Kimberly Merolla-Brito , LICSW

Kimberly Merolla-Brito is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), a clinical social work license that authorizes independent practice, and is certified in clinical trauma treatment. Based in Rhode Island, she brings 15 years of clinical experience across a range of settings to her work with individuals and families facing life transitions and mental health challenges.

She supports people coping with depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping concerns, parenting challenges, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other coping issues. Her practice also addresses more specific areas such as abandonment, adoption and foster care concerns, caregiver stress, attachment and commitment issues, codependency, communication problems, domestic violence, and blended family dynamics.

Her counseling style is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She combines cognitive-behavioral techniques, client-centered and humanistic perspectives, and rational-emotive methods to tailor care to each person’s needs. Clients describe her as a mindful listener who is easy to talk to and genuine in building therapeutic relationships. She begins each engagement where the client is, collaborates on clear goals, and focuses on using session time efficiently to promote meaningful, sustainable change.

Recognizing the courage it takes to begin therapy, Kimberly supports and empowers people as they take steps toward greater well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Kimberly integrates client-centered work with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness practices to meet clients where they are and support practical change. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and creating a collaborative space where the client’s experience guides the pace of work - it is helpful for improving self-esteem, relationships, and navigating life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping skills development. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and self-compassion techniques that can reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation across a range of concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kimberly works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences. She and the client set directions together and adjust strategies as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access licensed professionals from different locations. These options support continuity of care and allow therapists and clients to choose the communication style that feels most effective and sustainable.