Merra Young, MSW, LICSW

I began my journey with meditation and yoga practice about 40 years ago while in graduate school . I moved to the Twin Cities shortly after an independent study at a local meditation center that transformed my life.

I found " home" and my calling. I've been integrating meditation and psychotherapy ; spirituality and mind body, holistic practices, buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based, compassion centered and neuroscience, trauma-informed and other approaches with a wide range of people, issues, settings including clients, students and professionals ever since.

I see this way of being, working and teaching as a " midwife" companioning others in their journeys of discovery; learning to come home to their own inner wisdom, innate goodness and wholeness . I aspire to embody authentic, compassionate presence along with humor, creativity and joy.

I'm a psychotherapist in private practice and a local grief center, adjunct faculty, supervisor, consultant, meditation teacher and MBSR instructor. I'm honored to engage in this sacred work of sharing, learning and practice from the ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary understanding for the alleviation of human suffering towards resilience and transformation for ourselves others and in the world .

My background includes work at: mental health clinics, grief center, prison, cd, eating disorder treatment programs, university, healthcare, meditation centers with adults , elders, teens, students and professionals. Work with : individuals,couples, groups, classes, retreats, courses and workshops. Areas of expertise include: life transitions, grief work, trauma healing, depression, anxiety , stress reduction, spiritual mentoring & support, teaching, supervision, consultation.

I have completed the MBSR Teaching Online program offered by Brown University’s Center for Mindfulness, supporting instructors in offering the 8-week MBSR program live online, with skill, ease and interactivity.

I feel deep gratitude and grace on this path of awakening and compassion. I have great appreciation, beyond words for my teachers and mentors.

I'm also a poet, a daughter of immigrants, mother and spouse. I love being in nature, bicycling, being with friends...

Expertise

Meditation and Compassion may include: MBSR / stress reduction, life balance.

Integrative Psychotherapy includes: Emotional Healing and Happiness.

Grief and loss, life transitions

Research Summary/Interests

Integrative Psychotherapy: east/west, mindbody approaches

Compassion, Emotional Healing,Positive Emotions & Spirituality

Buddhist Wisdom and Heart Practices and Teachings

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Qigong