Mercedes Eileen Villanueva Photo (1)
Mercedes Eileen Villanueva
RP (Qualifying) - Intern Therapist
Low Cost Rate
$40
Couples/Partners
$75
Currently Practicing
Online, Phone
Mercedes Eileen Villanueva
RP (Qualifying) - Intern Therapist

About…

I know what it’s like to feel alone, anxious about the future, and depressed. Between wars, the climate crisis, and rent prices that need their own villain origin story, it’s a lot. Some days, you might feel like you’re just keeping your head above water. On other days, you might feel like you’re sinking into a sea of existential dread. I get it. Whatever the case may be, if there is anything I learned from my own therapy, it is that it’s so important to have a therapist who can dive into the water with you rather than yelling, “Have you tried self-care?” from the shore.

My approach is grounded in existential and relational therapy, which means we’ll dive into whatever currents you’re swimming through to explore the big “what” and “why” questions of your life. To do this, I bring authenticity, kindness, and a bit of humour—because healing shouldn’t feel cold or clinical.

I also bring over four years of experience in speech-language therapy and clinical research. I’ve worked with people across the lifespan—from kids to older adults—in homes, schools, and hospitals, navigating everything from neurodivergence and communication disorders to traumatic and acquired brain injuries. What that taught me is this: life is hard, and talking about it can be even harder.

And on a personal level, as someone who’s mixed-race, alternative, nerdy, queer, and a “former gifted kid,” I know what it’s like to feel like mainstream therapy wasn’t built for you. So, whether we’re untangling a complicated relationship, digging into identity, exploring your inner world through your favourite fandom, or using augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) to communicate, my job is to make sure you feel seen and heard in a way that makes sense for you.

Let’s team up—because you weren’t meant to tread water alone.

Community Focus:
BIPOC, Children, Consumer Survivor, Couples/Partners, Disability, Families, Kink Aware, LGBTQ+, Men, Neurodivergent, New To Canada, Non-Binary, Parents, Polyamorous, Seniors, Sex Work Positive, Spiritual, Teens, Trans-Specific, Women
Issues:
Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Addiction, Anger, Bipolar, Body Image, Borderline, Break-Ups, Burnout/Stress, C-PTSD, Childhood Abuse, Chronic Illness, Codependence, Depression, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin, Grief/Loss, Intimacy/Sex, Learning Disorder, Palliative Support, Phobias, Post Partum, PTSD, Relationships, Self Esteem, Self Harm, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Suicidality, Trauma
Modalities:
ACT, Anti-Oppressive, Attachment Focused, Emotion Focused, Existential, Gestalt, IFS, Inner Child Work, Narrative, Psychoanalytic, Relational, Solution Focused, Somatic, Strengths Based, Trauma Informed
Languages Spoken:
English
* Available Virtually (Online) in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan

* Talk to your therapist about their approach, training, credentials, and experience to ensure the best fit for your needs.

* Inquire about Online Availability in your Province