About me.
My name is Chiharu Yanagawa, and I am a registered clinical counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.
I deeply believe in the transformative power of therapy and aim to create a collaborative space where you feel heard, valued, and understood.
Every individual’s experiences and challenges are unique, and my role is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where we can work together to explore your emotions, build self-awareness, and cultivate resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
I am fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin, and I bring a culturally sensitive lens to my work. I understand how important it is for therapy to acknowledge the complexity of your background, culture, and identity. I strive to provide care that is respectful, inclusive, and tailored to your individual context.
I look forward to partnering with you as you take this courageous step towards greater well-being and personal transformation.
My story.
Growing up between different cultures and languages, I often carried feelings that were hard to express, both my own and those of the people around me. I became a therapist because I wanted to be someone who listens deeply and holds space for your experience without rushing to fix things or tell you how you should feel. To better understand the social factors that shape health and well-being, I completed a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto.
Outside of therapy, I find joy in reading and swimming. These activities give me space to reflect and recharge and help me stay grounded and fully present in my work. I also have a special connection to the movie Interstellar because it captures the vastness and complexity of life and shows the importance of facing the unknown with curiosity and hope. These passions shape how I approach therapy with openness, patience, and a genuine readiness to explore each person’s own journey.
I recognize that each person’s experiences are unique. I work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, identity questions, and life transitions. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as you work through what matters most to you.
Why I became a therapist.
I wanted to create the kind of space I once needed; a space where you do not have to have everything figured out, where your feelings are valid, and where you can show up just as you are and be met with care and respect. Remember that you do not need to go through this alone.