About Yifei Oliver Wang
Perhaps you've been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or carrying something that's difficult to put into words. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to face it alone.
Having moved from China to Canada myself, I understand many of the challenges that can come with navigating different cultures, identities, relationships, and life's transitions. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted.
My journey into counselling began through my own exploration of the relationship between spiritual practice and mental health. I found wisdom and comfort in these practices, which inspired me to explore how spiritual philosophies and therapeutic approaches can come together in a way that is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive within counselling.
My work is grounded in a humanistic and relational perspective while integrating mindfulness-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Rather than applying a single method to everyone, I believe therapy is most meaningful when it is tailored to each person's unique experiences, values, and goals.
I believe therapy is about more than solving problems. Together, we'll develop a deeper understanding of who you are, cultivate greater compassion toward yourself, and discover new ways of relating to your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life's challenges. My hope is to create a collaborative space where you feel supported in making sense of your experiences and moving toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
A line that continues to guide me comes from the Diamond Sutra: "Awaken the mind without resting it on anything." To me, it is a reminder that healing often begins not by changing who we are, but by changing the way we relate to our experiences, with openness, curiosity, and compassion.
If this resonates with you, I'd be happy to connect through a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.
How We Might Work Together
I can help with:
Those looking for a judgment-free space to explore their identities, cultures, and sense of self.
Those navigating relationship and intimacy concerns.
Those seeking to better understand family dynamics and intergenerational experiences.
Those wanting to develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and inner experiences.
Those exploring spirituality, meaning, and purpose in their lives.
Those looking for practical tools and perspectives to navigate life’s challenges.
Patterns & Topics That Frequently Come Up in Session
I always want my clients to know that counselling is not about pathologizing who they are. Whatever stories, past experiences, patterns of thinking, or identities you carry with you can become a source of discovery, understanding, and compassion. Together, we can explore these experiences and use them to build new lenses and perspectives through which to understand yourself and the world around you.
What Inspires My Work as a Therapist
I think this is ultimately how I see people becoming happier and more fulfilled through our work together. Seeing that positive change unfold—and feeling that positive energy being shared in the process—has also been deeply meaningful for me, motivating me to continue the work I do.
What's My Story
I have spent nearly equal parts of my life in the Eastern and Western worlds, giving me a great glimpse into how our cultures differ, and how they might be similar. Only after experiencing the diversity of our world have I gained the capacity to appreciate and remain curious about whichever identities you embrace, or those you have yet to discover.
Modalities
Specialties
What's It Like To Work With Me
There is no single path that fits everyone. In Buddhism, this is reflected in the idea of skillful means: different people may need different doors through which to encounter the same truth. I see counselling in much the same way. With this in mind, I embrace a collaborative and reflective approach, tailoring my work to you as a person—your experiences, your needs, and the unique way you make sense of the world.
Education
Languages
What Do You Enjoy Outside Of Therapy?
Outside of sessions, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I love being in nature and travelling, and I also enjoy board games and movies. One of my biggest hobbies, though, is picking up new hobbies! As I’m writing this, I’ve recently gotten into classical symphonies—Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons is my current favourite—and I also just got certified as a bartender :)
What changes would you hope clients notice in themselves over time?
Through our time together, we will work collaboratively to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, how we act, behave, think, and respond to the experiences and circumstances we face. Ultimately, it is about becoming more congruent with who we are and how we want to live. At its core, I believe counselling is about cultivating that inner sense of understanding, agency, and power within ourselves.