Annie Merel, LCPC
Psychotherapist
Treatment Philosophy
Most of us have the skills to solve our problems. However, during life's challenges, we may lose insight into our abilities especially when problems loom large enough to crowd out our strengths. I truly believe we all have the ability to change and we already have many of the skills we need to make the changes to live the life we desire. Through therapeutic support, we are able to regain and further our insight, to find and develop our skills, discover our strengths, build relationships, and create connections in our community.
My approach is systemic with a solution-focused perspective, where the focus of treatment is on the present and future. When working with adolescents and young adults, my goal is to create realistic solutions and build connections within yourself and your community. Overall, I want to empower you to create positive change in your life and embrace your personal strengths.
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I’m a licensed therapist with specialized training in both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and ADHD/Executive Functioning, working with adults ages 18 and up. I’ve provided therapy in private practice, hospital, and university counseling settings, and I bring a structured, collaborative approach to helping clients better understand themselves and create meaningful change.
In my work with OCD, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment. I help clients identify intrusive thoughts and gradually reduce compulsive behaviors in a way that feels manageable and empowering. Whether someone is struggling with contamination fears, perfectionism, taboo thoughts, or other OCD subtypes, we work together to restore a sense of freedom and confidence.
When supporting individuals with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, I focus on practical strategies to address common struggles such as procrastination, disorganization, time blindness, and follow-through. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with an understanding of how ADHD impacts daily functioning—helping clients build systems that work for them, not against them.
Outside of my clinical work, I’m a mom of three, and I recharge by spending time outdoors, playing racquet sports and softball, doing Pilates, and traveling whenever I can. I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative, supportive space—where meaningful change can happen with honesty, humor, and care.
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In 2008 I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology while studying in the Clinical Psy.D. program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. After receiving my masters, I completed two more years in the doctoral program and plan complete my doctorate in clinical psychology at some point in the future. My commitment to treatment has included working in public schools, therapeutic day schools, hospitals, and state funded mental health agencies. During graduate school, I was a part of a diagnostic team at Illinois Masonic Pediatric Development Center where I worked with children with ASD, ADHD, social skills deficits, and executive functioning difficulties by completing test batteries, interpreting test results, and making appropriate recommendations.
After graduate school, I was in private practice in Northfield that focused on depression and substance abuse disorders in adolescence. For the past five years, I have been a clinician in the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at DePaul University. I truly enjoy this position and working with my students to overcome obstacles related to their academic and personal adjustment and success.
I have also completed postgraduate training from the International OCD Foundation.
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Age 4 & up