Branda Merrick, MS, LAPC

Brenda is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health at Duquesne University in 2025. She completed her internship in the Counseling and Wellbeing Center at Duquesne University and at Grace Wellness Center. Brenda currently serves as Campus Minister at Duquesne University. Her ten years of experience working in higher education institutions and journeying with clients in a clinical setting at the Counseling and Wellbeing center on campus as well as at Grace Wellness Center has afforded her the opportunity to experience the power of the ministry of presence. Brenda is passionate about people falling in love with Jesus and helping them to remove any blocks or barriers they have to receiving his love and the love of others. Nothing brings her more fulfillment than seeing Christ heal the broken-hearted and witnessing as he sets people free from the deep pain of their past.

Brenda believes that the best way to move forward is by working through the past in order to adjust our lens for the future. By bringing the hurt and pain of what we have experienced to the light, we are able to be grateful for the good, integrate the lessons, and let go of what no longer serves us. A challenger by nature, Brenda is the kind of counselor who will use a mix of tenderness and tough love to encourage change. Brenda has had experience working with clients with varying experiences of trauma and recognizes the importance of being trauma-informed. Brenda finds that psychodynamic theory helps her clients look at their past, and choice theory helps her clients to take back control of their lives and understand that the choices they make now will shape their future. Brenda believes that full healing is only possible through integration of the mind, body, soul, and spirit.