Are you:

  • Feeling stuck?
  • Feeling lost and exhausted in your day-to-day life?
  • Struggling with the past that won't let you go?
  • Tired of being your own worst critic?
  • Wanting to love yourself but don't know how to start?
Counselling can be a place to explore your concerns

Jiwon You

Jiwon headshot
Registered Psychologist based in Alberta (#6336)
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 offered by video, phone, or in-person (limited availability on Wednesday - please contact to book)
  • Sessions available in English and Korean
  • Free 20-minute consult available before starting counselling
cloud painting

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 deeply understand and meet your needs and support you in embodying healing and change. 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 freely express yourself.

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 present moment and the thoughts, feelings memories, and sensations that come into place, you can begin to understand and heal from your difficulties.

The compassion-focused approach means that I will work with you to support you in finding and cultivating your own sense 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 and patterns 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
  • 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

Contact

You can also book a session or a free consult by yourself through my booking website: https://jyoupsychology.janeapp.com

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 $220, paid by e-transfer or credit card. Sliding scale ($100 - 220) is available upon request.

How long is each session?

Each session is 1 hour long, with options for extended sessions (1.5 hours and 2 hours) available.

What is your cancellation policy?

I have a 12-hour cancellation policy, meaning any appointments cancelled within 12 hours 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: