Mercedes Baines (MA, RCC, CCC, CAC) (she/her) somatic psychotherapist, facilitator, instructor and consultant in private practice. She identifies as a multi-racial, fat-bodied, cis-gendered woman who is a trauma survivor and lives with chronic illnesses.
Recognizing the interconnection between the mind & body, Mercedes takes a holistic approach to counselling therapy. She views each person as a unique whole being (body, mind & spirit) influencing & influenced by their social contexts such as family, friends, work, environment, & culture.
Her work in the performing arts (SFU School for Contemporary Arts), her training in somatic trauma healing (Somatic Experiencing) and Adlerian Therapy (Adler University), influences her approach to psychotherapy & her understanding of the healing and process. She is passionate about exploring ways to inhabit the healing process in ways that are collaborative, embodied & integrated.
Her areas of psychotherapy practice include: body image; trauma; living with a life-altering (chronic)/life-threatening illness; disordered eating; depression; anxiety; grief and loss; creative process and creative blocks; identity; sexuality and issues related to race and culture, the intersection of race & sexuality; identity & race politics; & intimate, family & friend relationships.
In her work, she tailors her approach to the specific needs & situations of each person. Mercedes is passionate about the unique meaning you make of the world & your circumstances & your ability to make positive changes in order to live a more fully embodied life. She believes that when you pursue fully embodied living you feel a greater sense of belonging, empowerment & purpose in your life. In addition to individual counselling, Mercedes also offers therapeutic, psycho-educational & professional development workshops for individuals, couples, businesses & organizations.
