoing supervision to enhance her skills in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
Merinda and a colleague teach an advanced-level graduate course on Counseling Blended Families at Northwest Nazarene University, using a syllabus they developed for the NNU Counseling Department. Merinda has also created and taught a Blended Family course for local church congregations. This course can be delivered as an introductory presentation or as an interactive, multiple week workshop designed to provide support, normalization, and education to point struggling families in a helpful direction. This course can offer a Christian perspective or remain fully secular.
Merinda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho. The standing of her licensure can be searched on the site for the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.
Merinda maintains membership in various International, National, and Local Associations for Counselors and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is committed to practicing the high ethical and professional standards espoused by these organizations.