My name is Yuka. I am very grateful and it is an honour to be part of VIU’s Counselling team. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who brings a wealth of training and experience working with children, youths, adults and families in culturally diverse settings. I specialize in working with individuals and families on the issues of anxiety, depression, self-regulation, ADHD symptoms, parent-child conflicts, family mediation/reunification, distress within family dynamics, stress management, life transition, parental support, and cross-cultural issues.
“Walking through the challenge together” is my professional motto for my counselling work and to help my clients. My therapeutic approaches are diverse: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Collaborative Problem-Solving, Culturally sensitive, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Mindfulness, Morita therapeutic, Strength-based, and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling. I strive to maximize the outcomes that each individual wishes by utilizing different types of therapeutic approaches to best suit my client’s needs. I believe acceptance and action-taking are crucial in making change in one’s life. I support an individual’s difficulties by walking through the challenges with them.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at VIU before completing my Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Guidance Studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Master’s degrees in both Clinical Counselling at City University of Seattle and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling at UBC. I have also completed advanced training in Cross-Cultural Counselling through UBC. I gathered over 13 years of experience working as a professional in the field of mental health. I really enjoy working with individuals/families by providing them a safe place and supporting their challenges.
I am originally from Tokyo, Japan. I provide counselling services in both English and Japanese. I am looking forward to getting connected with you.
Yuka