About Dorothy
Becoming a therapist has been a lifelong dream of mine. Having family members and friends who have suffered through depression and suicidal ideation always motivated me to pursue this career because I did not want anyone to feel what my loved ones went through- feelings of helplessness, stigma, and loneliness. My perspective stems from my ethnic background and where I grew up. I am a Chinese-Tibetan woman, a second-generation Indian and a first generation Canadian.
My whole life, I have tried to adapt to a culture different from my own. Dealing with discrimination, racism, and prejudice can be disheartening and isolating when you consider that place your home. If you seek support, want a deeper understanding of yourself, or want someone to talk to, I am here for you. I uphold a strength based, non-judgmental, empathic, and trauma-sensitive space within my practice. Therapy is a collaborative relationship where we can work together to assess your current challenges, identify treatment goals and build a pathway to improving your well-being. Being client-focused and goal-oriented, together we will develop a therapeutic approach that best fits you.
I would be happy to meet you for a free 15-min phone or video consultation, and then you can decide if I am the right therapist for you.
Credentials
I obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from York University in 2017 and graduated with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2023. I have dedicated the past six years of my career to the field of mental health. My journey began as an ABA therapist, where I worked closely with neurodiverse individuals. In this role, I provided support for individuals in their pursuit of emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility, and taught essential social and daily living skills.
I am now a licensed psychotherapist (qualifying) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a non-certified Professional Member of the CCPA.
Who I Work Best With
I tend to work best with:
I work with children, teens, and adults, and I find that people connect most with my approach when they are looking for a warm, collaborative, and genuine therapeutic relationship.
I often support individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, grief, and cultural or family expectations.
My background in ABA and behavioural therapy has also given me extensive experience supporting neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and autism.
My goal is for clients to leave sessions feeling understood, supported, and empowered to move toward a life that feels meaningful and authentic to them.
The conversations I find myself having again and again
While every client's story is unique, many of the same themes show up in my work. I often support people who are navigating anxiety, self-doubt, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, and the impact of difficult past experiences. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, often saying things like, "I don't feel I'm good enough," or "I've spent so much time taking care of others that I've lost sight of who I am."
A pattern I frequently help clients explore is the gap between who they think they should be and who they truly are. Together, we work toward greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and a life that feels more aligned with their values. Those moments when clients begin to see themselves with kindness and confidence are some of the most meaningful parts of my work.
What's it like to work with me
I would describe my style as warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are—without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out.
I believe clients are the experts on their own lives, and my role is to walk alongside them with curiosity, compassion, and practical support. I balance exploration and reflection with tools and strategies that clients can use outside of sessions. Above all, I value building a genuine therapeutic relationship, as I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe, understood, and supported.
What's my story
As an immigrant who grew up between cultures, I've spent much of my life navigating questions of identity, belonging, and what it means to feel understood. My cultural background, family experiences, and experiences with discrimination have shaped how I view the world and deepened my appreciation for the unique stories each person carries.
Some of my greatest lessons about resilience, healing, and connection have come through navigating life transitions, grief, family expectations, and the moments when I've felt disconnected from myself. More recently, becoming a mother has added another layer to that understanding. Motherhood has taught me about vulnerability, patience, self-compassion, and the complexity of balancing different roles and identities. It has also deepened my understanding of how much love, worry, hope, and responsibility people can carry all at once.
These experiences have taught me that healing is rarely linear and that growth often happens when we feel safe enough to be seen as we are. They also remind me that everyone is doing the best they can with the experiences, resources, and stories they carry.
In my work, this shows up as genuine curiosity, compassion, and respect for each client's lived experience. I understand that our struggles do not happen in isolation. They are often shaped by our families, cultures, relationships, past experiences, as well as the social, political, and economic realities that influence our daily lives. My goal is to create a space where you feel accepted, understood, and empowered to explore your challenges without judgment. I believe meaningful change happens through connection, self-awareness, and learning to move toward a life that feels authentic and aligned with your values.
Who are you when you're not working
When I'm not working, I'm usually spending time with my family, chasing after my daughter, or cuddling with my cat and dogs. I love learning and am naturally curious about people, relationships, and personal growth.
What keeps me grounded is connection. Whether that's sharing a meal with loved ones, spending time outdoors, or appreciating the small moments that bring meaning to everyday life.
Modalities
Education
Specialties
Languages
What gives me hope
What gives me hope is the strength and resilience I see in my clients every day. I am continually inspired by people's capacity to grow, adapt, and move toward what matters to them, even in the face of uncertainty and hardship. My clients remind me that healing is rarely perfect or linear, but that meaningful change is always possible when we take small steps forward with courage and compassion.
What misconceptions about therapy do you often challenge
One thing I wish more people knew is that you don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You don't need the right words, a clear goal, or even a full understanding of what's wrong. Therapy can be a place to make sense of things together.
Another common misconception is that growth happens in a straight line. In reality, healing often involves setbacks, uncertainty, and revisiting old patterns. That doesn't mean you're failing—it often means you're doing the work.
I also think people are often surprised to learn that therapy isn't about fixing what's broken. It's about developing a different relationship with yourself, your experiences, and the challenges you're facing. Sometimes the most meaningful changes begin with understanding yourself a little more deeply and responding to yourself with greater compassion.