I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. If you are interested, you can read more about the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Clinical Practice set by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors that I adhere to.

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) defined that “Counselling is a relational process based upon the ethical use of professional competencies to facilitate human thriving.” 

If you’re wondering about the differences between counselling and psychotherapy, please check out this blog post on Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)’s website.

You can read more about my approaches to my practice here.

In your 15-minute initial, free consultation, we will discuss what you want to focus on in counselling/psychotherapy. This is an opportunity for you to determine if I am the right fit for you. If you decide that you would like to schedule an appointment, we can set that up. If you or I feel that I am not the best person to support you, I may refer you to other counsellors or services that may be a better fit. There is no pressure to commit.


Each regular session following initial consultation is 50 minutes in length. We will discuss what brings you into counselling/psychotherapy and what you would like to focus on. Through this constructive conversation, we will work collaboratively to explore your identified goals and ways you can move towards them. I will provide a safe and understanding environment for you, and walk alongside you in your journey towards your goals while actively listening to you with openness and empathy, inviting you to explore patterns of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, highlighting your insight, strength, courage, and progress, asking questions to deepen your understanding, and suggesting specific strategies for improvement. I will respect how fast or slow you want to go in this therapeutic journey, you determining how much or little you want to share with me.

Your counselling relationships and information resulting from sessions with Heejin are strictly confidential, and your personal information and what you share during your sessions will not be shared with anyone without your written permission except:

• when there is a reason to believe that a child is in need of protection
• when there is imminent and serious possibility that you may harm yourself or others
• when your clinical records are subpoenaed by court order

The number of sessions you need depends on your goals, the severity, complexity, history of the issues, as well as your motivation, capacity, and commitment. Individuals with specific concerns may meet their goals within 4 to 12 sessions. For those who are exploring others issues of a more longstanding or complex nature may need more sessions. We will regularly discuss how you are progressing towards your goals.

Yes. There are consistent research findings and scientific evidence that virtual counselling/psychotherapy is as effective as face-to-face, in-person counselling/psychotherapy. This news article introduces the findings of one study in layperson’s terms.

If you are interested in exploring more, there is abundant scientific literature on the effectiveness of virtual counselling/psychotherapy for various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, social phobia, panic disorder, and complicated grief.

I use doxy.me or Zoom for Healthcare to connect with my clients.

Both doxy.me and Zoom are a secure, encrypted, and HIPPA compliant medical videoconferencing system. 

You need a computer (with an internal/external webcam and microphone), tablet, or smart phone and Internet connection to use doxy.me or Zoom. If you are able to use videoconferencing systems (e.g., Zoom, Skype, FaceTime), you are all set to go. You can simply click on the link I send you via email. Please check this tutorial video for doxy.me and this link for Zoom. If you do not have access to a device that allows you to use a videoconferencing system, we can also use a phone to connect. I encourage you to find a space where you can have some privacy. Some people also prefer to use earbuds or headphones during their session.

I can offer counselling/psychotherapy sessions in English and Korean.

No. Although you do not require a doctor’s referral to make an appointment, some extended health plans require a referral from a physician for you to get reimbursed. Please contact your extended health plan provider to find out if this applies to you.

No. Clinical counselling is not covered by Medical Service Plan (MSP), but most extended health plans cover counselling/psychotherapy provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) such as myself for up to a certain amount. Please contact your extended health plan provider for more information regarding coverage and reimbursement. 

I charge $152.25 per 50-minute individual session. Fees are in line with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ fee schedule. Payment will be accepted at the beginning of each session in the form of Interac e-transfer and receipts will be emailed to you within 24 hours of your appointments.

I accept Interac e-Transfer payment at the beginning of each session.

As your appointment is reserved exclusively for you, please provide 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Otherwise, the regular appointment fee will be charged except in case of emergency.

My office is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation, colonially known as Vancouver, British Columbia. Although I am currently not seeing clients in my office in person, it provides space and technology for me to connect with you and ensure your privacy.