Background

My name is Carrie, and I am an intern Counsellor with Avery Therapy Centre. I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada at 5 years old, growing up in a small community in northern Saskatchewan. As an immigrant, I quickly learned the ever-shifting nuances of being and belonging. I have firsthand experience with the challenges of cultural adjustment and balancing multiple cultural identities. This personal journey has shaped my understanding of how important it is to honour the stories we come from as we build our sense of belonging and carve out our identity. I deeply appreciate the resilience required to navigate new environments and seek to change what may no longer work for us.

                       

From an early age, I was fascinated by how people perceive and interpret the world in different ways, filtered through the lenses we use to make sense of our surroundings. When I moved to Ontario to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a psychology elective captured my interest, igniting a passion that led me to pivot my academic direction. Psychology aligned perfectly with my deep curiosity about human behaviour and thought processes. After completing my psychology degree, I pursued law school in Victoria to explore the intersection of law and human behaviour. For over a decade, I built a legal career in Vancouver, navigating complex problems and advocating for clients who faced systemic and personal challenges, including poverty, mental health, and substance abuse. While rewarding, my legal career highlighted a critical gap–the need for a strong therapeutic alliance to facilitate lasting change and healing. This realization sparked a desire to transition into counselling, where I could apply my skills in a more healing-focused practice.

 

Therapeutic Approach

I believe deeply in a client-centered approach, where you, the client, are the expert in your own life. My role is to support you in finding the path that feels right for you. While I draw from various therapeutic techniques, what matters most to me is finding the approach that best fits your unique situation. This flexibility allows for a tailored, responsive therapeutic experience that adapts to your evolving needs.

 

I take a comprehensive approach to treatment, incorporating a wide range of therapeutic modalities to create a plan specifically suited to each client. By taking an eclectic approach, my goal is to support you as you navigate current challenges while laying the foundation for your long-term growth and well-being. Ultimately, I strive to help you feel empowered to navigate your healing journey, giving you the tools and understanding to create changes that resonate with you and your context.

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My online booking link can be found here.