Julie Phan
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Location: TBD
Days and Hours:
TBD
Practicum ends May 2027.
Bio
My inclination towards counselling comes from my lived experience of having mental illness, and witnessing loved ones struggle with substance use, colonial trauma, and mental health. I believe that mental health is deeply intertwined with the material conditions in which we live. While therapy can be profoundly impactful, it cannot — and will not— be the solution to all our struggles. As such, I view therapy as a tool in supporting our survival; equipping us with emotional, psychological, and relational skills that allow us to be more self-aware, compassionate, and enduring in our personal and collective strive towards liberation.
Rooted in Adlerian therapy, my approach to counselling rests on the belief that humans are inseparable from the ecosystem in which they live. We are influenced by that around us and those who came before us, and meaningful transformation can come from understanding these systems. Aside Adlerian therapy, I am deeply influenced by theories of intersectionality, anticapitalism, trauma-informed care, and anti-colonialism.
I believe that we are capable of change as individuals and as a society. As such, I take a nonpathological approach to counselling. I see challenging behaviours and beliefs as learned ways of being that were once useful in coping with painful experiences, but are no longer supportive in the present.
As a therapist who is informed by anti-oppressive and trauma-informed care, I tend to work with adults who are marginalized. This includes people of the global majority (BIPOC), people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, sex workers, people who are neurodivergent, and immigrants. However, I am open to working with people of all identifies if my approach speaks to you.
Areas I work with include:
Navigating identity and culture within the dominant oppressive society.
Self-esteem
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship challenges, such as relational conflict and attachment
Change related concerns, such as an end of a relationship, a new job, sharing your sexual identity and/or gender identity
Complex trauma
Important Clarification
I am immensely grateful to work with those navigating the lasting impacts of childhood trauma and relational wounds. I am delighted to explore these avenues with you, hold space for you, and supporting you in any changes you see fit. However, given my role as a student therapist, I am unable to facilitate specialized trauma approaches, such as EMDR. If you are seeking specialized support, I can refer you to a EMDR certified counsellor :)
Intersections
I am a second-generation immigrant daughter of Vietnamese refugees who came to Turtle Island after Vietnam War. I live and work on the stolen lands of the səl ̓ ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) Nations. I identify as queer, cisgender, straight sized, and disabled. I continually strive to reflect on my own privilege and positions of power that influence my perspective as an individual and as a counsellor
About Me
I have two cats who I spend most of my time with. We watch a lot of Bob’s Burgers together, which my older cat Pinot really seems to enjoy. I also play Magic the Gathering and try to read as much as I can!
Image Description: Julie has shoulder length black hair with platinum blond pieces of hair framing her face. She is wearing a black shirt with spaghetti straps. She is smiling with her teeth shown. Behind her are branches of a tree with vibrant green leaves.
Julie Phan
(she/her/hers or they/them/theirs)
Student Counsellor
In-Person and Virtual Sessions
Julie is currently accepting new clients to her waitlist for September 2026!
Please email us at connect@collective-healing.ca to connect with Julie for counselling services.