Helen Chan, RP

How I can help

My style is warm, genuine, and compassionate. I understand that each of us who comes into therapy has unique experiences, goals, and values. I work alongside individuals and couples to create a tailored treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals. I also help couples to unravel what is happening between them and to slow down for new conversations and new experiences to occur.

I understand how exhausting and hopeless you can feel when you get caught in an endless cycle of arguments with your partner. These feelings are so familiar to me as I have experienced them during the first year of my marriage. Being married for 20 years, I have learned that strong, enduring relationships require hard work and commitment. The work is not easy, but it is worth it. I commend you and your partner for taking that courageous step to seek help!

My approach

My approach to therapy is relational, client-centred, and culturally sensitive. Relational means practicing authenticity and paying close attention to our therapeutic relationship. I will encourage you to share your honest feelings and experiences and will respond with empathy, non-judgement, and understanding. Client-centred means that you are the expert on your own life and I am merely a facilitator that guides your journey of self-discovery. By being culturally sensitive, I will strive to understand your background, values, and beliefs in relation to your ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, and any other identities that are important to you.

I practice mainly using the model of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is an evidence-based approach that aims to help you to understand and explore your emotional experiences, to express them in healthy ways, and to build stronger connections with your loved ones. I also draw upon elements of other modalities including mindfulness interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

More about me

I completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and hold a York/Seneca Rehabilitation Services Program Certificate and a Certificate for Refugee and Migration Studies from York University. I am also committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

Having to struggle through many life transitions including marriage, arrival of a new baby/birth trauma, and parenthood, I feel passionate in supporting new parents, couples, and individuals who are experiencing difficulties with pregnancy and postpartum. Because I have close family members who are LGBTQ, I developed a strong interest in working with LGBTQ clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my husband and two teenaged children, connecting with family and friends, and practicing yoga.