I believe people are strong and resilient, and cope with life’s challenges to their best ability. I often work alongside folx navigating intersecting identities – gender, sexuality, cultural, racial, relational – and life’s transitions. In co-creating an open and authentic space with clients, I invite them to access internal strengths and explore new possibilities. Anti-oppression, feminist, and queer theories shape my approach. Additionally, as a second generation Chinese-Canadian born to immigrant parents, I have had the intimate experiences and (un)learnings inherently linked to hyphenated identities. I was born and raised in Vancouver, on unceded Coast Salish territories, and have a conversational fluency in Cantonese.
For the last ten years, I have worked alongside youth in mental health support, and substance use prevention and intervention services with a local school board and local health authority with both youth and their support network. Previously, I worked in the Downtown Eastside as a Case Manager and Youth Worker. Currently, I work alongside youth and caregivers, providing support in navigating stressors, intersectionality, and parenting concerns. For the past ten years, I have volunteered with Chill Vancouver, a program that provides youth the opportunity to learn board sports, while incorporating life skills teachings. I believe in the value of integrating outdoor adventure with therapeutic work.
I have my Masters in Counselling, graduating with President’s Honour. I am a registered member (#17325) of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have training in Motivational Interviewing, substance use interventions, including harm reduction strategies, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Racialized Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (Level 1), and Mental Health First Aid.
I look forward to collaborating alongside you.