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Claire's Journey

Born in a small mountainous town in China, I developed a love for nature and adventure from a young age. This passion fueled my desire to explore the world and immerse myself in different cultures, leading me to travel to over 20 countries early in life. These experiences left me with cherished memories and valuable friendships, profoundly shaping my worldview and personal values. Curiosity, openness, inclusivity, creativity, spontaneity, and a spirit of adventure have always been fundamental to my identity.

Raised by well-educated parents who instilled in me the importance of free thinking, independence, and gender equality, I was encouraged to keep an open mind and think critically about social norms. The seed for living in a fair, authentic, and compassionate society - and for striving to make the world a better place - was planted in me early on.

My interest in life sciences and psychology led me to earn two Master’s degrees: one in Experimental Medicine and the other in Clinical Counselling. This academic background provides a comprehensive and integrative mind-body perspective that informs and enriches my clinical work. I am dedicated to combining my life experiences and professional expertise to support individuals, couples, and families in exploring their concerns, processing emotions, developing resilience, and moving toward authentic living.

Alongside my private practice, I have the privilege of working in the Trauma Therapy Program at Encompass Support Services Society, where I support individuals navigating the impact of complex trauma and provide care for survivors of sexual abuse. I have also served in the youth counselling program at Foundry, offering support to young people as they move through identity formation, emotional challenges, and life transitions.

与自然连接,寻找内心的平静

Education and Designation

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)

City University of Seattle, Vancouver, Canada
Master of Counselling in Clinical Counselling

McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Master of Science in Experimental Medicine

Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Vancouver Counsellor Claire 温哥华中文心理咨询师

Trauma-Informed Approach

My work is grounded in understanding how trauma shapes the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self. I view trauma therapy not simply as symptom reduction, but as a process of restoring safety, integration, and a renewed sense of identity. My clinical focus includes developmental and intergenerational trauma, attachment wounds, inner child work, and the impact of adverse life experiences on emotional and physiological regulation.

I support individuals, couples, and families navigating relationship challenges, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, anger, self-harm, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. I also work with those recovering from trauma related to car accidents, chronic illness, abuse, bullying, sexual assault, and other overwhelming experiences. Many of these difficulties are rooted in nervous system dysregulation and relational patterns shaped by survival responses.

I have pursued extensive training in trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and body-based therapies. I am a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) and a trained EMDR therapist. I have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience (DARe), Brainspotting, and the Flash Technique. My work integrates bottom-up somatic regulation with evidence-based trauma processing, emphasizing stabilization, attachment repair, and parts-informed interventions. I also draw from CBT, ACT, IFS, DBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based practices—carefully tailored to each client’s needs.

Grounded in a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive framework, I prioritize safety, attunement, and empowerment. I believe clients are the experts of their own lives, and I collaborate with them to create meaningful, lasting change.

With deep respect for each person’s inherent resilience and capacity for growth, I am committed to supporting clients in reconnecting with their inner stability, strength, and authenticity.

Contact Me

Tel: 778-926-6363

Email: clairecaocounselling@gmail.com

微信: clairecaocounselling

小红书:Claire_Cao_本心咨询

2600 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4N2

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