Culturally Sensitive Therapy Therapists in Canada

Warm Greetings! I am grateful that you are here and recognize your innate strength to choose to be here. I work with clients who are navigating through their relationships with self, others, and the world. This may show up in different ways and intensities, and/or in multiple areas of life, and I value the intersectionality, complexity and uniqueness that comes with addressing and exploring your life and experiences with you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, or stress. Maybe you are wanting to rebuild trust and compassion towards yourself or navigate transitions in your life or changes in relationships. Or perhaps you want to work through some things from your past that are showing up in the present. My clinical philosophy when sitting with clients aligns with curiosity, recognition, collaboration, warmth, and space. The approach I take is based in a strong belief that you have the answers within and that our time together can be a space to explore and build. I joyfully honour your choice and your voice taking up the therapeutic space. You’ve got this, and I’m here with you. Some more about me: I am a cis, able-bodied, woman, born and raised in so-called Vancouver BC, with Indian ancestry. I am a second-gen, racialized settler living and working on the unceded and traditional lands of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) nations. Outside of my counselling work, I enjoy laughing with loved ones and connecting to practices and activities that spark creativity and joy.

You deserve to be seen and heard, not just for what you achieve, but for who you are. I specialize in supporting athletes, high achievers, and Asian and racialized individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, identity, cultural expectations, and performance-related stress. Much of my work focuses on helping clients untangle their relationship with achievement, productivity, and self-worth while building a more grounded and secure sense of identity. Many of my clients are capable, driven, and deeply responsible. On the outside, they appear high-functioning. Internally, they may be carrying pressure, self-doubt, anxiety, burnout, or a quiet sense that their worth is conditional on success. Despite their accomplishments, they often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of who they are outside of achievement and productivity. I also work closely with athletes and teams across club, varsity, and national team sport environments. My work in mental performance focuses on confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, pressure management, performance anxiety, fear of failure, burnout, motivation, focus, injury recovery, and identity outside of sport. I support athletes through both performance enhancement and the mental health challenges that can emerge within competitive environments. As an Asian-Canadian and second-generation immigrant myself, my lived experiences deeply shape how I approach therapy and mental health. I understand how difficult it can feel to navigate multiple cultural worlds while balancing expectations around success, responsibility, achievement, and emotional expression. Many of the clients I work with carry invisible pressure — pressure to succeed, pressure to make others proud, pressure to not disappoint others, or pressure to struggle silently while appearing “fine” on the outside. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we work to better understand the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck while helping you build a healthier and more sustainable relationship with yourself, your emotions, and your goals. In addition to my counselling work, I have over 11 years of experience coaching wrestling and have held leadership positions at both the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and National Sport Organization (NSO) levels. I have also worked with Canadian Women & Sport for the past three years. These experiences continue to shape my understanding of performance culture, athlete development, and the systemic pressures that many individuals face within high-performance environments. My approach to counselling is strengths-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-informed practices. I believe therapy should feel tailored to you and your unique experiences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the nuances of Asian mental health, the internal world of high achievers, or the mental demands of athletics, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. I offer a culturally attuned space to unpack these experiences, without shame or blame, so you can move toward a more integrated sense of self.

I have close to 20 years of experience in the social work field (from child protection, medical social work (including ER, Maternity, medical units). My last 3 years have been spent working on an Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at a local hospital. I pride myself in helping and working with families whose loved ones are struggling with mental illness and addictions as well as post partum depression. I also directly work with individuals suffering from same. I have lots of experience working with neurodivergent individuals both through work and personal life. I am very passionate in working with new blended families and love helping immigrants and children of immigrants (understanding the many unique family dynamics that this can cause). I myself am a first generation immigrant to Canada. I have many years of experience working with youth, including high risk youth. I have extensive experience working with our Indigenous population. I currently offer in person, virtual as well as walk and talk therapy in White Rock/South Surrey area. I am an approved FNHA provider. Remember, seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward self-care and improvement. It's an investment in your mental and emotional health, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. I offer a free 15 minute consultation. Please request by either text messaging or emaling me.

Get to know your Burnaby LGBTQ Therapist Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I encourage my clients to do the same :) I’m committed to creating a space to make mycurious youth clients feel safe, heard, validated, and affirmed no matter what they bring into the room. As an LGBTQ therapist, I draw a lot on my personal experiences to guide me in my work with my youth and young adults clients. Growing up queer in Indonesia and making a big move to Burnaby, BC, in 2011, has framed a lot of how I view the world and given me valuable insight on navigating LGBTQIA2S+ issues, cross-cultural changes, life transitions, and finding yourself. When you come see me, I want you to feel at home and welcome to be yourself. I’m not here to be an authority in your life, but an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, and a voice of compassion, understanding, and motivation.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in your mental health journey? It’s common to face additional challenges when cultural expectations or societal pressures are involved, making it harder to navigate through life. If you’re struggling with anxiety, identity issues, or feeling disconnected from yourself, I’m here to help you find clarity and purpose. With a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, I bring expertise and a deep commitment to supporting young adults, adolescents, and men, especially those from minority backgrounds. My approach is rooted in empathy, and I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can voice your experiences, embrace vulnerability, and build resilience. In our sessions, you’ll experience a welcoming, collaborative environment where your individual needs are prioritized. I use a person-centered approach to empower you to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace, helping you feel confident in moving forward and overcoming obstacles. As a first-generation immigrant with experience living and studying in China, Canada, and the U.S., I understand firsthand how cultural, family, and identity dynamics can shape your journey. This unique perspective allows me to guide clients through the complexities of identity, external expectations, and personal growth, helping you make sense of your story and move toward a healthier, more authentic version of yourself. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and I’m dedicated to supporting you in a way that resonates with your cultural and personal needs. Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful choice, and I’d be honored to help you navigate this process with clarity, optimism, and empowerment. Ready to begin your journey? Book your session today, and let’s work together toward discovering the best version of yourself.

My work is grounded on the perspective that how we story our lives is incredibly powerful, and it is through these stories that we make sense of the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Some stories are helpful and empowering, and some stories can cause us to feel frustrated, and helpless. Part of the work is to examine the stories that we have told ourselves, and give ourselves permission and space to create a new story that better fits who we are and who we are becoming. I’m excited to meet you and hear the stories you will share. I would love nothing more than to walk with you on your journey towards transformative healing and discovery.

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and an understanding that many people come in feeling pulled in different directions or unsure of where they’re headed. In our work together, I aim to offer a supportive space where you can show up just as you are and explore what clarity, healing, and support might look like for you. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Master of Arts student in Counselling Psychology, providing therapy under clinical supervision. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, viewing clients as whole people rather than a set of symptoms, and value curiosity, reflection, and moving at a pace that feels right. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we may explore patterns in thoughts and emotions, reflect on the stories you hold about yourself, and build on your existing strengths to support meaningful and lasting change. My work is especially attuned to first-generation and bicultural experiences, where transitions often carry added layers of cultural expectations, family responsibility, and identity negotiation. I support individuals who may feel caught between worlds, navigating who they are becoming while staying connected to where they’ve come from. You don’t have to sort this out alone. Growing up in an immigrant household shaped my awareness of how culture, family roles, and unspoken expectations can influence emotional well-being. These experiences deepened my sensitivity to identity, belonging, and the quiet ways people carry their struggles, and they continue to inform my commitment to culturally responsive and compassionate care. I strive to offer a space that honours the fullness of your story, without asking you to simplify any part of it. All parts of you are welcome here.

You’ve learned to hold it all together; for family, for culture, for survival. You’re insightful, but tired. Maybe it’s anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, or the quiet weight of not feeling fully seen. You want space to exhale and to feel understood. My clients seek clarity, regulation, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore the patterns you’ve inherited, the ones you’re ready to let go of, and the parts of you waiting to feel at home. I offer culturally responsive, neurodivergent-affirming therapy with a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the impact of cultural and family systems on emotional well-being. My approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from ACT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and meaningful change. Starting therapy is vulnerable, especially if you're used to managing on your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to begin, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to explore what healing, safety, and alignment might look like for you.

Welcome to my page! You may be living with the effects of trauma, coercive control, emotional or spiritual harm, or a long period of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps relationships have felt unsafe or confusing, your sense of identity has been shaken, or daily life feels heavier than it should. You may be searching for clarity, stability, and relief from patterns that no longer feel manageable. Many people who reach out are not only looking to cope, but to understand what has happened to them, to restore a sense of dignity and self-trust, and to feel hope and meaning again. Over more than 30 years of working with anxiety, pain, and trauma, I am continually moved by the resilience people carry, even in the aftermath of profound difficulty. My work is trauma-informed and paced with care, supporting both the need for greater stability in daily life and a deeper understanding of lived experience, relationships, and a sense of self. I am open-minded, authentic, and warm. I use an integrative approach that is most suited to your personality type, current situation and specific needs. My role is to offer a steady, compassionate presence where difficult feelings and memories can be approached safely, without pressure or judgement.

I help clients explore why their mind functions the way it does, especially when they feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, ADHD-related difficulties, or emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while developing practical tools for change. When working with me, clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where we move at a pace that feels supportive. Together, we will work toward greater clarity, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and confidence in how you navigate your life.