Gina Ko, PhD.
I was born in Vietnam and came to Canada with my family as a refugee. I identify as a Chinese Canadian and I have lived in Calgary most of my life. I have a teaching background and have worked with many youth and families in an educational and counselling setting.
In my first two years of teaching, I taught for Little Red River Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and cultivated strong and meaningful relationships with my students, their families, and the community. Thereafter, I returned to Calgary and taught for the Calgary Board of Education.
After having two children, I decided to return to school to obtain my master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. This decision was prompted by many students who let me know that I am a good listener, relatable, empathetic, and kind.
Going back to school in my early 30s was one of the best decisions I made and I continued forth to obtain a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and became a Registered Psychologist.
Outside of my practice, I teach for several post-secondary institutions in Undergraduate Programs in Education and Master of Counselling Programs. I learn a great deal from adult learners and consider myself a lifelong learner.
In my spare time, I spend time with my children (12 and 15 years old) and we learn the violin together. I find that music fills my cup and I am learning the guitar. I enjoy working out, playing badminton and volleyball, golfing, reading, writing, colouring, and laughing. These self-care activities are even more crucial at this time.
I speak Cantonese and can offer a language bridge.
My Approach
I believe counselling provides new and renewed insight. I work from a holistic approach using the biopsychosocial framework to consider biology, psychology, and social factors that impact health and well-being.
I am passionate about working with clients to explore challenges, strengths, and resources in order to support them to thrive. I have experience in the single-session model of therapy, brief therapy, and longer-term therapy.
I draw from Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviourial Therapy, Systemic Therapies and work from a culturally responsive and socially just stance.
Specializations:
- Couples Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Parenting and Parenting Concerns
- Situational Crisis
- Work-related Stress
- Life Transitions
- School Challenges
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-Harm
- Grief
- Identity-related concerns
Training:
Couples Therapy – Level 1 Training – The Gottman Institute
Narrative Therapy Intensive Training