Dr. Olivia Merritt

Dr. Merritt received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She is registered as a clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Dr. Merritt currently works as Assistant Director of the Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment at the University of Waterloo. She also works part-time in private practice in Waterloo Region. She conducts assessment and treatment with adults and couples. Her treatment orientation is integrative and client-centered. Her clinical interests include workplace injuries, trauma-focused treatment, self-compassion, psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessment, and identity and relationship exploration. Dr. Merritt completed her pre-doctoral residency at London Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium, where she gained experience working with those with operational stress injuries, seizure-related disorders, substance use disorders, and severe and chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Merritt’s research experience centers around family factors in anxiety disorders, treatment attitudes, and fears of compassion.