Background

My name is Janet Shim (she/her/hers), and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor. My former role as a public servant offered me the opportunity to engage meaningfully with individuals from a wide range of life stages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic experiences. These encounters have deeply shaped my path and inspired my passion for supporting individuals and couples in seeking clarity, direction, balance, and deeper self-understanding.

I was born in Brunei, and my first language is Hakka, a Chinese dialect. As a first-generation Chinese-Canadian woman, my upbringing involved weaving together the values of collectivism, family loyalty, and filial piety with themes of individuality, self-identity, and personal uniqueness. This experience has greatly informed my therapeutic lens. I welcome and support those exploring the intersections of their cultural identities, gender roles, values, and beliefs as part of their healing journey.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. Outside of my work as a counsellor, I find joy in travelling, playing the piano, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and our two beloved pups. You can often find me walking along the seawall or basking in the sun among the trees on a local trail, with my dogs by my side.

Therapeutic Approach

I strive to offer a warm, non-judgemental, and compassionate space where you can safely share your experiences and personal stories. It’s my honour to walk alongside you as you gently explore any stuckness or ambiguity that may arise during life’s many transitions.

My approach is person-centred and collaborative—we will work together to illuminate your innate strengths and inner resilience, the very resources that can help guide your healing journey. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the Gottman Method, Somatic practices, Existential Therapy, and Mindfulness approaches to support your needs.

With personal lived experience of childhood and relational trauma, and the cultural tensions around gender roles and expectations, I bring empathy and insight to the therapeutic process. I hope that my own healing path may offer comfort, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity to others who may be walking a similar road. Our sessions will always move at your pace, and I welcome your reflections and feedback so we can co-create the kind of care that truly honours you.

Rooted in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and socially just perspective, I support individuals and couples in exploring how social, cultural, and economic factors shape their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. My goal is to help you untangle the patterns, emotions, and behaviours that may be keeping you from living a life that feels connected, authentic, and meaningful.