About Me
I am a registered member (#1829) of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) since 2001. With more than 20 years of professional counselling experience in both public and private settings, I am passionate in walking with people through their struggles and helping them overcome their traumatic past. I am always eager to learn and develop myself both personally and professionally. My counselling approach aims at helping clients increase their self-awareness, identify unresolved emotional blockages, desensitize and reprocess emotional charged materials, promote integration of a wholistic self, improve and enrich interpersonal relationships, develop new perspectives in their life stories, and experience the joy of emotional freedom.
I believe life is created to be beautiful, meaningful, and hopeful despite the messiness and complexity of humanity. I value each individual's uniqueness and the process of their "becoming". I offer the option of Christian faith integration within the counselling process but it is entirely up to the client's choice. Being a partaker of grace, I am committed to care for the soul and journey with people from different walks of life.
~ E
sther
I came from Hong Kong and have resided in Vancouver Canada for over 30 years. I am married and blessed with a family of four. I am fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
My Journey
Education
I graduated from University of British Columbia with Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Trinity Western University and Seminary with Master of Counselling, and Regent College with Master of Arts in Theological Studies.
Professional Training
TRAUMA-INFORMED COUNSELLING
I have received training in Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy. With my continual study in Structural Dissociation Theory, Ego States Therapy, Integrated Family Systems and other trauma-informed therapy models, I hold a systemic view on the complexity of our inner and external experiences and help clients navigate in the midst of relational and psychological health issues.
I have received training in Energy Diagnostic & Treatment Method. I often incorporate energy tapping as one of the tools in my practice.
I incorporate techniques from various evidence-based methods such as Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my work.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and a registered member of EMDR International Association. I use EMDR therapy to help clients process and resolve impacts from past disturbing events. I am actively pursuing advanced EMDR trainings and other complementary modalities such as Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).
MARRIAGE & COUPLES COUNSELLING
I have completed Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and I apply Gottman method when working with couples. I am also a trained Prepare-Enrich Program facilitator. I am certified to administer the program with couples in preparation for marriage or relationship enrichment.
Spiritual Direction
I have completed a two-year training in Spiritual Direction at Christian Formation and Direction Ministry Pacific Northwest as providing soul care to my clients is a significant part of my passion.
Private Practice
I am currently running a solo practice, Dei Gratia Counselling & Wellness, in Richmond BC's London Landing area to provide both in-person & online counselling and spiritual direction services. I also work two days a week at a group practice, FHL Clinics, in Richmond's Ironwood area with a team of amazing therapists.
Areas of Counselling Services
Individual Counselling
Anger management. Anxiety. Depression. Grief & Bereavement. Interpersonal Relationship. Personal Growth. Self-esteem. Spirituality (Christianity). Stress Management. Early Trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress (e.g. Motor Vehicle Accidents). Women Issues.
Couples Counselling
Communication enhancement. Conflict management. Life transitions. Premarital preparation. Marriage Enrichment. Affair. Separation & Divorce care.
Parenting
Disciplinary issues. Parent-child communication. Conflict management.
”
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When we lay the soil of our hard lives open to the rain of grace and let joy penetrate our cracked and dry places, let joy soak into our broken skin and deep crevices, life grows. How can this not be the best thing for the world? For us?
~ Ann Voskamp
Rate & Policy
1
APPOINTMENT BOOKING
You can fill out the Contact Form below and I will reply within 3 business days to set up an appointment with you.
*ICBC provides subsidies for 12 counselling sessions for the first 12 weeks after a MVA. Please let me know when you are booking for ICBC covered sessions.
2
SESSION FEE
Individual Session (50min): CAD $170 + GST
Couples Session (80min): CAD $285 + GST
3
PAYMENT
Payment is due at the end of each session. Cash, credit card, or e-transfer is accepted.
*If you have extended health benefits, please check if your insurance policy has coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellor. You can use the receipts provided to make your own claim.
4
RESCHEDULING / CANCELATION
If you are not able to keep your appointment, please give 48 hours' notice. Otherwise, the full fee will be charged.
In-Person Counselling Service
LOCATION
London Landing Area, Richmond BC
HOURS
Wednesdays & Fridays (9am-6pm)
Saturdays (9am-1pm)
FHL CLINICS
LOCATION
Ironwood Area, Richmond, BC
HOURS
Tuesday & Thursday (9am-6pm)
Online Counselling Service
Online counselling service is conducted via a PIPEDA compliant virtual platform.
The Birth of Dei Gratia Counselling & Wellness
As a Christian, my life is inseparable from God's loving grace. From attending my first home church in Canada (Richmond Grace Alliance) in 1993, to writing a collection of songs while studying at Regent (recorded in the album, Worship in His Grace), to sitting in that little coffee shop named "Gratia" (i.e. Grace or Unmerited favor) waiting sadly in my own grief, I have experienced so much grace of God through this bumpy ride of life. On the day that I sat with a cup of coffee in my hand, waiting for my loved one while she's attending her counselling appointment, I was overcome with a deep sense of sorrow and gratitude: I felt deeply sorrowful that my love was hurt by the cruelty of life and I felt tremendously grateful that someone was there walking alongside her in her darkest time. When I held these two seemingly opposite feelings together, I was once again humbled and being held by God's loving grace. I was reminded that my calling to become a counselling therapist and a spiritual director, to walk alongside someone through thick and thin, is deeply rooted and anchored in this loving grace. "I am enough. Because His grace is enough in me and for me," my heart said.
In June 2022, by grace of God (Dei Gratia), after various trials and aches this little seed is cracked open and a new shoot is growing out of the good soil. May Dei Gratia Counselling & Wellness, this online counselling and spiritual direction service, be a living experience of God's grace within and among us. I hope to meet with you and walk along side you one day!
Contact & Booking
*In the event of a mental health emergency or crisis, call a crisis line (604-872-3311; 1-800-SUICIDE) or 988.
