Meredith sIMMONS, AMFT

Meredith Simmons is an AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist). Using an integrative systems approach to therapy, Meredith utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Experiential Therapy to work with couples and individuals. EFT is an evidenced-based practice that views emotion as a compass. Emotions motivate us to action: fight, flight, or freeze responses. As individuals, couples, and families understand their emotional patterns, they can diffuse negative cycles that block connection. Experiential Therapy asserts that clients have all of the internal resources they need to cope successfully with challenges in life and helps clients gain access to these resources.

Meredith believes her clients are all capable of change and are doing the best they possibly can with their circumstances. It is her privilege to walk alongside clients as they bravely choose to grow and move towards wholeness. Meredith enjoys helping individuals build self-esteem, assist with identity development, as well as manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Meredith is also a certified facilitator of PREPARE ENRICH, a premarital and marriage assessment tool that uses evidenced-based skills and insights to foster healthy relationships. Meredith has a special interest working with premarital couples to promote curiosity, growth, and awareness that helps build a strong foundation before marriage.

In 6-8 sessions, couples take an initial assessment that primes relevant and revealing discussion as well as identifying strength and growth areas. Meredith provides feedback to the couple and tailors therapy to their designated areas of growth. She also provides couples with relationship skills such as: communication and conflict resolution, closeness and flexibility, personal compatibility, and stress management. Meredith also encourages couples to return to therapy before transitioning to parenthood for “pre-parental therapy.”

Meredith received her Bachelor’s degree in English from Washington and Lee University and a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercer University, School of Medicine. Meredith works under the direct supervision of Erika Pluhar, PhD, Eds, LMFT, LPC, CST-S and provides therapy on an income-based sliding scale to meet the needs of her clients.