Bio

Rita Thornton-Mercer, CEO / Chief Clinician

Author, Speaker, Mentor, College Professor, Counselor, Wellness & Mindset Coach, Christian Minister, & Podcast Host

I am a mother to two amazing adult children. Second to being a mother, I’m a proud grandmother. I enjoy serving as both a licensed professional counselor and a college professor, which are the best careers that I have ever embarked upon. As a counselor and minister, I have loved how everyday I am surprised with new stories of survival and strength, loss and courage, brokenness and restoration. I am passionate about empowering individuals to Live Their Best Life through my ministry and through my careers!

As a Licensed Counselor, Wellness and Mindset Coach, I offer holistic counseling and coaching to support growth through mental health, mindfulness, stress management, & mind and body practices. My expertise incorporates a decade of experience in the Mental Health & Wellness field and over two decades in Business & Organizational Leadership and Human Resources.

My educational background from Miami University and Xavier University coupled with my diverse work history and clinical experience has equipped me to support a diverse population ranging in age, culture, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status.

I specialize in Trauma, as well as Grief and Loss. I have specialized training in EMDR, a therapy that promotes healing for trauma, anxiety, depression as well many other concerns. As a certified Grief Counseling Specialist, I have helped countless others work through grief & loss concerns. My certification in Choice Theory / Reality Therapy has been instrumental in empowering individuals with tools to better understand their thoughts and behaviors, how they perceive their world, and developing a plan for lasting change. Sandtray Therapy is a powerful therapy that I have had great success in my work with youth as well as adults in discovering their truths and exploring hope for the future. I’ve helped couples rebuild their relationship, supported women and men to overcome trauma, and taught youth and young adults the tools to manage anxiety & depression.  

Random Factoids About Rita: 

  • I love laughing till I cry, after all laughter is good medicine  :)  
  • Kayaking on a summer day while enjoying the warm sun on my skin
  • Watching a good Hallmark movie and other times watching a good action movie
  • Popcorn, for a meal, but also for a snack
  • Collecting rocks and shells and observing the intricate details in them
  • Spending time with family and friends 

Below you will find a brief listing of my credentials and trainings:

Education

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Xavier University

Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership & Sociology, Miami University

Certifications

Certified Integrative Mental Health Prof.
Choice Theory/Reality Therapy Certified
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Certified Grief Counseling Specialist  

Sandtray Therapy Trained
Mindfulness Therapy
EMDR Trained

License

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Supervisor Endorsement (State of OH)