- CBT and mindfulness
- Focus on sleep
- Goals-based work
About Marlene
Marlene Merchant is an LMHC practicing in New York who focuses on clear, practical steps toward better rest and daily coping. She frames therapy around real goals and everyday routines, helping people manage stress, sleep problems, anxiety, and life changes with straightforward tools.
Marlene uses cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep and mood. She blends mindfulness exercises to calm the body and mind. Motivational interviewing helps clients find their own reasons to try new behaviors and stick with them.
Her work centers on common struggles such as depression, eating and food-related issues, addiction, trauma and grief. She also addresses relationship strain, parenting stress, self-esteem, career concerns, and compassion fatigue. Sleep and rest are a recurring focus when stress, worry, or disrupted routines make it hard to get back to regular sleep.
Sessions tend to emphasize simple, usable strategies people can practice between meetings. That may include sleep-friendly routines, coping plans for cravings or urges, and short mindfulness practices to use at night. The goal is steady, practical progress rather than quick fixes.
Marlene has ten years of experience as a licensed mental health counselor and works in English. She accepts international clients. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
How CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivation Fit Online
Many people find cognitive behavioral therapy helpful for sleep problems because it focuses on changing thoughts and habits that keep nights restless. CBT breaks down routines and beliefs that interfere with rest and builds new, sleep-friendly habits.Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce evening tension and quiet a busy mind. Those short practices can be used before bed or during moments of waking at night to ease return to sleep.
Motivational interviewing helps clarify personal reasons to try new sleep routines or to cut back on substances that disrupt rest. It supports gradual change by focusing on the client's own goals and readiness to try different strategies.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process, and the therapist will work collaboratively to choose what matches a person's needs, goals, and preferences. Early sessions often test small changes so people can see what fits their life before committing to bigger shifts.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow people to practice new sleep routines in their usual surroundings. Licensed professionals can tailor session length and focus to match daily schedules and practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Marlene commonly address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, eating issues, sleep problems, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, parenting strain, self-esteem, career changes, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and goal-focused, using cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to build daily habits and better sleep routines.
What background and experience does she bring?
She has ten years of experience working as a licensed mental health counselor and focuses on steady, usable strategies rather than quick fixes.
Where is the therapist based and what credential does she hold?
She is based in New York and holds an LMHC credential listed as NY LMHC.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
Yes, she accepts international clients.
How are sessions scheduled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.