Therapy for marginalized identities & allies

 
“Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you can see that people can change, and there is hope. ”
— bell hooks

You Matter

We are living in extremely challenging times, as we witness the rise of fascism, genocides, wars, displacement, increased surveillance, and ecological devastation. For BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, women, people with mental & physical health issues, and people of other marginalized identities, it is exhausting to exist in this colonial & capitalist world. These systems were not built for us. They constantly extract from us, undermine our worth, and attempt to silence our voices. It is important to know that you matter and deserve to be fully seen and heard in a space that does not blame you for not doing or being enough. I support people of marginalized identities & allies to process their grief, honour their rage, and heal their wounds.

Davina, an East Asian woman, is smiling and wearing a black V-cut shirt, dark blue cardigan, dark grey skirt, black leggings, & black loafers. She is standing up and leaning against a Chinatown mural with vibrant pink, orange, green, and yellow.

Collaborative & transformative therapy

Bringing my humanity to my work, I refuse to be a blank slate. I seek to undo the harm that the mental health system continues to cause, holding systems of oppression accountable. With curiosity, I give room to breathe, feel, and reflect. With encouragement and hope, I work together with people to resource their resiliency, regain their power, and realize their potential.

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Anti-oppressive, Decolonial, politicized Therapy

Anti-Oppressive

Works against systems of oppression, including white supremacy, cis-heteronormativity, patriarchy, sanism, ableism, and capitalism. Recognizes how such systems shape our life experiences and how we internalize relevant narratives as “norms”.

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Decolonial

The ongoing process of unlearning what has been taught to us by colonialism and actively resisting the continuing impacts of colonialism. Traditional therapy is rooted in colonialism, so traditional schools of thought within the field must be challenged.

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Politicized

The personal is the political - the air we breathe, the lands we live on, the water and foods we may or may not have access to. If a therapist intentionally refrains from disclosing their politics and does not make space for people to discuss their politics and how politics affects them, it is actually not neutrality - it is complicity. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” - Desmond Tutu. This does not mean that politics must be an aspect of all of my work, but it is important for people to know where I stand and that the door is always open.

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Counselling For YoU

  • Individual counselling provided virtually to residents of British Columbia, Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut

  • For marginalized identities and allies

    • Including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, women, and people with mental and physical health issues

  • Person-centered, strengths-based, anti-oppressive, decolonial, politicized counselling that:

    • Prioritizes and is tailored to you and your unique needs and preferences

    • Recognizes and builds upon your strengths, skills, and resources

    • Works against systems of oppression

    • Continues to unlearn and resist the impacts of colonialism

    • Acknowledges that the personal is the political and that our well-being is shaped by our political landscape

A waterfall between two faces of rock with moss and grass on the sides.

You deserve to experience the transformative possibilities of a strong therapeutic relationship

Counselling with me

  • Registered Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years experience providing mental health care in non-profit, public health, and private practice

  • Second-generation woman of colour with lived experience of mental health challenges

How I can help

  • Build self-compassion

  • Explore intergenerational history

  • Increase self-awareness & insight

  • Strengthen ability to cope & thrive

  • Facilitate healing of wounded parts

  • Address patterns of thinking/behaviour

  • Foster greater trust in intuitive wisdom

  • Improve communication in relationships

  • Navigate cultural dynamics & differences

  • Dismantle internalized systems of oppression

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    “Davina is a dedicated counsellor. She takes in each client's story with care and compassion. Davina stands by her clients as they navigate the challenges of life and celebrates their strength and resilience. She warmly creates an environment where healing is possible and people flourish.”

    ⁓ Clinical Supervisor, Registered Clinical Counsellor

  • A long stretch of sand and a shallow tide of water with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

    “Davina creates a space for people to share their stories and experiences, opening the way to healing. She truly hears and believes people in such a way that people feel validated and stronger in themselves. Davina is thoughtful and caring, and works collaboratively with people to best understand how she can help.”

    ⁓ Former Colleague, Registered Occupational Therapist

  • A view of turquoise blue water and a cloudy blue sky.

    “Davina excels at providing a safe space for clients to express their concerns and for them to grow, especially individuals who have encountered barriers to culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed care. She always positions herself as an ally to her clients as evidenced by her professionalism, warm approach, and strong advocacy for social justice. Through her work, clients not only feel heard and accepted, but also empowered.”

    ⁓ Former Colleague, Mental Health Clinician

  • A rocky shoreline with reflective water and sun peaking through the clouds of a bright blue sky.

    About

    Davina is a woman of colour with 10+ years experience in providing mental health care

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  • A small land formation with moss, grass, and trees in the middle of a body of clear blue water with trees in the background in a bright blue sky with few clouds.

    Counselling

    Person-centered, strengths-based, anti-oppressive, decolonial, politicized counselling

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    Services

    Details including location, fees, accepted forms of payment, and extended health coverage

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  • A view from the mountain side of trees and islands in a body of vibrant blue water and a clear blue sky.

    FAQs

    Answers to frequently asked questions, such as what to expect in the first appointment

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