About Phoebe
At any stage of life, we may all face challenges that lead us to realize that something needs to change. Seeking support through therapy can help you explore how you hope to show up in relation with yourself, and with other. Whether you are navigating the transition to adulthood, or managing the stresses of parenthood, the difficulties we face inevitably colour the way we see ourselves and the world around us. I hope to walk alongside you towards the change that feels most authentic and aligned.
My background is in systemic relational training, and has been informed by 8 months of prior clinical experience as a therapist intern at the Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology. I have supported individuals, couples, and families using a collaborative and client-centred approach across a range of different topics. From anxiety and depression, to disconnection in romantic relationships, I consider not only your experiences, but also the contextual systems around you.
I understand that asking for help isn't easy, and I hope to hold hope for you, especially when it is hard to hold it for yourself. I truly believe that you are the expert of your own world, and I strive to meet you with curiosity, cultural safety, and non-judgment.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy reading, singing, songwriting, and taking too many pictures of my cat Dippy. I also love hunkering down with a good puzzle, and spending time with my family and friends.
If you'd like to explore whether we might be a good fit, please book a free 15-minute consultation.
Who I Work Best With
I tend to work best with:
Because I am guided by curiosity and openness, I have been able to connect with clients of all different identities and backgrounds. Those who hope to explore and work towards change in their lives may especially resonate with my approach.
I especially enjoy supporting women and young people, and those who are navigating relational problems.
I also enjoy supporting immigrants, and those who are navigating the conflicting values that come from their cultural background and Western society. However, I hold deep empathy and nuance in all situations, so that everyone may feel seen and understood after sessions with me.
The conversations I find myself having again and again
I often work with individuals and couples who have experienced relational trauma or family conflict. Many of us carry childhood wounds that influence our relationships with ourselves and those around us. In particular, many clients have found that their upbringings show up in their romantic relationships, and the way they navigate conflict.
In the past, I have also worked with many young women who are navigating coming of age and life transitions.
Other themes that have consistently shown up include anxiety, depression, communication issues, identity, and self-confidence.
Something I hear many clients say within the first few sessions is that they desire a new perspective or insight from me as a therapist.
What gives me hope
Every client's individual strength and humanity continue to inspire me as a therapist. My experiences with clients have taught me that everyone has their own wisdom and strength inside of them. Watching clients learn to prioritize their own wants and needs versus the voices of others shows me that change is possible.
It is a privilege for me to a small part of someone's journey towards creating the life that they want.
I have learned that pain and suffering are not forever, and that healing does not have to happen alone. Most of all, clients have taught me that there is profound strength in asking for help and being vulnerable with others.
What I wish more people knew about mental health, healing, relationships, identity, parenting, grief, or life in general.
Like physical health, mental health is integral to our wellbeing and experienced by everyone. There is no blame or weakness in struggling with your mental health, nor is there any fault in asking for help. Ideas surrounding “normalcy” are socially constructed, and often unhelpful.
Modalities
Specialties
What questions about people keep drawing your attention
I am fascinated by the uniqueness of every client and the way they see the world. I am intrigued by people's capacity for kindness, empathy, and compassion, even after experiencing profound hurt and trauma.
Education
Languages
What's my story
Coming from a Chinese background, mental health was not discussed or well understood in my family. As a result, I know what it's like not to feel seen or understood by those around me. During my undergrad, I studied social psychology to better understand how people are shaped by their relationships, their experiences, and the world around them. I realized that every person has their own unique story, and we all deserve to live our lives the way we want to.
Growing up, music was also a big part of my life as I studied piano and voice. I started songwriting as a teenager, and have used it as a way to express my emotions creatively. Songwriting has taught me the power of language, as words help us to communicate with others and create change. Words and language can be therapeutic tools that help us to author our own stories.
My experience working as a therapist intern at the Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology also helped shape who I am as a therapist today. My word at Maplewoods was informed by a systemic relational lens, believing that our past experiences and contextual systems influence the way we see the world. Having the honour of witnessing so many clients' lives has also taught me that healing does not have to happen in isolation, and that there is strength in asking for help.
What principles guide your work as a therapist?
The values that I bring into the therapy room include curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and communication. I approach care with authenticity and humanness. I also value feedback from clients.
Good therapy involves creating a safe space that makes room for everything from validation and vulnerability to accountability and growth. I also commit to holding hope for clients, especially when it is hard to hold it for themselves.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04