I’m Brenda Lao, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #23001) offering culturally responsive, trauma-informed counselling for youth, adults, and individuals navigating relationships. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity and self-worth concerns, family conflict, and life transitions.
I identify as a Chinese Canadian, second-generation immigrant, and as a person of colour, I’m especially mindful of how culture, intergenerational experiences, and social expectations can shape mental health. Creating a space where clients—particularly those from racialized and immigrant communities—feel genuinely seen and understood is central to my work.
My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and attachment-based. I believe healing happens through safety, trust, and authentic connection. Clients remain the experts of their own lives, and I work alongside them with warmth, curiosity, and care, integrating evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and emotion-focused strategies when helpful.
With over ten years of experience across government, nonprofit, and educational settings, I bring a relational, strengths-based perspective to therapy. I aim to support clients in developing deeper self-awareness, healthier patterns, and greater emotional resilience.
