About Mima

A Philosophy for living in this crazy time…

Presence & Creativity

When we are present we can really be in our environment. We can see it, smell it, hear it. We can experience things in the moment. We can notice the emotions, the expressions, the energy. We can be authentically with others - hearing them, looking at them, feeling them. Being present allows us to connect with ourselves and our loved ones.

Creativity can be our guide. Bringing us into each moment with openness, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. It can bring us into broader thinking, connection with our bodies, and activate our problem solving abilities.

My life motto is - do all the things! It’s a kind of permission statement for personal freedom and expression. It gives me an adventurous outlook and helps me recognize my personal privilege and need to stay conscious of how fortunate I am to be alive.

It is often a slight shift in perception that can change everything.

Professional Journey

I began my journey in community agency work as a domestic violence and sex assault counsellor for Family Services and the Vancouver Police Department. This work strengthened my conviction as a feminist and the power of a harm reduction model to create empowerment and self efficacy in my clients.

Originally training as an art therapist, I spent many years working at Brock Farnie Centre and George Derby Center - residencies for war veterans dealing with mental health concerns and physical disabilities. Here I witnessed the power of craft to enable residents to cultivate a daily purpose, a sense of community, and increase physical longevity.

During my early years of private practice, I also trained as a yoga therapist to offer clients a therapeutic modality that combines talk therapy and the physical benefits of healing. This is incredibly powerful work and often creates profound change in my clients that included heartfelt insights.

Personal Journey

I believe we are ever changing beings that benefit from all types of support and practice to move through this world. My life has been shaped by my early experiences as a survivor of abuse, my time as a child in Asia, the birth of my son, and my role as a mother. My own struggles with anxiety, shame, and perfectionism led me on a healing journey that included talk therapy, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine and energy work. My deep belief in the effectiveness of talk therapy became the impetus for my decision to pursue a career as a private practice therapist. As well as a therapist, I am a practicing artist with a fascination and deep respect for craft. My artistic practice conceptually melds my interest in psychology and the human condition with the power of the handmade and its affect on our mind and body.

I’m a nomad at heart. I love new people, places, and the opportunity to experience new cultures. As an online therapist I can move about and explore new places and experiences while continuing to be there for my clients. Vancouver has been home base for the last twenty 30 years and it’s always a treat to soak up the beauty of the West Coast and spend time with my grown up son!

I love my work. I am endlessly honoured to witness and support my clients as they change and develop throughout their lives.

Specialization

My counselling practice has a specialized focus in supporting individuals struggling with  anxiety, work/life balance, caregiver fatigue, burnout, stress management, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, and relationship issues.

My aim in therapy is to put you at ease so you can talk about what’s difficult or challenging. I use empathy and ask reflective questions to increase your self-awareness, cultivate self-empowerment, and utilize your strengths. I encourage my clients to be brave and try new things that will make the changes they want in their lives.

As a private practice therapist for the past ten years, I have worked primarily with clients that help, guide, or physically support others. These have included - nurses, occupational therapists, doctors, counsellors, physical therapist, lawyers, managers, and of course, mothers.