Judy Zhu

I immigrated to Canada 20 years ago, and I am familiar with the struggles that immigrants experience.  I worked through the transition issues to a different culture with my therapist.  I remember him saying to me “if you feel yourself in a dark tunnel stumbling, trying to find a way to the light at the end of the tunnel, I can hold a torch and walk beside you.” Our journey together was fruitful and transformative to me. And now, I want to offer the same imagery to you my clients. As I accompany you during your difficult and challenging time, I offer my presence like the torch in the darkness: warm, comforting and enlightening. Together, we navigate the dark tunnel and move toward the light: a broader, brighter and more vibrant future life for you.

Besides my holistic medicine background, there are three main sources of influence to my counseling/therapy work. I have been practicing Zen meditation for over 10 years, and I find it extremely helpful in both my professional and personal life. It enables me to be more present with my clients and my family, and it cultivates my compassion toward others and myself. Many Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, self compassion, acceptance and engagement with life are some main focuses in my practice. 

As Plato said, "An unexamined life is not worth living", Existential philosophy and existential psychotherapy interest me because of their exploration and examination of basic human struggles such as life/death, loneliness/connection, responsibility/freedom, meaning/meaninglessness.  Many of my own personal struggles and my clients’ struggles fall under these topics. And I find out from many of clients that they yearn for the in-depth conversation about these topics! 

Nature and art nourish me and my practice. Sunset, fragrance of a flower, sound of a creek, taste of chocolate, and the touch of a dog’s fluffy coat, they all reckon us to experience life with our senses more, to live a richer life. I love literature and poetry. I paint and play piano in my free time.  In my sessions, I like to tell stories, use metaphors, or talk about particular art that my clients love. I accompany you to explore your inner world that is often neglected by the logical mind yet remains a rich source of creativity and vibrant living. 

Last but not the least, our small family of three is my safe haven.  My husband’s presence stimulates me to think and grow, and my 7 year old daughter is my bubbly spring of love – connecting me to a tender, curious and child-like place in my heart.