Pacific Islander Therapists in Vancouver, BC
If you are struggling with a loss of direction or purpose, and want to rejuvenate life with renewed purpose, facing death or about to lose a loved one, I will work with you to find peace and broader meanings so you can carry on with joy and loving memories. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow beyond their current limits regardless of what they are struggling with i.e. addiction, relationship, life-transitions, or meaninglessness etc.
If you are struggling with a loss of direction or purpose, and want to rejuvenate life with renewed purpose, facing death or about to lose a loved one, I will work with you to find peace and broader meanings so you can carry on with joy and loving memories. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow beyond their current limits regardless of what they are struggling with i.e. addiction, relationship, life-transitions, or meaninglessness etc.
Hello! My name is Jessie. Thank you for reaching out to consider if I’m the right counsellor for you. I have an online practice, Ongoing Self, and I offer in-person sessions through Peak Resilience. A little bit about me is that I immigrated to Canada when I was 5, and grew up across 6 different cities. I was also raised in a multi-faith household.
In my own communities, I’ve seen the impact of generations of trauma and low mental health support. It’s not easy trying to navigate everything all at once: your environment, your people, yourself. My hope is to help you write a different future from the history handed to you.
Hello! My name is Jessie. Thank you for reaching out to consider if I’m the right counsellor for you. I have an online practice, Ongoing Self, and I offer in-person sessions through Peak Resilience. A little bit about me is that I immigrated to Canada when I was 5, and grew up across 6 different cities. I was also raised in a multi-faith household.
In my own communities, I’ve seen the impact of generations of trauma and low mental health support. It’s not easy trying to navigate everything all at once: your environment, your people, yourself. My hope is to help you write a different future from the history handed to you.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety (adults/children), and couples counselling.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety (adults/children), and couples counselling.
Hi i’m Chloe, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and art therapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy. I believe healing happens in spaces where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself, or have everything figured out. I’m a Canadian-born Taiwanese woman, the eldest of four girls to first-generation immigrant parents.
I work from a person-centred and culturally sensitive lens, with attention to both trauma responses and the strengths you carry. I’m here to honour your lived experiences while supporting you in growing beyond the systems, narratives, or diagnoses that may have shaped you.
Hi i’m Chloe, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and art therapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy. I believe healing happens in spaces where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself, or have everything figured out. I’m a Canadian-born Taiwanese woman, the eldest of four girls to first-generation immigrant parents.
I work from a person-centred and culturally sensitive lens, with attention to both trauma responses and the strengths you carry. I’m here to honour your lived experiences while supporting you in growing beyond the systems, narratives, or diagnoses that may have shaped you.
Hi, I’m Yili. Reaching out for support can feel uncertain and vulnerable, and I deeply respect your courage to begin this journey. Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years working as a NICU nurse, supporting mothers and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Those experiences, along with my own journey through mental health challenges, shaped my belief in meeting people with compassion, understanding, and without judgment.
Hi, I’m Yili. Reaching out for support can feel uncertain and vulnerable, and I deeply respect your courage to begin this journey. Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years working as a NICU nurse, supporting mothers and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Those experiences, along with my own journey through mental health challenges, shaped my belief in meeting people with compassion, understanding, and without judgment.
I am a psychotherapist (he/him) specializing in working with marginalized individuals, including gay, bi, queer men, masculine-identifying people, and people of color who have experienced discrimination, sexual or physical assault, or interpersonal challenges. I help clients deepen their self-understanding, develop healthier responses, and foster trust and authentic connections in their relationships.
I am a psychotherapist (he/him) specializing in working with marginalized individuals, including gay, bi, queer men, masculine-identifying people, and people of color who have experienced discrimination, sexual or physical assault, or interpersonal challenges. I help clients deepen their self-understanding, develop healthier responses, and foster trust and authentic connections in their relationships.
For over a decade, I’ve worked in the mental health and addictions field, supporting first responders, healthcare workers, and other high-functioning individuals through trauma, depression, anxiety and other challenges. I’ve sat with people who were trained to stay calm in chaos, and who quietly wondered when it became so hard to feel okay in everyday life.
Why Survive to Thrive?
Because surviving is something you’ve already mastered. Thriving is the part that deserves your attention now. My role isn’t to “fix” you, it’s to help you reconnect with yourself in ways that feel practical, respectful, and sustainable.
For over a decade, I’ve worked in the mental health and addictions field, supporting first responders, healthcare workers, and other high-functioning individuals through trauma, depression, anxiety and other challenges. I’ve sat with people who were trained to stay calm in chaos, and who quietly wondered when it became so hard to feel okay in everyday life.
Why Survive to Thrive?
Because surviving is something you’ve already mastered. Thriving is the part that deserves your attention now. My role isn’t to “fix” you, it’s to help you reconnect with yourself in ways that feel practical, respectful, and sustainable.
My expertise is in working with difficulties related to relational dynamics, especially those found in Asian/Asian North American contexts and families. In addition to having lived in Hong Kong, I've worked diverse clients in Los Angeles and Vancouver and I enjoy working with people who are hoping to make better sense of themselves and others from multiple perspectives. Former clients of mine regularly feel as though they are more aware of their "blind spots", are more free to make good life choices, and are prepared to have more fulfilling relationships overall.
My expertise is in working with difficulties related to relational dynamics, especially those found in Asian/Asian North American contexts and families. In addition to having lived in Hong Kong, I've worked diverse clients in Los Angeles and Vancouver and I enjoy working with people who are hoping to make better sense of themselves and others from multiple perspectives. Former clients of mine regularly feel as though they are more aware of their "blind spots", are more free to make good life choices, and are prepared to have more fulfilling relationships overall.
I am Registered Psychologist (2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also provide treatments for individuals with chronic pain, adjustment difficulties related to health issues (e.g., brain injury, chronic diseases), sleep disorders, life transition, grief/bereavement, identity issues, anger management difficulties, and workplace stress. I am also pleased to provide services in Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin). 我可以用英語, 廣東話 或 普通話提供心理輔導服務。
I am Registered Psychologist (2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also provide treatments for individuals with chronic pain, adjustment difficulties related to health issues (e.g., brain injury, chronic diseases), sleep disorders, life transition, grief/bereavement, identity issues, anger management difficulties, and workplace stress. I am also pleased to provide services in Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin). 我可以用英語, 廣東話 或 普通話提供心理輔導服務。
Each of us is equipped with the inner strength, wisdom, and the will to survive and even thrive despite the most difficult challenges of life. I treat you as an expert on your own life. Only you truly know where you have been; where you are now; and where you would like to be. I come alongside you to hold space, ask the right questions, and support you with the tried and tested tools of psychotherapy to guide you on your path to psychological wholeness. Thank you for considering my support in your healing journey. "These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them." – Rumi.
Each of us is equipped with the inner strength, wisdom, and the will to survive and even thrive despite the most difficult challenges of life. I treat you as an expert on your own life. Only you truly know where you have been; where you are now; and where you would like to be. I come alongside you to hold space, ask the right questions, and support you with the tried and tested tools of psychotherapy to guide you on your path to psychological wholeness. Thank you for considering my support in your healing journey. "These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them." – Rumi.
As a long-time advocate for people struggling with addiction and mental health, I am deeply passionate about helping clients process their emotions and achieve their goals. My focus is specifically on assisting Asian clients of all backgrounds and genders. I am dedicated to providing a safe, judgment-free space for individuals to begin their healing journey.
As a long-time advocate for people struggling with addiction and mental health, I am deeply passionate about helping clients process their emotions and achieve their goals. My focus is specifically on assisting Asian clients of all backgrounds and genders. I am dedicated to providing a safe, judgment-free space for individuals to begin their healing journey.
I offer a compassionate space where we can gently explore depressive, anxious, and strong emotional feelings and experiences for individuals, couples, and complex family relationships. I provide low-cost counselling for those experiencing financial insecurity.
I offer a compassionate space where we can gently explore depressive, anxious, and strong emotional feelings and experiences for individuals, couples, and complex family relationships. I provide low-cost counselling for those experiencing financial insecurity.
I am a gay first-generation Filipino-Canadian, and my lived experience navigating as a queer person of color, along with immigrant expectations, has led me to help others navigate through the same experiences. As an individual counselor, I am deeply passionate about working with queer and racialized individuals through their anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, sexual and gender identity, cultural expectations, substance use, and suicide. Many of my clients are confirmed or self-identified part of the LGBTQ+ community, first-generation immigrants, and university students.
I am a gay first-generation Filipino-Canadian, and my lived experience navigating as a queer person of color, along with immigrant expectations, has led me to help others navigate through the same experiences. As an individual counselor, I am deeply passionate about working with queer and racialized individuals through their anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, sexual and gender identity, cultural expectations, substance use, and suicide. Many of my clients are confirmed or self-identified part of the LGBTQ+ community, first-generation immigrants, and university students.
Do you identify as a queer or trans Asian/Filipino/a/x? Are you experiencing challenges with your mental health and figuring out your sexuality? Do you find it hard to fit in and belong? If so, I am a first-generation gay Filipino-Canadian, and my lived experience has led me to help other 2SLGBTQ+, Asian, and/or Filipino/a/x/ individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts, sexual and gender identity, cultural expectations, substance use, self-harm, and suicide.
Do you identify as a queer or trans Asian/Filipino/a/x? Are you experiencing challenges with your mental health and figuring out your sexuality? Do you find it hard to fit in and belong? If so, I am a first-generation gay Filipino-Canadian, and my lived experience has led me to help other 2SLGBTQ+, Asian, and/or Filipino/a/x/ individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts, sexual and gender identity, cultural expectations, substance use, self-harm, and suicide.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety ( adults/children) and couples counselling.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety ( adults/children) and couples counselling.
Kate is a compassionate and empathetic clinical counselor who understands that taking the first step into counseling can feel overwhelming. She recognizes that many people may not always know where to begin their journey toward healing, and she is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed space where individuals can feel safe and heard.
Kate’s approach is grounded in the belief that collaboration, psychological safety, and trust are essential components of effective therapy. She strives to create an inclusive environment where clients of all backgrounds feel respected and valued.
Kate is a compassionate and empathetic clinical counselor who understands that taking the first step into counseling can feel overwhelming. She recognizes that many people may not always know where to begin their journey toward healing, and she is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed space where individuals can feel safe and heard.
Kate’s approach is grounded in the belief that collaboration, psychological safety, and trust are essential components of effective therapy. She strives to create an inclusive environment where clients of all backgrounds feel respected and valued.
Hello there, my name is Bryan and Clients often meet me during times of stress, uncertainty, or transition, and my role is to provide steady, evidence-informed support that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
I work with adults, teens 17+, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ clients through secure telehealth services in all provinces covered under my supervision. I am also now accepting couples for counselling, supporting partners in improving communication, navigating conflict, and strengthening connection.
Hello there, my name is Bryan and Clients often meet me during times of stress, uncertainty, or transition, and my role is to provide steady, evidence-informed support that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
I work with adults, teens 17+, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ clients through secure telehealth services in all provinces covered under my supervision. I am also now accepting couples for counselling, supporting partners in improving communication, navigating conflict, and strengthening connection.
Do you feel you are not enough? Do you feel as though you don't belong? If you are someone who has transplanted roots (relocated to a new city, family of origin is from a different country), and are trying to figure out who you are - and not what someone tells you to be? I invite you to connect with me to help you find and begin to express your most authentic self, unapologetically. Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy (as everyone has their own unique experiences), know that you're not alone. We will work together to get you where you want to be.
Do you feel you are not enough? Do you feel as though you don't belong? If you are someone who has transplanted roots (relocated to a new city, family of origin is from a different country), and are trying to figure out who you are - and not what someone tells you to be? I invite you to connect with me to help you find and begin to express your most authentic self, unapologetically. Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy (as everyone has their own unique experiences), know that you're not alone. We will work together to get you where you want to be.
Elardo Therapy and Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My practice specializes in working with youth, couples, and families. I support clientele who need support with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and self-esteem. Many of my clients are experiencing mental health struggles related to their life transitions such as divorce/separation, death of a loved one, and work-related challenges. I can provide you, and your partner, single sessions, brief therapy, and long-term psychotherapy. I offer my services through my office, at your home through Zoom (video therapy), or any location convenient for you. I will ensure that you feel comfortable with the process of starting therapy.
My practice specializes in working with youth, couples, and families. I support clientele who need support with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and self-esteem. Many of my clients are experiencing mental health struggles related to their life transitions such as divorce/separation, death of a loved one, and work-related challenges. I can provide you, and your partner, single sessions, brief therapy, and long-term psychotherapy. I offer my services through my office, at your home through Zoom (video therapy), or any location convenient for you. I will ensure that you feel comfortable with the process of starting therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
Challenges are inevitable in this life, but they can be managed with the help of family, friends or sometimes professionals. My life mission is to be of service to people who are suffering. I strive to create a counselling space in which my clients feel at ease with being able to share their stories. I truly believe in the possibility of people being able to move through their pain, in order to live happier and healthier lives.
Challenges are inevitable in this life, but they can be managed with the help of family, friends or sometimes professionals. My life mission is to be of service to people who are suffering. I strive to create a counselling space in which my clients feel at ease with being able to share their stories. I truly believe in the possibility of people being able to move through their pain, in order to live happier and healthier lives.
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FAQ - Pacific Islander Counselling
What are the advantages of seeing a Pacific Islander therapist?
For many Pacific Islander individuals, working with a provider who shares or respects their cultural background can foster a deeper sense of trust and connection in the therapeutic process—an essential foundation for effective care. A significant barrier to mental health treatment for many Pacific Islander individuals is the stigma that may be associated with seeking therapy. A culturally aligned therapist can help reduce this stigma and normalise the therapeutic process. Pacific Islander therapists may also be especially well-equipped to address issues that affect Pacific Islander communities, such as historical trauma, intergenerational grief, and cultural identity—factors that deeply influence mental health experiences. Providers who personally identify as Pacific Islander may incorporate traditional healing practices, spiritual beliefs, and community-based approaches that align with Pacific Islander values. Additionally, Pacific Islander therapists can serve as important sources of representation within the mental health field and may be familiar with culturally relevant resources, support networks, or other trusted providers who understand the unique experiences of Pacific Islander populations. As a result, they are often well positioned to offer referrals and collaborate with other professionals, helping to ensure care that honors both clinical best practices and cultural traditions.
How to find a Pacific Islander therapist?
Psychology Today’s online directory is a useful tool for finding a Pacific Islander therapist. You can filter for providers who identify as Pacific Islander or who mention working with Pacific Islander populations and highlight cultural competence in their profiles. Look for signs such as experience with Pacific Islander communities, familiarity with cultural and spiritual practices, or a focus on trauma-informed and community-centered care. Depending on your preferences and needs, it may also be important to ask whether a provider offers telehealth, which therapeutic approaches they use, and whether they accept your insurance. If you're unable to find a therapist who personally identifies as Pacific Islander, you may also consider providers who have experience working with Pacific Islander clients or who demonstrate a clear commitment to cultural knowledge and respect for Pacific Islander values and traditions. You might also consider a blended approach—for example, seeing a therapist for talk therapy while also working with a member of the Pacific Islander community for more culturally-specific support.

