I'm here to help your:
Individuals (ages 10+)
- Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- ADHD
McKell Merkley,
ACMHC
Background:
McKell grew up in Payson, Utah, as the oldest of four siblings. She spent much of her youth dedicated to gymnastics and eventually competed for BYU at the collegiate level. In 2008, she married her husband and returned to Southern Utah County to raise their family. Together, they’re raising four high-energy daughters and a low-energy Irish Setter in the community they love.
McKell enjoys cheering her daughters on in their activities, photography, reading, and hiking. She’s killed every garden she’s ever planted and is always the worst pickleball player on the court- but she always has snacks and a sense of humor close by.
Education and Work Experience:
From a young age, McKell knew she wanted to be a counselor. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in family science from Brigham Young University. After graduation, she worked in residential treatment centers- one specializing in teen boys and the other in women with eating disorders. McKell genuinely loved her time at the centers, where she was deeply involved in the daily work and had the privilege of witnessing the long-term progress and healing that resulted.
In addition to her work in residential centers, McKell coached gymnastics for many years, focusing on college-bound athletes. She implemented mental skills training programs, integrating techniques like visualization, imagery, self-talk, growth mindset, and mindfulness alongside physical skill development. By teaching athletes to manage their thoughts and emotions during competition, they were able to generalize these skills to other areas of their lives, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
McKell is currently finishing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Walden University.
Therapy Approach:
McKell believes that clients are the experts in their own lives and that everyone has the potential for growth and healing. She believes everyone is good inside, and that the stories we tell ourselves can greatly influence our experiences. McKell’s approach is grounded in helping individuals recognize their strengths and use them to navigate challenges. She believes using evidence-based practices to support clients is a powerful tool for finding balance, building resilience, and fostering positive change as clients work toward their personal goals.