Karen Mercer

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University and completed my residency at Vancouver Costal Health. I specialize in the treatment of adults and couples/relationships experiencing: sexual issues/dysfunctions (e.g., low desire/arousal, erectile/orgasmic difficulties, pain during sex, sexual difficulties following breast cancer treatment, and persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia), trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and relationship issues (e.g., communication difficulties, sexual desire discrepancies, open or polyamorous relationship issues). Everyone comes into therapy with unique past experiences and future goals. I actively tailor evidence-based treatment to the unique needs and values of each client.

I take a radically genuine, warm, and empathic approach, and seek to provide a safe and inclusive environment. I use humour and curiosity in a compassionate way to help explore the barriers to your life worth living, and balance acceptance and change-based strategies to help you reduce suffering, increase effective coping, and strengthen relationships.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in CBT, with a focus on both traditional (e.g., Exposure and Response Prevention) and third wave approaches (e.g., DBT, ACT). For sex therapy, I take a wholistic and integrative approach using mindfulness and sensate focus therapy, as well as CBT. For couples therapy, I primarily use an Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy approach.