Grief counselors and therapists in Milton, FL

Welcome to Courageous Living Mental Health Consultants Psychiatric Services:

My name is Ian Dyer, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and I am a graduate of the University of South Alabama where I completed my Masters of Science in Nursing in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. I am licensed as an APRN in the State of Florida and board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I currently have more than 5 years of experience in the field of psychiatric nursing in both the outpatient settings as well as in acute inpatient psychiatric services. At Courageous Living Mental Health Consultants, I provide caring, compassionate, individually based, and thoughtful evidenced-based treatment for a verity of mental health conditions in order to best promote my client’s ability to recover, flourish, and succeed.

I believe healing happens when you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are without fear of judgment.

I work with adults, young adults and children experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic interventions, and mindfulness to help clients better understand themselves, develop effective coping skills, and create lasting change.

I love what I do, I believe in empowering my clients. I believe that accepting our reality is the first step towards healing.

My mission in therapy is to create a space where clients have the freedom to guide the work towards their goals with a collaborate partner who can assist in the self discovery process. I strive to make therapy feel loving and supportive by providing a place where you can start on the journey to connecting with your inner strength. Self care is important, and therapy is a courageous way to give yourself the care and support you deserve.

“I want you to know that I’m here to support you with you with warmth and honesty. I’ll listen deeply, but I’ll also be directwhen it helps. You move forward. I’d believe I’m working towards real practical solutions so you’ll always feel heard, and we’ll take steps that make a difference in your life.“

I'm a licensed psychologist working with adolescents, adults, and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, significant life changes, or challenges with attention and focus. My goal is to offer a safe, affirming space to explore your life, your story, and what matters most to you — your experiences, your values, and where you hope to go. You are a complex, whole person made up of many parts — and there is room here for all of them.

Hi there! I’m so glad you found your way here, I’m Merlyn. What drew me to therapy wasn’t theory, but the quiet moment when someone feels safe enough to exhale, speak their truth, and realize they were never too much to be understood. Healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about understanding the parts of you that had to fight, protect, and survive.

I also provide Christian-integrated counseling for women who share this faith, helping you explore your struggles through both science and Scripture, where psychology and God’s truth work together beautifully. This blend honors both emotional and spiritual healing, creating space for restoration that feels whole and grounded.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida and the founder of Merlyn Asencio Psychotherapy & Wellness, LLC. I specialize in working with high-functioning women, the ones who appear composed, capable, and self-aware, yet feel anxious, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. As the creator of The Merlyn MethodTM, I combine attachment-based EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy to help you reconnect with your voice, rebuild confidence, and experience peace that lasts beyond the session.