About Pauline 2023-06-02T11:22:35+00:00

Academic Background:

  • Certificate in Focusing-Oriented Therapy, International Focusing Institute, 2017
  • Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology (Emphasis on Integral Counselling Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, 2007
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (Travel Industry Management), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, 1988

Languages:

  • Minored in French, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1987-88
  • Basic Cantonese and Mandarin

Continuing Education Highlights:

  • Music-Integrated Therapy (12-Week Training), April 2022
  • Core Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Training presented by the Provincial Health Services Authority, March 2019
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (4-Day Externship), July 2011
  • Gottman Couples Therapy, Nov 2011
  • The Psychology of Action: The Role of the Body in the Treatment of Trauma and Attachment, Oct 2009

Pauline Goh, MA, RCC, FOT
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Focusing-Oriented Therapist 

Crisis points (i.e. marked by physical illness, overwhelm, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, “falling apart,” “feeling stuck,” “caught between two places”) can be catalysts for change and transformation in our lives. They offer us opportunities to gain more self awareness and insights, so that we can live our fullest potential.

In my role as your therapist / clinical counsellor, I feel privileged to bear witness and to accompany my clients on their unique journey. I am committed to the process of depth therapy and getting to the “root” of the issue, while holding a safe space to do the work.  I explore with them how to engage their internal and external resources throughout our work together, while holding with respect, curiosity, and non-judgment all aspects of the client – including places related to the “shadow,” addictions and tendencies, or feelings such as self loathing, guilt, or shame.

As a Certified Focusing-oriented Therapist, I frequently integrate focusing, along with other modalities – such as mindfulness practice, spirituality, and transpersonal psychology – in my practice. What I like about focusing is that it is client-centered; it is gentle and experiential, allowing us to practice self observation and to cultivate “here and now” awareness. It brings us into our felt sense and body, facilitating right brain communication. I have found focusing to be effective, in working safely with complex trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, body image issues, as well as in enhancing self esteem and creativity, and in exploring inner child work and dreamwork. When clients can access their own embodied knowing, all the answers come from within.

In April 2022, I completed a 12-week training in Music-integrated Therapy, allowing me now to support clients who are open to using this modality (i.e. listening to music; musicking; drumming; songwriting; improvisation) as part of the healing process. This modality is helpful in moving through stuckness, anger, grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as to connect with our body, essence, and inner child.

I am a culturally sensitive counsellor and bring forth strengths and references from my own immigration and adaptation experiences, and from working and travelling around the world (including Asia Pacific, South Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe).  I have supported the journey of new immigrants through my affiliation with Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society.  I have also worked closely with indigenous clients who have accessed counselling privately, through their work benefits/programs, or through First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

For clients who are struggling with workplace issues and challenges, I offer an experiential understanding of organizational/workplace issues from my previous 16-year career in the business/corporate world where I worked in media and marketing, specifically in publishing, cable and satellite, and conferences/seminars.

I have a lot of passion for couples counselling work too, as this can allow the unfolding of tremendous personal healing while practicing communication tools with a partner.

Since 2014, I have been a founding member of the Psychedelic Psychotherapy Forum – Canada, organizing a series of professional continuing education accredited conferences and workshops for health care practitioners and others interested in transpersonal psychology and the growing field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. [Note that I do not offer medicine work for clients; however, I can support clients with inquiries regarding safe practices, preparation (prior) as well as integration work (post) as these bookends are key in the healing journey.]

Before setting up my private practice in BC in 2009, I worked in San Francisco as Behavioural Health Counsellor at PAES Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services (PCS), dealing with welfare-to-work transitions and issues such as substance abuse/addiction, depression, and anxiety.

In my personal life, I am a practitioner and continuing student of Tai Chi and Vipassana meditation. I also enjoy parenting, gardening, cooking, singing, dancing, and playing music, as well as integrating nature-based resources and spirituality with psychotherapy.

>> To read more about my specialty areas and therapeutic approaches, please click HERE.

Photo credit: Sara Juggernaut on Pixabay