Jenny Cheng, M.Ed, RCC
Hi! My name is Jenny and I was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver. My journey with mental health started when I learned about close family and friends who experienced mental illness. I learned that each individual manifests signs and symptoms so differently but the commonality was the need to be heard. I began to recognize this in my work as a kinesiologist with clients who have sustained injuries. While the goal was to recover physically, their psychological well-being did not receive the same attention. It was for this reason I decided to turn my career to mental health.
I completed my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology in 2017 at UBC and became registered as a clinical counsellor soon after. I did my practicum experience in mental health and substance use with Vancouver Coastal Health providing individual and group counselling. I received a firsthand look at the city's rising problems with addiction and find myself wanting to work more in this area.
I completed my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology in 2017 at UBC and became registered as a clinical counsellor soon after. I did my practicum experience in mental health and substance use with Vancouver Coastal Health providing individual and group counselling. I received a firsthand look at the city's rising problems with addiction and find myself wanting to work more in this area.
Approaches and Techniques
When working with clients with a variety of different backgrounds, cultures and values, I believe there is no one approach fits all. The client is best served when their unique needs are met with the most appropriate and compatible therapeutic approaches. However, I recognize that as counsellors, we need to have a primary orientation to serve as a foundation for treatment planning and the interventions we use.
My therapeutic approach uses cognitive methods and mindfulness meditation to help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) allows me to explore the mind-body connection with clients and how we can create a positive influence between our emotional and physical states to achieve overall health. I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) to work with common psychological issues such as depression and anxiety as well as physical disorders.
I firmly believe in dedicating time to develop a strong therapeutic connection with my clients by being person-centred first. Each individual is their own expert in their lives who has the ability to discover their own solutions. My role is to provide empowerment and encouragement through the client's journey.
My therapeutic approach uses cognitive methods and mindfulness meditation to help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) allows me to explore the mind-body connection with clients and how we can create a positive influence between our emotional and physical states to achieve overall health. I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) to work with common psychological issues such as depression and anxiety as well as physical disorders.
I firmly believe in dedicating time to develop a strong therapeutic connection with my clients by being person-centred first. Each individual is their own expert in their lives who has the ability to discover their own solutions. My role is to provide empowerment and encouragement through the client's journey.
Areas of Focus
For almost 10 years, I have been working in rehabilitation with individuals who have experienced a traumatic accident (motor vehicle/workplace/stroke/crime-related). Their injuries are often life changing and the psychological response to injury can trigger or unmask serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use or abuse. Concussions aka. traumatic brain injury pose another issue with mental health due to the presence of post-concussion symptoms and unlike most other injuries, the timeline and return to activity are difficult to predict. I also have experience working with individuals who experience chronic pain and psychological symptoms. My work in these areas focus on development of healthy coping strategies and physical activation to increase self-confidence and regain a more meaningful life again.
Interesting facts about me
- I have an etsy shop where I sell my handmade goods
- I love backcountry hiking and camping
- Sushi is my favourite food
