Albany Therapists

Angela Barnhurst

Deon Merten

Intern

Hi, I’m Deon. I love spending time with my family, especially at the coast or on the river. My passion for counseling stems from a deep desire to support people in my community, offering hope and healing to those ready to make meaningful change. I believe that change is possible when people feel heard, seen, and supported. My goal is to walk alongside you in the therapeutic process, honoring your experiences and fostering the growth you’re ready to embrace.
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Deon's Approach

As a student intern, I work from a compassionate, integrative framework grounded in Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Family Systems, emotional regulation, and mindfulness practices. I’m trained in a variety of treatment models and collaborate with each client to find the therapeutic approach that best supports their unique needs and goals.

Therapy, in my view, is a co-creative process. Together, we explore the life experiences, relationships, patterns, beliefs, and systems that shape how you relate to yourself and others. I’m committed to identifying the challenges that bring you to therapy, as well as the innate strengths and resources within you that support meaningful change.

Above all, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where insight, healing, and growth can flourish. I welcome individuals, couples, and families seeking to develop healthy relational patterns and move toward a more integrated and fulfilling life.

More About Deon Merten

Experience

I bring experience from two impactful fields—mental health and education. Over the years, I’ve worked in various mental health settings, supporting individuals across diverse communities and stages of life. These roles have deepened my understanding of human resilience, emotional well-being, and the transformative power of therapeutic connection.

For the past 20 years, I’ve also served as a teacher—an experience that’s shaped my appreciation for growth, learning, and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments. My background in education informs my therapeutic style: patient, curious, and attuned to the unique strengths each person carries.
Education

I will complete my Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling graduate program at George Fox University in 2026. In addition to my degree studies, I am completing the Trauma Response Institute Certificate. This specialized coursework has provided me with in-depth training in developmental trauma, eating disorders, grief and loss, and includes extensive research on supporting the unique needs of suicide loss survivors. I am also a graduate of Willamette University.

Can I Help You?

I treat patients for:

  • Depression, grief, loss, sadness
  • Anxiety, worry, stress, panic
  • LGBTQIA+ Related Issues
  • Relationship struggles (couple, family, or parenting)
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Angela Barnhurst