My name is Joyce Jopio, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling. I believe therapy is a restorative process that should be accessible to anyone who desires or needs it.
I offer individual, couples, and family counseling, and I warmly welcome clients from all cultures, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
For more information about me, my approach, process, and pricing, please see the sections below.
I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada at a young age with my family. Growing up, I faced the challenge of navigating two distinct cultures: balancing the close-knit, collectivist traditions of my Filipino heritage with the more individualistic values of Western society.
While this dual experience was often challenging, it helped shape a unique and enriched identity that honors my roots while embracing my present. This bicultural journey is something I am deeply passionate about, and I am committed to supporting others as they navigate the complexities of balancing cultural expectations with the realities of Western life.
From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the helping profession, a path greatly influenced by my mother. She possessed a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and understood. Her compassion for those on the margins, paired with her unwavering belief in their worth and dignity, profoundly inspired me.
I grew up in Surrey, BC, and after completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to the United States. My early work with urban youth in Camden, NJ, and in adoption social work in Philadelphia, PA, became transformative experiences that deepened my passion for helping others and demonstrating that meaningful change is possible. After over a decade of living in the United States, I made the move back to BC to be closer to family and then eventually pursue my Master’s degree in Counselling.
With over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families across various sectors, I remain dedicated to walking alongside others as they create purposeful and fulfilling paths forward in their lives.
Why I Do This Work
I’m passionate about helping people build meaningful connections with themselves and others. Life can be difficult, but I firmly believe in the human capacity for growth and healing. My goal is to help you discover your inner strengths, navigate challenges, and create a more fulfilling and balanced life
Outside of Counseling
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll often find me exploring various trails with my dog, Sally, around the lower mainland, spending time with close family and friends, doting on my nieces and nephews, reading a good book, or knitting/crocheting to my heart’s desire. These activities ground me and remind me of the importance of balance and self-care, values I bring into my practice.
About me
Therapy can feel like untangling a ball of yarn—messy, confusing, and overwhelming at times. My role as your therapist is to guide you through this process, helping you gently unravel the knots of thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be holding you back.
I am not afraid to address the hard or awkward topics that often arise during therapy. I will also gently challenge you when I notice patterns or self-imposed limitations, always with the goal of helping you to grow, to heal, and to move forward.
Together, we’ll identify the starting points, explore connections between experiences, and work through the tangled mess to uncover greater understanding and insight. Each session is an opportunity to sort through those strands, creating clarity, healing, and the foundation for positive change.
My hope is that as we untangle these knots, you’ll gain a newfound sense of understanding and empowerment to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.
My approach to therapy
I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling tailored to your unique needs, from a trauma-informed lens. My experience includes working with individuals navigating intergenerational and interpersonal trauma, body image challenges, mental decolonization, and the complexities of bicultural stress. Below are the areas I specialize in:
Anxiety and Stress Management
Helping you understand and manage overwhelming thoughts, physical symptoms, and daily stressors. Techniques include mindfulness, grounding exercises, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Depression and Mood Disorders
Supporting you through feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of motivation. Focused on building coping strategies and rediscovering joy and purpose.
Trauma and PTSD
Assisting you in processing past traumas and developing tools to reduce triggers and emotional distress
Relationship Challenges
Working with individuals and couples to address communication issues, conflicts, or emotional disconnects. Emphasizes strengthening trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding.
Grief and Loss
Providing a safe space to navigate the complex emotions following the loss of a loved one, relationship, or life transition.
Life Transitions and Personal Growth
Helping you navigate major changes, such as career shifts, parenthood, or relocation. Focused on building resilience, self-confidence, and clarity in decision-making.
Self-Esteem and Confidence Building
Assisting clients in overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, or negative self-perceptions. Emphasizes self-compassion and personal empowerment.
f your concern isn’t listed above, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to discuss how we can work together or refer you to a trusted colleague if needed.
Specialty Areas
As a therapist, I draw from a variety of counseling approaches, all of which are grounded in a trauma-informed lens. This means I am attuned to the ways in which trauma can impact the mind and body, and I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and trusting environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your experiences. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, where we work together to uncover the insights and tools you need to heal and grow.
Here are some of the therapeutic approaches I use in my practice:
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory helps us understand how early relationships shape our patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions in adulthood.
Narrative Therapy
In narrative therapy, we view your life as a story that can be rewritten.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Person-Centered Therapy
In person-centered therapy, I emphasize the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy is a goal-oriented approach that emphasizes finding practical solutions to current problems rather than dwelling on past difficulties.
Brief Therapy
Brief therapy is an approach that focuses on achieving specific therapeutic goals in a short amount of time.
Systems Theory
Systems theory looks at the interconnectedness of individuals, families, and communities.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy involves the use of body awareness techniques to help release stored trauma and emotional tension.
Sand Tray Therapy
Sand play therapy is a form of expressive therapy where clients use miniature figures and sand to create scenes that represent their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is often used with children to help them express and process their emotions through play.
TRIP (Trauma Regulation Information Processing)
TRIP is a specialized trauma therapy that focuses on helping clients process and regulate traumatic memories.
I integrate these various approaches based on your individual needs and preferences. My aim is to create a personalized, holistic therapy experience that promotes healing, growth, and empowerment. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about these approaches, please feel free to reach out.
Theoretical Approach
As a registered clinical counselor, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Here’s what you can expect when working with me:
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we're a good fit to work together. This session is an opportunity for you to ask any questions about my approach, discuss what you’re looking for in therapy, and share your goals in a relaxed, no-pressure environment
A Warm Welcome First Session
Our first 50 minutes session will focus on getting to know you. I’ll ask questions to understand your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through counselling.
Confidentiality and Trust
Your privacy is my top priority. Our conversations are strictly confidential, except in rare situations required by law, such as concerns about harm to yourself or others. I am committed to building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable to share at a pace that feels right for you.
Collaborative Goal-Setting
Together, we will identify your challenges and set meaningful goals for our work. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, or personal growth, I will tailor our sessions to align with your unique needs and values.
Evidence-Based Approaches
I draw from various proven therapeutic approaches and sessions are personalized to address your concerns in a way that feels authentic and manageable.
A Supportive Environment
Counseling is not about judgment or criticism. It’s a collaborative process where you’re encouraged to explore, reflect, and grow. I will provide guidance, tools, and strategies to help you navigate challenges and move toward healing and a fulfilling life.
Progress at Your Pace
Each journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Whether you need short-term or long-term support, I will meet you where you are and respect your pace every step of the way.
What to Expect
I aim to provide transparent and affordable options for your counseling needs. Below is an overview of my services and fees:
Individual Sessions
50-minute session - $150 CAD
90-minute session - $225 CAD
Couples Sessions
50-minute session - $175
90-minute session - $260
Sliding Scale Options
I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support. If financial constraints are a concern, please reach out to discuss sliding scale rates based on your circumstances.
Insurance Coverage
Many extended health plans cover counseling services provided by Registered Clinical Counselors (RCCs). I can provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement. Please check with your provider to confirm coverage.
Payment Methods
I accept the following payment methods:
Credit/Debit Cards
E-Transfers
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or late cancellations may incur a fee equivalent to the full session cost.
If you have any questions about pricing or insurance coverage, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to help clarify your options.
Pricing and Payment
Taking the first step toward counseling can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make the process as easy and supportive as possible. Follow these simple steps to begin your journey:
1.Contact me
Reach out via the contact form on this website to share a little about yourself and what you’re looking for. I’ll respond within 48 hours to answer your questions and discuss next steps. We will schedule your Free 15 minutes initial consultation.
2.Schedule Your First Session
Once we connect, we’ll find a time that works for you. Sessions can take place:
**Online**: Using Zoom, secure video conferencing.
3.Prepare for Your Session
During your first session, we’ll get to know each other, discuss your goals, and create a plan tailored to your unique needs. Come as you are—there’s no need to prepare anything in advance.
4.Begin Your Journey
Counseling is a collaborative process, and I’ll support you every step of the way. Together, we’ll work on strategies and insights to help you achieve greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment.