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 Jennifer (she/her/hers).

I am a 2nd generation immigrant, and I speak Vietnamese and English.

My personal experience of mental health and being on the other side of the couch, I know how difficult, intimidating, vulnerable, and/or scary it can be to reach out or speak up. Thereby, my approach to counselling is informal and less traditional. Think of it as a close companion walking alongside you.

When working with me, I prioritize creating a space (indoors or out) where you feel safe, heard, and supported. Together, we will explore the struggles and work collaboratively to help you find resources within and widen your opportunities for change and growth. You can expect me to be warm, inviting, empathic, supportive, patient, curious, and accepting.

I have experience in various areas of support, such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, self-compassion, perfectionism, academic pressures, familial pressures, burnout, life transitions, life purpose, identity, and cultural concerns. I have worked in an educational institute with students, young adults, and people of colour. However, I welcome clients of all ages, diversities, and life paths.

My name is Jennifer (she/her/hers). I am a 2nd generation immigrant, and I speak Vietnamese and ... Read More

Hello! My name is Yuka (She/Her). 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.

My passion for being a counsellor stems from past personal experience with physical and mental illness. Having experienced both has made me realize how mental health is as important as physical health and has highlighted the benefits of a holistic approach to healing that includes mind and body.

I believe that one’s past, pain, and struggles are unique to each individual, and that clients are the experts of their own lives. I also believe that everyone has the resilience, inner strength, and ability to heal and grow from emotional pain and lead a fulfilling life. I see my role as walking alongside you throughout your journey towards change by staying present and starting wherever you are at.

My areas of focus include supporting clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, autism, depression, and stress management. My intention is to provide support that is tailored to your unique needs, rather than applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Originally from Japan and raised in Singapore, I bring diversity to my practice by embracing an empathic and eclectic approach to my work, which includes drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as mindfulness interventions.

I look forward to collaborating with you to explore your strengths and goals and to support you on your journey. I offer free initial consultations and would be happy to meet with to answer any questions you may have.

Hello! My name is Yuka (She/Her). I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a... 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