Jess Yau

Therapy with me is a space to develop a deeper understanding of yourself. We'll explore what informs the way you move through life, relationships and emotions. I have a particular interest in questions of identity, belonging and what it means to feel truly known. This includes working with individuals who feel a sense of displacement, such as those who are bicultural or who have grown up between cultures and communities, and those whose early experiences left them feeling unseen, misunderstood or disconnected from parts of themselves. Much of what shapes us originates in early experience. Patterns formed in childhood have a way of persisting quietly into adulthood, influencing our behaviours, feelings and relationships in ways we may not immediately recognise. I help you become more aware of these patterns as a process that can lead to genuine change, greater self-compassion and a stronger sense of agency in your own life. This can be valuable during moments of crisis or change. Where something from the past remains unprocessed, I believe it deserves time and care - not to be rushed toward resolution, but allowed to unfold at a pace that feels right for you. As an integrative counsellor, I draw from psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive behavioural approaches, adapting my approach to the needs of each individual. Central to how I work is the therapeutic relationship between us. Feeling safe and genuinely understood is often what allows the deeper work to take place.