Why Supporting Couples and Parents Matters to Me
Even as a therapist, I had to relearn how to communicate with my husband. I was the one who was passive aggressive when expressing frustration and reacted defensively when feeling misunderstood. We knew what a healthy relationship looked like but did not have the right relationship tools.
When we finally learned healthy relationship tools and felt the transformation in our marriage, I made it my life mission to help as many couples as possible. I am passionate about supporting couples in building healthier relationships by strengthening their communication, improving conflict management, and deepening intimacy. Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
Having kids changed our marriage. As a mom of two young kids, I have to learn how to manage the exhaustion and overwhelm that comes with balancing working, parenting, and managing a household while prioritizing our marriage.
Your focus naturally shifts from each other to the kids, and somewhere along the way, you may find yourselves miscommunicating and fighting more than you ever did before. Even though you love each other deeply, you may find yourself feeling unappreciated, unheard, or disconnected from the person who used to feel like your closest teammate.
I support couples in navigating the transition into parenthood and the everyday challenges of raising young children. In therapy, we work on rebuilding connection, improving communication, navigating conflict, and finding a more balanced way of sharing the mental and emotional load. My goal is to help you feel like a team again, not just roommates coparenting. Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
I struggled with postpartum anxiety and thought I just needed to push through as a new mom. On the outside, I looked like I had it all together. Inside, I was struggling. I was constantly worrying about my baby’s health, experiencing scary intrusive thoughts, and wondering if I was doing enough as a mom.
Both moms and dads need support as they enter parenthood, and I want all new parents to know that there is support for them. My hope is to provide not only emotional support, but also practical coping tools to help you manage the distress, anxiety, and overwhelm that can come with becoming a new parent. Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
We went through years of fertility challenges and explored adoption. We tried our best to support each other through the ups and downs, while at times struggling to stay hopeful. Our experience with infertility showed us how lonely and distressing fertility journey can be. We also experienced firsthand how deeply fertility challenges can impact a couple’s relationship and mental health. Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
Those experiences, alongside my professional training, shape how I support clients navigating the many challenges that can come with building a family. Most importantly, I do not assume that my experience is the same as yours. Instead, it has deepened my awareness of the unique challenges you may be facing and strengthened my curiosity about what you need as you navigate your own journey toward building a family. Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
Years of Experience: Supporting couples and individuals since 2014
Who I help: I have a special interest in helping individuals and couples who are growing their families (i.e., family planning, fertility treatment, adopt ready couples) and navigating new parenthood (i.e., postpartum depress and anxiety, new parents)
Areas of Focus: Relationship challenges, infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum mood issues, affair recovery
Types of Services: Couples therapy, couples intensive, premarital counselling, individual therapy, workshop, lunch & learns
Language Offered: Fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese), Understands Mandarin
Cultural Background: Born in Canada and raised in Hong Kong, then returned to Canada for post-secondary education
Faith Background: Faith-informed therapy available only when requested by clients. Supported clients from a variety of spiritual & faith background
Therapy Style: My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. My goal is to help you better understand yourself and teach you skills to confidently face your challenges.
Resources & Support for Clients: I offer resources (e.g., handouts, videos, readings) and complimentary check-in phone calls to support you beyond our sessions. Here is an example of a couples check-in guide I create for busy parents: https://clarissaee.thrivecart.com/couplescheck-inguide/
Therapeutic Approach: Emotion-Focused Therapy (individual), Gottman Method & Emotionally Focused Therapy (couples)
Training & Certification: Gottman Method Couples Therapy level 1 and 2, Treating Affair & Trauma (Gottman), Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: Healing from Affairs Training, Prepare & Enrich Premarital Counselling, Integrative Sex & Couples Certification Training, Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy
License and Registration: Masters Level Psychologist, College of Psychologists of Ontario #6484, Ontario and the College of Alberta Psychologists ,# 4635, Alberta
Education: School and Clinical Child Psychology (M.Ed.), University of Alberta (2014)
Frequently Asked Questions When Looking for a Therapist
What should I look for when finding a therapist?
The relationship you build with your therapist is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Feeling safe enough to open up, trust your therapist, and feel comfortable exploring and trying the strategies they recommend can make a meaningful difference. That is why, I offer a complimentary 15 min introductory video or phone call, so we I can learn about what support you are looking for and you
I encourage all prospective clients to ask themselves:
- Do I feel comfortable enough to be open and vulnerable with this therapist?
- Do I feel confident that their training and experience align with my needs?
- Do I feel heard, understood, and respected by this therapist?
- Can I see myself building a trusting relationship with them?
Get started with a free introductory call through this booking link.
Why may clients choose Clarissa as their therapist?
Relationship & Couples Focused Support
I have a special interest in supporting relationship challenges and couples who are growing their family and navigating new parenthood. I also enjoy speaking engagement, to share about essential relationship tools communicate better and connect deeper. Feel free to listen to this podcast episode where I spoke about “How to Strengthen Your Relationship While Parenting”.
Practical Relationship & Coping Skills + Space to Work Through Challenges
I offer both practical relationship & coping skills as well as a space to work through your challenges. I believe this combination is powerful in addressing deeper underlying issues while helping you develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and each other. I create a personalized treatment plan for each client and check-in regularly about your progress to ensure we are working toward your treatment goals.
Culturally Informed Therapist
There is something comforting knowing that your therapist has a solid understanding of your cultural background, so you don’t need to explain unique cultural challenges you face (e.g., honoring & respecting elders, traditional disciplinary methods, postpartum confinement etc.). I also offer my services in both English and Cantonese. I have also supported clients who speak Mandarin while I respond in English.
Relevant Lived Experiences
As a working mom of two who has experienced fertility challenges and postpartum anxiety, I have a deep appreciation for parents and parents-to-be who are navigating major transitions as they grow and build their family.
Faith Informed Therapist (when requested by clients)
I consider myself as a Psychologist who personally practices the Christian faith. That said, when working with clients I offer evidence-based interventions, including the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. When requested by clients, I offer faith-informed therapy, meaning we may explore your challenges within the context of your faith. I do not offer biblical counselling or faith-based counselling.
Support Beyond Therapy Sessions
I support clients beyond our sessions in several ways, including:
1)Complimentary check-in phone calls (5 to 10 min) between sessions as needed
2)Personalized resources, including relationship skills handouts, meditation recordings, treatment summaries etc.
3)Free workshops that allow clients to refresh and reinforce the concepts and skills learned in our sessions
Intentionally Limited Caseload
I intentionally work with 10 to 12 clients weekly so that I can offer the energy, focus, and presence needed to off you the support you are looking for. I acknowledge that going to therapy is an investment of your time, energy, and resources, and I want to ensure the quality of therapy is a priority.
Prompt Communication
There is nothing more frustrating than reaching out to seek help and not getting a response. I am committed to respond within 24 business hours during the weekdays via e-email. The best way to set up a free complementary call is through this booking link. You are welcomed to also e-mail me at [email protected].
Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Training
Some clients find it valuable to work with a mental health provider who has a strong understanding of complex mental health issues and a background in psychological assessment. My clinical training encompasses both psychological assessment and counselling, and I have supported clients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Although I currently focus on offering therapy instead of assessment, some clients appreciates my mental health diagnoses knowledge especially if they themselves or their children have a diagnosed mental health condition (e.g., ADHD). For clients who are using extended health benefits to cover service fees, some insurance companies may require the clinician to be licensed as a psychologist.
Highly Experienced Psychologist with Specific Training
I have been supporting couples and individuals as a clinical psychologist since 2014 and have completed various couples, fertility, prenatal, and postpartum specific training to better support clients.
What happens during the free introductory call?
A free 15-minute complimentary introductory call gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the therapy process and allows me to learn more about what support you are looking for and determine if we are a good match. During the call, we may discuss about the following areas:
1.What support are you looking for? (e.g., relationship issues, stress management)
2.What are your hopes for therapy? (e.g., improve communications, learn coping skills, emotional support)
3.What was important to you when searching for a therapist? (e.g., specific expertise, language, culture).
4.If you have been to therapy before, what did you like about your experience? (e.g., felt heard and supported). What did you wish would be different? (e.g., more practical strategies)
I would be happy to provide you with you referral recommendations, if we determine that I may not be a good fit for the support you are looking for.