Shirley Hung, MSW, RSW

How I can help

My style is warm, curious, and collaborative. I am committed to creating a safe and empathic environment in which you can explore your personal challenges. What we discuss and explore in therapy depends on your needs and goals. I am mindful of the vulnerability that comes with pursuing therapy, and I strive to cultivate a strong therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration. 

I believe that as humans we are wired for connection and emotional safety. I also believe that we all have the capacity for personal growth and change. I am passionate about empowering you to develop emotional awareness and self-compassion to bring about positive personal transformations.

Personally, I have had relationships that did not work out and have experienced the pain of loss that comes with broken relationships. I have tasted the excitement, frustration and anxiety that come with dating. When I met my husband, we intentionally sought Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) before our engagement as preparation for marriage. It was a powerful experience for both of us that laid a strong foundation for our marriage. More recently, my journey into motherhood has been profoundly humbling. I have experienced pregnancy losses and fertility challenges. Motherhood is much different than I imagined it would be: even as it brings great joy, it is one of the most challenging transitions I have ever experienced. Outside of work, I can be found travelling with my husband and our 2 daughters, playing tennis, and enjoying outdoor adventures with friends. 

My approach

My approach to therapy is primarily attachment-based and trauma-informed. I practise Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) – an evidence-based, experiential approach effective for a wide range of issues. EFT helps you identify which emotions you can trust, and which come from past painful experiences that are no longer serving you and need to be transformed. EFT empowers you to explore, reflect on, and make sense of your emotional experiences. The goal is to help you access adaptive emotions such as empowering anger, healthy grief, and self-compassion in order to develop a stronger sense of self, a more fulfilled life, and more meaningful relationships.

I also draw on training from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness approaches. My clinical work is also informed by Anti-Oppressive and LGBTQ-Positive frameworks. I enjoy working with clients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and with various sexual orientations.