Shirley Hung, MSW, RSW

My approach

My style is warm, curious, and supportive. I am committed to creating an empathic and non-judgemental environment in which you can explore your personal challenges and needs. 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. 

My approach to therapy is primarily attachment-based and trauma-informed. I practise Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – an evidence-based, experiential approach effective in working with individuals, couples, and families. EFT recognizes adults’ basic emotional needs for safety and closeness in intimate relationships. Perceived threats to the security and emotional bond in the relationship may result in distress and feelings of isolation and loneliness for many couples. EFT helps couples experiencing distress to break negative patterns and learn to respond and reconnect emotionally with one another.

For individual therapy, 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. 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 with self and others.

What sets my approach apart in my work with couples is that I also integrate the Gottman Method and key concepts and principles from sex therapy.  My clinical work is also informed by Anti-Oppressive and LGBTQ-Positive frameworks. I enjoy working with clients from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, and with various sexual orientations.

I hold a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto (2011). I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have completed extensive post-graduate training (see below) and stay current with new research through ongoing professional development.

More about me

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 two daughters, playing tennis and enjoying outdoor adventures.