Welcome to Moving Forward Counseling Services

Our mission is to help you discover the possibilities by offering access to affordable mental health counseling.

Moving Forward PLLC was created by founder Merlyn Blackwood, LPC with a vision of offering affordable and easily accessible counseling to persons who are uninsured, under insured,  those with high deductables or high copayments. 

 I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), practicing in the state of Virginia. I hold a masters degree from an accredited university, as well as supervised pre- and post-graduate experiences in counseling.

 I received a masters degree in Education from Adelphi University and a Master Degree in school Counseling from Cambridge College. Additional studies/ courses / training with a focus on mental health, from Liberty University and Ashford Univeristy. I have been working in mental health for over twenty years and have been focusing on clinical counseling for more than eight years. I have worked as a school counselor for over seventeen years, and as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over eight years. Prior to counseling I taught elementary school for seventeen years  a school administrator for three years and  Pastoral Counselor  for the past nineteen years. I received my theology training at Master’s University of Divinity in Evansville, Indiana, where I completed a Doctoral degree in Practical Ministry.

When you are ready to take the next step forward in creating the life you desire, let Moving Forward Counseling Services Help You Discover The Possibilities."