My name is Evelyn (She/Her). I am registered with the BC College of Social Workers (#18405) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (#865694). I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary. I am a first-generation Chinese-Canadian and was raised in a Cantonese-speaking home. I am an introverted, insightful, curious, and able-bodied individual.
My approach is open, kind, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive and I want to truly get to know you, your stories and what you are comfortable sharing first before we consider any modalities. I believe it is important to understand your story, your history, and the experiences that have shaped who you are today. While I work within certain frameworks, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solutions Focused Therapy, I am open to explore what approach works best for you and your concerns. We will also draw on trauma-informed and person-centred approaches that focus on your choices, safety, and trust throughout the counselling process.
Identity, Self-Worth and Finding Yourself
Starting counseling can feel vulnerable and lonely, but you do not have to go through it alone. I want to help you reconnect with who you are and learn more about yourself. Working at a pace that feels comfortable for you, we can explore ideas like self-doubt, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and boundaries. We can also work on self-compassion, connection, and feeling more in control by focusing on a more strengths based lens and pragmatic strategies.
Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Burnout
If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, or burnout, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I believe these experiences are often connected to the demands, transitions, and challenges we encounter throughout life. We can make space to understand what you’re experiencing, build greater awareness of your needs, and explore healthier ways of coping and moving forward. My hope is to support you in reconnecting with your strengths, confidence, and the people, values, and experiences that bring meaning and joy to your life.
Grief, Loss and Life Transitions
Grief and change are a normal part of life. They can happen when we lose a loved one, a job, a pet, or a relationship. Grief can also come from feeling stuck or unsure about where you are in life. Growth is also not always linear, and that’s perfectly okay. We can work together to acknowledge, understand, and eventually accept these feelings through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques.
Culture and Mental Health
Our culture and upbringing can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. I work with clients who want to explore their cultural experiences, family stories, and the ways these experiences have shaped their identity. Counselling can be a space to learn and unlearn. Sometimes, the expectations we carry can lead us to be hard on ourselves. We can explore these thoughts and find new ways to understand ourselves.
I understand how hard it can be to balance the many parts of life while also managing your mental health. My own lived experiences help me bring compassion and empathy to my work. I want to support you in building on your strengths and creating a life that feels meaningful to you. You are the expert in your own life. My role is to listen, learn from your story, and support you along the way. I value being honest and open in our conversations. Your thoughts and feedback are welcomed so we can better understand each other and make counselling work for you.
Beyond Counselling
Outside of counselling, I have years of experience in crisis response, education, and health care. I enjoy cooking with friends, visiting parks, trying new restaurants, and exploring local coffee shops. It also brings me tremendous joy to be visiting hot and cold plunges, painting, creating hand-building projects at my local community centre and exploring different spots through Classpass.
English and Cantonese Counselling — In Person and Virtual
I speak English and conversational Cantonese. I offer counselling both in person in Vancouver and virtually. My accessible counselling is also available on Wednesdays from 8am-12pm.
If you have third-party funding for counselling, please check with your insurance provider to see if you will be covered prior to booking with me.
Please feel free to book a free 15-minute phone consultation with me here. You can also reach me directly by email at evelynchancounselling@gmail.com