Chiharu Yanagawa joins the Vancouver Therapy Collective as associate

We are excited to share that Chiharu Yanagawa has joined Vancouver Therapy Collective as an associate counsellor. Chiharu brings a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy and a strong commitment to supporting clients with care that is both personal and practical.

Chiharu holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto and works with individuals navigating concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, identity questions, and life transitions. She believes in the transformative power of therapy and creates a collaborative space where clients feel heard, valued, and understood.

Fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin, Chiharu integrates cultural awareness into her practice and understands the importance of acknowledging the complexity of each client’s background, culture, and identity. Her goal is to provide care that is inclusive, respectful, and tailored to each person’s unique story.

Her therapeutic style is integrative, drawing on CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, EFT, and ACT. This blend allows her to offer both practical tools and deeper emotional exploration, helping clients build resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful change. Clients can expect a balance of structure and openness, guided by empathy and curiosity.

Chiharu’s path to becoming a counsellor was shaped by her own experiences growing up between different cultures and languages. This gave her an early awareness of how difficult feelings can be to express, and how important it is to have someone who listens deeply without judgment. That perspective continues to guide her work today, as she creates space for clients to explore their emotions and discover new ways of relating to themselves and others.

As an associate at the Vancouver Therapy Collective, we will support Chiharu in building her own practice and connecting with clients who are best matched to her skillset, experience, and expertise. At the same time, she will contribute to VTC by working with sliding scale clients, assisting with intakes, and helping to shape the overall development of the organization. This partnership ensures that both Chiharu and VTC continue to grow in ways that benefit the community we serve.

Outside of her professional life, Chiharu finds joy in reading and swimming, activities that help her stay grounded and present in her work. She also has a special connection to the film Interstellar, which inspires her with its message about the vastness of life, the importance of human connection, and the courage it takes to face the unknown.

We are honoured to welcome Chiharu to the Vancouver Therapy Collective. Her compassion, cultural sensitivity, and thoughtful presence make her a wonderful addition to our community, and we are confident that her work will support clients in moving toward greater well-being and personal transformation.