MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Lori Merling, PhD
Therapist & Clinical Director
Dr. Lori Merling is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Florida whose clinical practice focuses heavily on OCD, OC-spectrum, and Anxiety Disorders.
Dr. Merling grew up in Montreal, Quebec, where she completed her Undergraduate Studies at McGill University in Humanistic Studies with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations. Dr. Merling then completed post-baccalaureate studies in Psychology at Concordia University, during which time she served as the head of the volunteer and networking group for the Canadian Institute for OCD.
Dr. Merling subsequently obtained a Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeast-
ern University (NSU), in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where her research and studies centered around OCD and related disorders, and she served as the coordinator for NSU’s Anxiety Treatment Center and OCD and Related Disorders Clinic.
She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Institute of Living’s Anxiety Disorders Center in Hartford, Connecticut, and her post-doctoral training at Rogers Behavioral Health in Miami, where she functioned as the clinical supervisor for four years. Dr. Merling is currently the founding Clinical Director of the Sydney Merling Center.
View all Dr. Merling's publications on her Google Scholar Profile.
Susanne Haase, MS, Ed, LMHC,
Group Therapist
Susanne Haase is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, specializing in treating OCD and related anxiety and mood disorders. Susanne obtained her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami following a long and successful career in corporate communications. Susanne has always been passionate about understanding others’ pain and is now focused on helping people learn to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life according to their values.
Susanne’s training in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD was solidified during her two and a half years as a clinician in an Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization clinic in Miami. Susanne then spent two years working as a therapist with NOCD, the international online therapy organization dedicated to treating OCD. Now based in Stuart, Florida, Susanne continues to focus on psychoeducation and treatment for OCD, offering individual and group therapy, as well as support for families and loved ones of people suffering from OCD.
Complementing Susanne’s clinical experience is her multi‐cultural background. Susanne was born in Ecuador and lived in France; she speaks fluent Spanish and French and offers counseling in all three languages. She is also a certified executive coach, arts enthusiast, sailor, and active racquet sports player. Susanne is passionate about helping people overcome the obstacles to their wellness and advocates for understanding OCD and mental health in general.
Lily Paz y Miño Mestril, LCSW
Group Therapist
Lily Paz y Miño Mestril is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and OCD. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Warren Wilson College followed by a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Maryland. Lily had the opportunity to evolve into an OCD specialized clinician while at Rogers Behavioral Health from 2021-2023 where she fell in love with treating OCD, facilitating groups, and witnessing people’s growth. She emphasizes mindfulness practices, acceptance skills, and flexibility in her clinical practice. Lily is passionate about helping people find freedom from their fears and avoidance patterns, discover their strengths, and build a meaningful life.