About Me…
I am a Chinese-Malaysian Canadian cis-woman. The cultural heritages in Malaysia and Canada have greatly influenced my life and sparked a deep appreciation for the complexities of diversity and languages. I speak English, Mandarin, and Malay and am comfortable supporting client’s in these languages. I also comprehend Cantonese and Hakka, and was once fluent in French and American Sign Language. My love for languages goes beyond mere words; I truly believe in the power of communication in all its forms. As the child of immigrant parents who faced their share of challenges, I have witnessed the struggle that comes with communication barriers. This experience allowed me to develop the invaluable skill of code-switching from a very young age, adapting between languages and cultural contexts. It has also given me a profound respect for the diverse ways people express themselves and connect with others, and always to investigate the purpose behind words said and behaviours shown.
My relationships with friends and family play a significant part in how I relate to people and also how view the healing process in therapy. Growing up in a tight-knit family with many aunts, uncles and cousins, I learned the importance of emotional support, shared experiences, and connection. My friends and family have shown me that therapy comes in all forms, and that healing isn’t always about formal sessions—it’s about having people who listen, understand, and provide a safe space to be vulnerable.
I am known to be an extrovert, and I genuinely love engaging with people. It is through the many connections I have made, both personal and professional, that have broadened my perspective and taught me the value of being open minded and nonjudgmental. Becoming a mother has also deepened my insight into the joys and challenges of parenting and given me the front-row seat in witnessing the wonders of human development. Despite this, I recognize that I am also constantly changing. A tired extrovert can sometimes become a recluse, and being a mom challenges everything I thought I knew about myself. In re-embracing my own evolving identity as a mother and as a therapist, I have gained a greater appreciation for personal growth and the ever-changing landscape of life. Life as we know it, is full of transitions, uncertainties and flux. From these experiences (and lots of discomfort), we gain resilience, adaptability and the ability to embrace the unknown with an open mind and heart.
Last but not least, I am also a proud owner Lulu, of a therapy dog-in-training. She’s a “berne-doodle”, a delightful mix of a Bernese Mountain dog and Poodle, who can weigh up to 80 pounds (depending on how long her hair is that season). Lulu’s presence in my life serves as my constant, and depending on how she feels or her availability, she often brings warmth and comfort to the therapy sessions I offer.