A Letter from Ivy
Life is not only about enduring what it throws at you.
Whether you feel like you have tried everything you can,
or you need immediate support on what you are facing now,
this is the space for you. I am here for you.
I am here to open your dialogues with the world and with yourself, and to help you find and live with your inner consent – the feeling of “this is right for me”, “this is what I want for my life!”
What you can expect is a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and open place, where I will walk alongside you, listening to you and your needs, supporting you when you feel down or lost, affirming you when you make change happen!
I believe we are meant to meet each other. I honor our encounter by seeing you as a holistic person with strength, dreams, and inner wisdom - not only your symptoms or issues, and bringing my authentic self to our sessions - being open, being available, and being with you.
Education & Qualification
Ivy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Ivy holds a Master’s Degree in counselling psychology from Trinity Western University. Ivy has also been trained in multiple trauma-informed therapeutic modalities, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; also known as a specific type of CBT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD), Polyvagal Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI). In order to keep her knowledge and skills up-to-date, Ivy continues to pursue ongoing education and training, including Existential Analysis (EA), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Scope of Practice
Ivy works together with children, youth, post-secondary students, and adults of all ages. Ivy specializes in trauma (PTSD, single incident trauma, relational/complex trauma in childhood and adulthood, including but not limited to physical/emotional abuse, sexual harassment/assault/abuse, neglect, abandonment issue, infidelity, etc.), anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, burnout/self-care, and internal conflicts. As a person who has encountered both Western and Asian culture, Ivy is also interested in providing service to people from different cultures. Ivy offers both in person and online counselling service.
Therapeutic Approach
With fundamental faith in clients’ desire and potential for growth and change, Ivy strives to tailor her approach to clients’ different needs. In counselling sessions with Ivy, clients have full control of the pace and plan they are launching towards while working as a team with Ivy. As one part of the team, Ivy incorporates traditional talk therapy (such as CPT/Cognitive Processing Therapy - also known as a specific type of CBT/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD) with holistic therapy approaches (such as EMDR/Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, IFS/Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness), with adjustment based on clients’ feedback and their reactions to various interventions.
Languages
Ivy provides counselling in both English and Chinese (Mandarin).
Meet Emma
I am a compassionate and empathetic aspiring counsellor, blending personal and professional experiences to inform a client-centred approach to therapy. Through my practicum, I have strengthened my ability to build trusting therapeutic relationships and support individuals navigating life transitions, cultural challenges, and parenting struggles. With a deep belief in the transformative power of connection, I bring active listening, empathy, and authenticity to every client interaction.
As a student, my academic journey is deeply intertwined with my personal growth. I see life as a mountain climb, where the obstacles we face are like falling rocks. Ideally, after we get hurt or stuck by the rocks, we can recognize them, put them aside, let them go, and keep moving forward. However, I often find myself holding onto these rocks, carrying their weight in my pockets, making the journey heavier over time.
My path to becoming a therapist is about learning to release these burdens —to find freedom, embrace curiosity, and rediscover love. As a therapist, I aim to walk alongside you on your own climbs. When you are struck by falling rocks, I can be there to help catch the rocks, process them, and learn how to put them aside. Together, we can lighten the load, allowing them to continue their journey with greater ease and resilience.
Framework
My practice is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Satir’s systemic approach, allowing me to help clients cultivate deeper self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Additionally, my training in sand tray play therapy expands my ability to support children who express themselves in unique and nonverbal ways. My practicum experience has equipped me to ensure that clients feel seen and understood from the very first session. I believe that healing happens within the context of safety and connection, and I strive to create an authentic, transparent, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences with courage.
Education
Emma is a student member of the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT) and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She holds an MBA from TWU with a specialization in nonprofit and charitable organizations. With a background in finance and experience working with international students, immigrant families, and diverse communities, Emma integrates her understanding of cultural transitions, financial stress, and family dynamics into her therapeutic approach.
Additional Training
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Become an LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist: Trauma-Informed Clinical Interventions for Adults — Aaron Testard, Dr. Joe Kort — PESI — In Progress
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ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) — Dr. Stephanie Sarkis — PESI — In Progress
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Grief Group Facilitation Workshop — Deborah Davison — Trinity Western University — 01/2025
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Treatment Planning in Family Therapy — Dr. Diane Gerhart —Online Workshop— 12/2024
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Introduction of Sand Tray Therapy — Patricia Felzien & Beth Scholes — Trinity Western University — 10/2024
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Mental Health First Aid — Canadian Mental Health Association — 04/2019
Languages
Emma provides counselling in both English and Chinese (Mandarin).
