About Merlyn
Click on both my locations to see my full availability
I believe healing begins when people feel truly seen and heard. I bring warmth, compassion and evidence-informed care to help clients navigate life challenges with resilience and hope. My hope is that every client leaves therapy feeling a little lighter, understood and connected to themselves.
Seeking support can feel like a big step, and I’m glad you’re here. My hope is to offer you a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard and accepted- just as you are. I believe that healing happens through a trusting therapeutic relationship built on compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as we make sense of your experiences, explore what matters most to you, and work towards meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply being overwhelmed, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported, understood and empowered to move forward in the life you want.
Over the past 7 years, I have had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, adults and families across a variety of clinical, educational, hospital, and community settings. My work has included school counselling, hospital-based mental health services, substance addiction, and counselling within indigenous communities. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how culture, relationships, systems, and life experiences shape each person’s journey. I have supported clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional regulation and substance use. I am committed to providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care and recognize the importance of learning from the communities I serve.
When we work together, you can expect a space where you feel welcome, respected, and supported, free from judgment. We will work collaboratively to understand your experiences, explore patterns that may be holding you back, and identify strengths that can support your growth and healing. I bring compassion, curiosity, authenticity, and openness to each session, while honouring that you are the expert in your own life. Together, we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, creating space for reflection, self-understanding, and meaningful change.
Areas of Focus
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Addictions and Substance Use
Relationship Challenges
Emotional Regulation
Child and Youth Counselling
Couples and Families
Indigenous Counselling
Stress Management
Self Esteem
Building Resilience
Conflict Resolution
Anger Management
Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centred Therapy
Strength-Based Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Narrative Therapy
Psychoeducation
Age ranges served: Ages 10+
Session types: Individual adults, youth, couples, and families, online and in-person.
Email: merlyn.baby@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 103
Text: (250) 412-0209
Fees: $150-165 per session
BCACC 28341
Location: Merlyn works Downtown on Tuesday and Friday evenings, and in North Nanaimo on Saturdays and Sundays.
Choisissez un service, puis une durée et un mode — les heures à droite suivent votre choix.
