About Me

Supporting you through grief and loss

During my 20+ years of counselling experience in a number of different settings, my clients have included individuals injured at work, survivors of sexual abuse, suicide, homicide, sudden loss and the death of a loved one through illness. Currently, in addition to private practice specializing in grief and loss, I facilitate a Parent Room group at the Lighthouse for Grieving Children in Oakville.  In addition to being a cancer survivor, I have experienced the sudden loss of multiple family members.  My personal experience has been a valuable asset in the work that I do.   My logo, the triquetra knot, is a Celtic symbol of strength and HOPE. Courage, strength, resilience and HOPE were my guiding light through dark days.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from York University and a Master of Education degree in Counselling from the University of Toronto.  I am a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals.  Having attended numerous workshops and conferences addressing the needs, concerns and issues related to grief and loss, I continue to seek out opportunities for professional development.  My goal is to help you help yourself. 

 

Testimonial

Cheryl Mercer was a volunteer Grief Counsellor with the Survivor Support Program (SSP) for nearly 6 years. The SSP provides face-to-face individual and group support for survivors of suicide and homicide loss. Cheryl demonstrated exceptional counselling skills, compassion, empathy and teamwork. Feedback received about Cheryl from co-workers and program participants was tremendous. She worked with a diverse group of individuals in a sensitive way. Cheryl excelled in partnerships, never hesitating to take on a mentoring role. She was always willing to explore novel and helpful ways to support our clients. I would highly recommend Cheryl to anyone seeking a Grief Counsellor.

 

Alex Shendelman, Manager, Traumatic Loss Survivor Support Program
Toronto Distress Centre