I am of Chinese and mixed European ancestry, raised in a multilingual Cantonese immigrant household with four generations under one roof. I am the 2nd generation born in Canada and the 5th generation living and working here. My family was uprooted during war, occupation, and laws that separate families. I draw on their strength in my work.
I hold two master’s degrees from the University of British Columbia, in Counselling Psychology and in Interdisciplinary Studies (Population Health Epidemiology and Occupational Health Psychology). I have worked as a therapist in community counselling centres with adults and youth, providing individual, couples, and family counselling. I have experience in facilitating support groups and workshops in the community, and also worked as a group therapist at a live-in treatment program supporting youth to find freedom from problematic subdstance use.
Prior to my counselling work, starting in 1998, I worked in group facilitation and direct support positions dedicated to peer support, anti-violence, family services, and food security. Alongside my community work and counselling practice, I have also conducted university and hospital research, focusing on stress, health and the social conditions in which people live. Examining how these situations shape our lives, communities, and entire societies, my research experience spans the areas of reproductive health, early childhood development, and workplace health and safety.
In my spare time, my passions are food, all kinds of family, ocean breeze, and collecting vinyl records.
Memberships, Education & Credentials
Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors #10957
MEd in Counselling Psychology, UBC (American Psychological Association-accredited program, Graduate Entrance Scholarship)
MSc in Interdisciplinary Studies (Population Health Epidemiology and Occupational Health Psychology, Home Department: Healthcare & Epidemiology), UBC (Michael Smith, SSHRC, & Graduate Entrance Scholarships)
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Certificate of Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University (Convocation Speaker)
I continue to grow with my commitment to wellness and have received additional certified training in:
- Anti-Oppression Psychotherapy (Continuing Healing Consultants)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Sue Johnson)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Medical University of South Carolina)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT Centre of Vancouver)
- Trauma & Addictions (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
- Psychodrama & Neuroplasticity (Jeff Thompson)
- Narrative Therapy (Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy)
- Trauma & Social Justice (Generative Somatics)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization) (BC School of Professional Psychology)
Co-founding member of local group Anti-Oppression Psychotherapists of Colour in 2010
Click here to see my scientific publications.
