Locations: Markham and Phone/Video
Disciplines: Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, and Family Therapy
Languages: English and Mandarin
Top Specialties: Anxiety, Trauma, Pregnancy, Prenatal & Postpartum, Obsessions and Compulsions (OCD), and Grief
Education
● Masters of Divinity in Clinical Counseling (Candidate), Tyndale University
● Project Management Certificate, University of Toronto
● Honours Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Art History, University of Toronto
Supervisor
● Wafaa Akhnookh, RP, RMFT, CRPO #002674
About Esther
I believe that the first step toward healing within therapy is to establish a trusting connection with your therapist. My goal is to assist individuals, couples, and families in their healing journeys by creating a safe and comforting space, free from judgment and criticism, where such trust can grow. In this space, my clients can be themselves without needing to wear a mask. I am passionate about journeying with my clients because I believe each of their stories is worth telling and hearing – I see each person as an individual with unique strengths and challenges, and who deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
I approach therapy from a holistic perspective, believing that every detail of our lives is interconnected and shapes who we are. Collaborating with my clients, I help them to explore all aspects of their lives, in order to increase their sense of awareness and understanding; as a result, they can progress from feeling stuck in their mindset and relationships, toward taking charge of their mental health and building meaningful connections with others.
You can keep reading for more information on how I do therapy, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Using the links on this page, you can book a session or a free 15-minute phone consultation to further discuss your concerns. Don’t worry; even if you find we are not a good fit to work together, I would be happy to help you find the right therapist for you.
Esther’s Story
My journey toward becoming a therapist began when I became a mother. Everything in my life had changed—my family roles, my body, and my mental state—and I found myself struggling to cope with my emotions, adjusting to changes in my body after pregnancy, and feeling overwhelmed by the various demands of my life. Despite being surrounded by people who loved and cared for me, I felt lonely and discovered a darkness I had never known before. This led me to seek help, and through my own healing journey, I became passionate about helping others. Overcoming my own struggles allowed me to empathize with others who may be experiencing similar feelings and challenges.
As a child of Chinese immigrants, mental health was never openly discussed in my family, but now, as a mother, I aim to raise my child with greater clarity and awareness around these topics, and to create an environment free of judgment, guilt, and shame. Likewise, I aim to do the same for my clients, so that they feel comfortable and supported to grow and flourish while navigating this complicated world.