Hello and welcome! My name is Sophia (pronouns: she/her/hers). I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling from Adler University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Victoria and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Liana as part of my clinical practicum, and honoured to officially be a part of her practice. I also have previous experience working for a non-profit organization helping individuals, families and couples navigate a wide range of challenges including: substance abuse, disordered eating/body image, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, grief/loss, trauma and life transitions.

As I immerse myself in this profession, my fascination with the human mind, relationships and personal growth continues to deepen. My passion for mental health and supporting others in their path to healing is also rooted in personal experience. I’ve learned that with suffering/pain there often comes immense strength and resilience, and I’m constantly inspired by the opportunity that counselling gives both clients and therapists to grow and change into more authentic versions of themselves.

As a therapist and fellow human being, I am also committed to appreciating individual diversity and understanding its impact on one’s identity. My work includes individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities or impairments, and all genders, ages, race/ethnicities, sexual orientations, spiritual/religious backgrounds are appreciated and accepted.

When I’m not working with clients, I love spending time with my friends and family, moving my body and exploring the outdoors as much as possible. I also enjoy slowing down by making homemade cards and other crafts, listening to a wide selection of music and reading in the sun.

My Approach Having gone through my own journey as a client, I know that it takes courage to reach out for help, particularly when feeling vulnerable, anxious, overwhelmed, or wrought with emotion. I strongly believe that everyone is capable of making lasting changes at a time and pace that is fitting for them. While I have the knowledge and training to help guide the therapeutic process, I trust that you are the expert of your own life and inner experience. Using a collaborative, holistic approach, I will meet you where you’re at with respect to your unique concerns, strengths, and therapeutic goals. My counselling experience has also shown me that healing occurs through connection and relationships, starting with the one you have with yourself. My mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which you are able to reconnect with who you truly are.

In my practice, I bring genuineness, compassion, creativity and curiosity into each session. Focusing on the here and now experience, I primarily draw from person-centered, somatic (body oriented), and mindfulness based methods and interventions. I also incorporate a variety of other evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore barriers and limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.

Fancy words aside, the essence of my approach involves viewing you as a whole person rather than only focusing on specific symptoms. Together, we will work with all aspects of the self— considering the body, mind, spirit and emotions. My aim is to help you connect with your inner resources and true values, and to address the obstacles preventing you from living your most fulfilling life.

If you have any questions please contact me via email at sophia@lianayipcounselling.com I would be happy to assist you in any way that I can, and look forward to meeting you.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change” – Carl Rogers

Hello and welcome! My name is Sophia (pronouns: she/her/hers). I hold a Master’s degree in Counse... Read More

My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Law and Society, and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. Additionally, I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree.

Your journey is unique, and so is your strength to overcome it. I believe that one’s past, pain, and struggles are unique to each individual, and that you are the expert of your own experience. I also believe that within each of us, there lies a resilience and inner strength, an ability to heal and grow to lead a fulfilling life. I am dedicated to meeting you wherever you are at, and walking alongside you on your journey towards unlocking your innate potential for healing and growth.

Specializing in areas such as Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Depression, Grief/Loss, Neurodiversity, School/Career, and Stress Management, I offer tailored support to address your unique needs. I provide counselling services to both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals, and work with adolescents and adults both virtually and in-person. My own journey with physical and mental illness has fueled my passion for clinical counselling, highlighting the importance of holistic well-being encompassing both mind and body. Born in Japan and raised in Singapore, I honour diversity by adopting a collaborative, empathic and eclectic approach in my counselling practice that honors the uniqueness of each individual’s experiences.

In addition, as a neurodivergent individual, I prioritize a neuro-affirming approach, recognizing the importance of affirming all identities within the counselling space. Whether you identify as neurodivergent or neurotypical, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique strengths and needs are valued and understood.

I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities into my practice to create an integrative therapeutic approach that is tailored to your goals and needs, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

I look forward to meeting with you to explore your strengths and goals and to support you on your journey.

My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree ... Read More

I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ####Hello! My name is Liana, I am a **Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and hold a master’s degree in counselling psychology from Adler University. My love of learning has led me to obtain a second master’s degree from North America’s foremost institute for the study of depth psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I specialized in Jungian and archetypal studies.

I have been immersed in the study and practice of psychology for the past twenty years. Fuelled by a curiosity of human experience and cultural dynamics, in 2000 I began undergraduate studies in psychology and sociology at the University of Victoria. I embarked on my graduate studies in counselling psychology in 2009.

My clinical practice as a psychotherapist began in 2011, since then I have held positions with the Fraser Health Authority and have been in private practice for the past eight years.

This journey with psychology has been both internal and external. The work I do in the world cannot be separated from the exploration of the depths of my own psyche. I live the work that I offer and it is my hope that this contributes to a safe, warm, and transformative environment for my clients.

Whatever your experience may be, be it life transition, anxiety, depression, or simply a desire for personal growth, I am dedicated to being a part of clients’ journeys to greater life satisfaction and fulfillment.

I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ####Hello! My name is Liana, I am a **Registered Clinical Counsel... Read More