Joanna is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who offers virtual counselling in Ontario. Joanna is a registrant of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and a member of the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP). She holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in science and engineering from China, an Early Childhood Education Diploma Certificate from Seneca College in Canada, a Grief and Loss Recovery Method Certificate in the US, and a Crisis and Intervention Certificate from Georgian College. The training she completed included cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy, and family therapy.

Joanna provides counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. Her expertise is working with children and their families as a Child and Family Therapist in dealing with behavioural issues, anxiety (social anxiety and school avoidance), stress and low self-esteem. She uses trauma-informed care in helping children who have traumatic experiences in their early years. She incorporates the Family Approach (MacMaster family approach) in changing family dynamics and enhancing the communication between family members.

She uses cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), Family System, attachment therapy and narrative therapy (NT), as well as other evidence-based approaches and employs a mix of therapeutic approaches to create support for each individual client. She believes that each client is unique and has the potential to grow and change, and she actively explores deep thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with her clients in a safe and non-judgmental environment. She works with a wide array of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self-esteem, stress and fear, interpersonal and family relationship issues, parenting challenges, substance abuse/addiction, trauma, and chronic conditions.

Joanna, who has worked in the government and education sectors for nearly two decades, and has study experience as an international student, brings a wealth of life experience, adding much to her clinical knowledge. She aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, validated and cared with warmth, empathy, and honesty. In her work, Joanna supports her clients in developing resiliency, embracing change, and becoming their best selves, using a strengths-based, person-centred approach. Services are offered in English and Mandarin.