J. You- Feeling stuck?
- Exhausted by the burden of your day-to-day, or your past?
- Tired of being your own worst critic?
- Wanting to love yourself but don't know how to start?
Jiwon You
Counselling can be a compassionate and accepting place to explore your concerns and can help you heal, learn, and connect with yourself. I offer individual counselling for adults (18+) from all walks of life residing in Alberta. As your therapist, I will accompany your journey as a fellow traveller and honour your stories and strengths.
I am Jiwon (she/her), and I am a 1.5th-generation immigrant from South Korea. As a Korean-Canadian Psychologist with many intersecting identities, I empathize deeply with the experiences and challenges faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. My work is guided through a feminist, intersectional, and trauma-informed lens and is always mindful of your unique background, history, experiences, and needs. Therapy is a collaborative process. You will bring the expertise of your own life, and I will meet you as a fellow traveller by your side offering empathy, new perspectives, and skills to support you in cultivating your strengths to find the path forward.
- Sessions are currently offered online only (video/ phone)
- Sessions available in English and Korean
- Free 20-minute consult available before starting counselling
Approach
Sometimes understanding the logic behind our struggles can help us immensely. Yet, a lot of times we cannot simply “think” our problems away; knowing and feeling can be different ( “I know this, but I can't feel it” ). Through a mix of person-centred, somatic, and compassion-focused approaches that focus on both the mind and the body, we will work together to meet your needs and support you in embodying healing. You will be valued as the most important person in the room. I will greet you with safety, acceptance, and positive regard, and you will get a chance to exercise your agency to direct your own healing process. You will be empowered and supported to express yourself without judgment.
The Somatic (Hakomi) approach means that we will be exploring your challenges through both your mind and body, as much of our struggles and trauma can get stuck in our physical self. Through a purposeful study of your body in the here and now and the thoughts, feelings memories, and sensations that come into place, you can begin to understand and heal from your struggles.
The compassion-focused approach means that I will work with you to help you find and cultivate your own feeling of self-compassion - kindness and understanding to yourself - while exploring and soothing your self-criticism. This also means that I understand that your coping strategies, whatever they may be, have always tried to protect you, and they will not be condemned. Instead, they will be accepted, honoured, and treated with compassion, while we together look for strategies that can serve you better now.
Specialty
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with Distinction) - University of Alberta
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - McGill University
- Trauma Informed Care Training
- Anti-oppression and Cultural Awareness Training
- Counselling Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence Training
- Hakomi Somatic Therapy Training (In Progress)
- Theory and practice of CFT
Area of Focus
- Self-esteem
- Self-compassion
- Trauma
- Sexual violence
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Family of origin concerns
- 2SLGBTQIA+
- Immigration
- BIPOC
- Stress and burnout
- Family of Origin
Contact
FAQs
Will my insurance cover counselling?
As a Registered Psychologist, the majority of insurance companies cover my services, but the extent and the details will depend on your plan. For specific information regarding coverage and direct billing availability, please check with your insurance company. I can direct bill to certain companies (e.g. Alberta Blue Cross, Greenshield, Canada Life), or provide you with a receipt that you can use for reimbursement.
What is the cost for each session? Do you have a sliding scale available?
Each session is $200, paid by e-transfer or credit card. Sliding scale ($125 - 200) is available upon request.
How long is each session?
Each session is long, with options for extended sessions ( and ) available.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a cancellation policy, meaning any appointments cancelled within are considered a late cancellation. This will also result in a late fee, which is half of your full session fee; this is to account for the time reserved for you.
Can I reach out to you for crisis support?
I unfortunately cannot be a source of immediate support during a crisis. If you are looking for immediate crisis support, please check out the following resources:
- Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-4357
- Edmonton Distress Line: 780-482-4357
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
- Suicide Help Line: 1-800-784-2433