Bauhinia Counselling

A safe space to grow, in whichever language feels like home.

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating stress, relationships, family dynamics, or major life transitions. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Having a trusted therapist can provide a safe space to feel heard, gain clarity, and move toward meaningful change. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you, helping you build resilience, foster personal growth, and create a path toward healing and hope. Counselling is available in both Cantonese and English.

Hello, I'm Vanessa Chow, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the founder of Bauhinia Counselling.

Born in Hong Kong and raised in both Montreal and Vancouver, I've spent much of my life navigating different cultures and identities. For many years, I struggled to find where I truly belonged as a third culture kid. It wasn't until I returned to Hong Kong and completed my first Master’s degree, that I reconnected with my roots and gained a deeper appreciation of my cultural identity. That journey inspired the name Bauhinia Counselling.

“The Bauhinia flower, a symbol of Hong Kong, represents my heritage, my sense of belonging, and my desire to give back to the community that has shaped who I am.”

My passion for culturally responsive counselling has also been shaped by experiences around the world. From volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania, teaching elementary school students in Hong Kong, to working as a clinical counsellor in Northern British Columbia, each experience has deepened my appreciation for the unique stories, strengths, and challenges that people bring from different cultural backgrounds.

Today, I feel fortunate to support individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My hope is to provide a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and accepted—without having to explain the cultural experiences that have shaped your life.

About Me

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Clinical Experience and Training

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#13374) providing bilingual counselling in both English and Cantonese. I hold a Masters of Counselling Psychology from Adler University (2015), and a Masters of Social Work in Family Therapy from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2013). With over 15 years of clinical experience, I have worked across government (Ministry of Children and Family Development), hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, and private practice. 

My clinical journey began in child and youth mental health, where I spent nine years supporting children, youth, and caregivers navigating complex mental health challenges. I have also developed a passion for supporting university students, adults, and families through life transitions, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and emotional well-being. In my private practice, I particularly enjoy working with individuals from BIPOC and immigrant communities, including those navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and bicultural identities.

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  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)

  • Bowen Family Therapy

  • Structural Family Therapy

  • Play Therapy – Sandtray Level 1

  • Suicide Risk Assessment & Crisis Intervention

  • San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Types of Services

  • A person holding a pen and a clipboard seated across from another person with hands folded on their lap, in a minimalistic room with patterned wallpaper and chairs.

    Individual Counselling

    Whether dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, individual counselling offers an opportunity for self-discovery and positive change.

    50 minutes - $165

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    Parent / Caregiver Counselling

    Parenting is one of life's most rewarding yet challenging journeys. I'm here to provide guidance, support, and solutions to help you navigate this path with confidence.

    50 minutes - $170

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    Clinical Supervision & Consultation

    I offer clinical supervision and consultation for counsellors working toward RCC registration or seeking ongoing professional support. Sessions are collaborative and reflective, blending case consultation, skill development, and space to process the challenges of clinical work.

    50 minutes - $170

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  • Everyone’s different but since you’re on my page, that means there’s something in your body that is telling you to explore and be curious about getting support.

  • I believe in building relationship as the most important foundation to any types of therapy. This builds trust and safety which is needed to go into difficult and vulnerable parts of us. You would expect me asking questions to get to know you and if you wish, get to know me. 

  • Again, this looks different in everyone. I have clients who see me for 6-12 sessions and I have clients who continuously see me for years. We would work collaboratively to establish a clinical goal. You are the one who chooses where the destination is and I will be the driver to get you there safely. 

  • Looks different for everyone. Some clients feel that they are doing a lot better than when they first started so they “end” therapy. They may come back for booster sessions here and there. Some clients prefer to continue on a monthly basis once their goals have been met. Some clients will reach out to me again after a few years if they are going through some rough patches and is wanting support. 

Feel free to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine if we’re the right fit. I would be honoured to walk alongside you, providing a secure, supportive environment where challenges are explored, and meaningful, lasting solutions are developed. Let’s take that first step toward a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.