trauma therapy and counselling
My name is Pamela Chin and I am happy that you are here! As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, it is my joy and honour to partner with my clients as they navigate a challenging time. I liken my work to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. At first, the many random pieces strewn on a table appear messy and daunting but as you start to put the pieces together one piece at a time, they start to make sense and the bigger picture begins to take shape. It takes time, perseverance and a strategy but over time, the pieces form a beautiful picture, just what it was destined to be.
Specializing in trauma and attachment, I work with individuals and couples. Many of my clients struggle with issues that stem from cultural identity especially for those who have grown up in a Western culture but was raised in a home with Eastern values. Similarly. some of the couples I work with are challenged by the cultural differences they each bring into the relationship. I am personally familiar with these issues and would welcome walking with you through yours.
Services
Talking therapy
Talking therapy offers a structured, safe space to process difficult emotions, rewire negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies for life’s challenges. Often, putting words to what you are experiencing inside and having someone receive your words with support and empathy helps relieve emotional distress and increases self discovery.
TRE
Tension and trauma releasing exercises is an innovative body-based therapy that helps release chronic muscle tension and restore your nervous system to a state of calm. Based on the belief that stress, tension and trauma are both psychological and physical, TRE is able to bring relief from somatic symptoms as well as emotional pain. If you are tired of talking about it and are ready to let your body do the processing, TRE could be for you.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an evidence-based therapy developed to alleviate distress from traumatic experiences. It is a powerful treatment that can quickly get to the root of what distresses a person and allow them to shift how memories are stored in their brain and change what they feel in their body.
Couples Counselling
Whether you have been together for many years or are just starting out as a couple, couples counselling is worth considering. I combine techniques from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help you improve communication, break out of unhealthy patterns and increase your understanding of and intimacy with each other. A better relationship is possible. Pre-marital counselling is also available.
More about me
I grew up in a time when counselling was rarely talked about. In fact, I don’t think I knew of anyone going through counselling until well into adulthood. However, I was drawn to psychology in university because I was fascinated with discovering the factors that shape an individual. Psychology also helped me understand myself better. In a sense, it was my first experience with therapy.
After working in the corporate world, living overseas and raising a family, I finally decided to realize a long-time dream of mine to become a counsellor. Starting my counselling journey in Singapore, I am now settled in my private practice here in Vancouver. There is no other work I would rather be doing.
I believe that my personal experiences as a “third culture kid” gives me a unique perspective in my work. Defined as being raised in a culture different from their parents, “third culture kids” end up fusing these cultures to form one of their own. These lived experiences have given me both a sensitivity and curiosity of different cultures and their impact on individuals.
When not counselling, I love to spend time with family and friends travelling to new places, sitting down to a meal I have prepared or partaking in the beauty of the Lower Mainland on long walks.
As a practicing Christian, I offer faith-based counselling for those who choose.
My credentials
I have a Master in Counselling from Monash University in Australia and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of British Columbia.
My specialized training includes:
- Internal Family Systems Basics Course – Seahorse Counselling – March 2026
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Module 1 – PESI Canada – June 2025
- Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship – Vancouver Centre for EFT – April 2024
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level 1 – ICEFT – March 2021
- EMDR Basic Training Levels 1, 2 & 3 – Parnell Institute of EMDR – April 2019
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2 – The Gottman Institute – June 2017
- Trauma Releasing Exercises Certified Provider – TRE, LLC – May 2017
FAQs
How are the counselling sessions conducted?
Counselling sessions are conducted in-person at my office in Kitsilano or online via a secure video conferencing platform.
How long are sessions?
I offer 50 minute and 80 minute individual sessions. Sessions for couples are typically 80 minutes long.
How many sessions will I need?
Every client is different. You may need just a few sessions or you may need significantly more than that. We can discuss this as we work together.
Can you direct bill to insurance companies?
Yes. I am now offering direct billing.
How much does the counselling cost?
Please refer to my booking page for the cost of different services. A sliding scale is available for a limited number of clients on a case by case basis.
How do I start with the counselling process?
Simply reach out via our “Contact” page. We can schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, answer any questions, and talk about the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What can I expect from the first session?
We will discuss confidentiality, go over the intake form and talk about what led you to counselling. Typically, I will conduct an intake interview where I will ask you about your history, background and goals. We will also have a more in-depth discussion about your treatment plan.
Consultation
Ready to get started?
Schedule your free 15 minute consultation and find out how we might work together.
