Hi and welcome to Chiharu Yanagawa Therapy.

I'm Chiharu, a therapist based in Vancouver, BC offering counselling and mental health support in English, Japanese, and Mandarin. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and relationships with care and intention.

I understand how important it is to feel seen and understood, especially when working across cultural or linguistic contexts. My practice is rooted in cultural sensitivity, emotional safety, and respect for each person's lived experience.

If you're thinking about starting therapy, I invite you to explore the services I offer and book a free introduction call with me.

Let’s take the next step together.

Get to know me.

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.

I strive to create the kind of space where you do not need 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.

My counselling services.

I offer individual counselling for adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, or relationship concerns. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your unique needs, helping you explore emotions, build insight, and develop practical tools for change.

I offer counselling in English, Japanese, and Mandarin to support clients in the language they feel most comfortable expressing themselves. I also help clients navigate the cultural differences between where they come from and where they live.

My approaches to therapy.

I draw from a wide range of evidence-based modalities to support your growth and healing journey. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Each person brings a unique story, set of experiences, and personal goals into the therapy space.

My approaches to therapy include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Approaches, Strengths-Based and Client-Centered Frameworks.

My focus on accessibility.

I aim to make therapy as accessible as possible and I know that reaching clients where and when they are available is an important part of making that happen.

  • Clients seeking in-person counselling are welcome at my cozy office in the heart of Kitsilano

  • I also offer virtual counselling to people anywhere in British Columbia

  • Sessions are available on weekdays and weekends as well as during the daytime and evenings

  • I also offer my clients the choice of 50 or 80 minute sessions, depending on what works best for them

Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

  • I am a clinical counsellor (qualifying) with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. In addition, I have 6 years of experience helping adults, teens, and families in need of mental health support.

    • Stress, anxiety, and burnout

    • Depression and low mood

    • Relationship concerns and family conflict

    • Life transitions and identity exploration

    • Grief and loss

    • Trauma and past experiences that still affect you

    • Cultural identity and cross-cultural experiences

    • Self-esteem and confidence

    • Emotional regulation and coping strategies

  • I draw from a wide range of evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Approaches, Strengths-Based and Client-Centered Frameworks.

  • I offer counselling in English, Japanese, and Mandarin.

  • Yes! I provide counselling sessions in the evening and on weekends to accommodate the busy schedules of my clients.

  • Yes, all new clients receive a free 20 minute introduction call so we can get to know each other better, answer any questions you may have, and decide if we are the right fit.

My accreditations & associations.