About Jonathan

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my bio!

I respect the uniqueness of each person, and believe that working with a person as a whole is integral to health and healing.

My focus is to listen well, be curious, non-judgmental, and nurture a safe, trusting, and collaborative relationship with you.

Since 2018 I have worked as a Registered Massage Therapist, and I’m excited to bring my integrative, holistic, and trauma-informed skills in support of your health, needs and goals.

My therapeutic style is compassionate, respectful, person-centered, and informed by cognitive behavioural, narrative, solution-focused and somatic perspectives and techniques.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Vancouver, I have a unique bicultural perspective, and have been enriched by my exposure to many forms of healing from various parts of the world.

I understand that many people experience barriers to beginning the counselling process, and I’m dedicated to being a kind and encouraging participant along your journey!

My Education:

Completing a Bachelor’s of Human Kinetics in 2007 from the University of British Columbia (UBC) sparked a life-long passion for human sciences.

In 2009 I completed a Bachelor’s of Education at UBC to complement my other passions – education, youth-work, and travel.

For several years I lived and worked in South Korea absorbing all I could about cultures, languages, and food.

Upon my return to Canada, it was time for more learning, so in 2018 I became a registered massage therapist.
I enjoy working in the helping profession, as well as teaching human sciences, massage therapy skills, and professional development at Langara Community College.

While working as a massage therapist helping people and movers of all ages and abilities is so gratifying, I’m thrilled to be expanding my knowledge of the human experience through my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology studies at Yorkville University.

My Areas of Practice:

I am grateful and excited to begin my internship and supervision with Joelle Lazar at Centrepoint Psychotherapy to develop my counselling skills in areas such as:

• • • • Anxiety and Depression
      • Trauma and PTSD
      • Chronic pain
      • Grief & Loss
      • Stress and Anger Management
      • Cultural Responsivity and Social Justice
      • Mindfulness and Spirituality
      • Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation
      • Relationships
      • Supporting Youth