Henry Hwi,
R.C.C., M.A.

Hi there! My name is Henry Hwi and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and my master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a focus in Vocational Rehabilitation from The University of British Columbia. I grew up on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations where I also continue to live and work. Teaching and mentoring humans from all ages and backgrounds has been a running thread through my life, so it was a natural progression to becoming a counsellor and supporting humans psychotherapeutically!

I believe that while there are can be a multitude of differences between person to person, what connects us to a common humanity is our capacity to suffer, endure, and thrive. For those who find themselves working with me, I want to help hold and process that suffering, explore and develop tools to build endurance and resilience, and move towards integrating what is learned and perhaps even thrive. I base my work in attachment theory and work relationally, meaning the foundation underpinning the counselling process is how you and I are relating in the professional setting. It can be a powerful container to create a sense of safety to explore difficult, sensitive, and tender material.

Alongside attachment theory, I bring in elements and interventions from other approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, internal family systems therapy, and play therapy to name a few. How, when, and why any particular intervention is chosen is guided from understanding you and your inner world in that moment and with your consent, testing to see how it might move you towards your goals. In addition to working with adults, I have a drive for working with children, teens, and families. Much of my working history involve educating and mentoring children and teens in various capacities, and I am happy to continue that trend in counselling. I draw inspiration from play therapy, Theraplay, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and am in constant professional training to improve my skillset to better serve my clients.

Text can only capture so much of the person behind the words, and so I welcome connecting more directly if you would like to know more about me, how I work, and if this might be a potential fit to help you reach your therapeutic goals.