My belief is that everyone has a story to tell, but a lot of us are unable to tell it our own way. We use language that may not fit us, or we believe that we shouldn’t discuss our problems. We may believe that sharing our problems out loud shows that we are weak or that something is wrong with us. My job is to change the narrative of how we see ourselves and to help break the chains of silence. Clients make the tough decision to  share difficult feelings, and sometimes shameful feelings. My role is to make the process comfortable and non-judgemental in order to facilitate a process of change. I use psycho-education to draw connections between the client’s symptoms and the client’s experiences. I collaborate with clients to develop strength-based coping and develop safety so that clients can begin to work outside of their comfort zones. Clients develop a greater understanding of their mental health, come out with practical skills to address these issues, and begin to build confidence in themselves and a greater sense of hope for their futures. My eclectic approach to narrative therapy has allowed me to work with clients to manage anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, and parenting concerns.

I rely on my clients to inform me about the importance and nuances of their identity so that I do not perpetuate stereotypes and/or misunderstandings. I take it upon myself to expand my knowledge of the Queer+, Polycule, and Kink communities so I am comfortable addressing concerns within these communities. My clients have allowed me to foster a fruitful relationship with the Queer+, BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

Qualifications: Eric Kim

I have a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the Adler University in Vancouver, BC. My education has allowed me to see mental health systems and how they operate in Australia and also within the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Additionally, I am certified in acute trauma specific training. I am in the process of receiving certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In individual therapy I primarily use Narrative Therapy, but I also integrate the following methods of therapy: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, Functional Analytic Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.