Approach
My approach is underscored by my belief that all people are inherently resourceful, creative, and deserving of a life filled with purpose and belonging.
I work in a manner that is collaborative and client-centered. I believe in building strong relationships that prioritize authenticity, trust, and respect. My work is firmly grounded in empirically-supported theories, intersectional feminism, and the biopsychosocial model. My style is informal, conversational, and when appropriate, playful. I work with grief, and recognize loss to be a personal process, with no time line. You will not be pressured to ‘move on’. My work is trauma-informed, and eclectic. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, neuroscience, mindfulness-based, and somatic approaches.
About Me
From a young age, I felt that my calling was to support people in their healing journeys and to help create a world where there is compassion and equity for all. I am a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian whose ancestors faced oppression and racism. Due to their experiences, I feel a heightened responsibility to work in a way that honors diversity and cultural sensitivity. I have worked with marginalized communities in the Vancouver area in various roles, ranging from working with young offenders to providing health services to vulnerable individuals. I have 20 years of experience teaching yoga to seniors, have trained in yoga therapy, and worked as a nutritionist for over 14 years. I have experienced loss, grief, and my own shadow sides. I believe that these periods of struggle and suffering have helped me become more aware, compassionate, and resilient.
Wendy Akune (she/her)
Clinical Counsellor, RHN, RYT
wendy@kinsugi-counselling.ca