Justin Morrison, MEng

Justin is a Graduate Counselling Intern currently completing his Master of Counselling at City University. He offers clients a space to feel truly seen and heard. His approach is client-centered and focused on deeply understanding the inner experience of people who are struggling. Justin’s innate curiosity is reflected in his approach to counselling, where exploration is facilitated by thoughtful questions and reflections. He holds the therapeutic relationship in the highest regard, understanding that clients who feel a true connection in the therapy room tend to have better outcomes. Justin draws influence from a number of theoretical orientations including Emotion-Focused, Psychodynamic, Existential and Cognitive Behavioural.  

Justin is open to working with clients (including couples and families) from all cultural backgrounds, with struggles of any description. He believes that the therapy room is a space to find common humanity.

Justin was born and raised in Ireland. He came to Vancouver in 2007 where he bumped into the girl of his dreams on the street one day. They now have two teenage children and an adorable rescue dog. He loves hot yoga, cold dips and rave music. As an Irish man, he spent most of his life believing there were only three emotions: grand, not bad, and fiercely annoyed - discovering the Feeling Wheel has been a revelation.

Highlights:

  • Justin's capstone research examines the critical importance of the therapeutic relationship and critiques how training institutions often underemphasize this fundamental aspect of therapy. He explores whether alliance-building skills can be systematically taught and developed, with particular focus on the role of therapist self-reflection in creating deeper, more effective therapeutic connections.

  • Justin is focused on developing his ability to create strong therapeutic alliances with his clients, believing this forms the bedrock of all meaningful therapeutic work. He is particularly interested in deepening his understanding of how genuine connection facilitates healing and change. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy and trauma-informed approaches, recognizing the profound impact that unprocessed experiences can have on people's lives.

  • Justin brings a diverse professional background spanning engineering to creative fields. Working as a security guard during his Master's in Aeronautical Engineering taught him the power of even fleeting connections. He considers therapy the most meaningful work he's ever done, feeling honored to be there for his clients in their most vulnerable moments.