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Counsellor

Teresa Lau

Speaks:

English

Cantonese

Mandarin

Skilled immigrant or young adult? Build a life of authenticity and lasting growth.

I believe in the profound impact of small, meaningful steps toward personal growth and that those "little" steps accumulate into substantial, lasting change. My aim in counselling is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns so that you are free to express yourself authentically and recognize the path that is uniquely yours. Hence, I joined Ko Psychology to support you holistically. I have worked with youths, young adults, Canadians, first and second-generational immigrants, and educated professionals on anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, and trauma.

Counsellor Teresa Lau
Teresa smiling facing forward
Teresa smiling facing forward

About

My Story

My family and I landed in Calgary in 1995 through the economic immigration stream, seeking a brighter future during a time of uncertainty in Hong Kong. We faced challenges head-on, working multiple jobs and pursuing further education to establish meaningful careers. Today, my parents are happily enjoying their retirement. For many years, I witnessed my parents navigate the stress of migration, from re-obtaining their credentials, changing their careers, balancing work and life, and rebuilding their personal support and professional network. Not only did their determination and perseverance pay off, they are now enjoying post-work life. They have inspired me to help newcomers who lived through similar challenges those years ago.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Ethnicity, Immigration, and Multiculturalism at the University of Calgary. I explored how cultural rules and norms impact people and how I may positively support individuals through micro and macro levels. Upon graduation, I worked as a Human Resources professional for seven years, recruiting and settling foreign workers committed to providing a safe and fair environment for all workers so they may be successful in life.

Throughout this time, my personal life progressed, and I started a family and began having children of my own. After the birth of my second child, I decided to take a step back from my career to focus more on family life; I let go of my hectic human resources management position and opted for a more balanced profession in career advising. As I helped foreign-trained doctors get licensed and find work in Canada, I realized that organizational support was not enough as there will always be a marginalized population who feel that our social and political systems are not serving them, even if they are highly educated, skilled, professional immigrants. These individuals must look inward to find strengths within themselves and eliminate their mental barriers to enhance their well-being, realize their potential, and improve their relationships with themselves, others, and our society. These insights led me to complete my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. After that, I  obtained my Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) credential through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), became a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA), and obtained my Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) credential through College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

Outside of work, I volunteer in the community in various capacities and spend time with my two energetic boys (7 and 9 years old) and my even more energetic daughter (4 years old), my husband, my immediate family, who all live in Calgary, and my friends. I love connecting with them through food, music, exercising, and the great outdoors, such as hiking, kayaking, and camping. I love learning about diverse cultures in person and through self-learning, training, and social media. I look forward to getting to know you, your background, and learning from your unique strengths and values.

Approach

Working Together

With a passion for helping others strive through a strength-based approach, I draw strategies from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), various forms of cognitive-based therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and self-compassion. I believe in being a culturally responsive and socially just practitioner immersing in the biopsychosocial perspective.

I speak Cantonese and understand basic Mandarin.

Calm lake with mountains in the background

Rates

Counselling (60 mins): $150 per session

Sliding Scale

To ensure equitable support we offer a limited  number sliding scale sessions available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

Half session fee is required for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to your appointment.

Payment Options

We accept e-transfer, credit card, and cash.

Services

My Areas of Focus

Mental Health Support

Life Challenges

Stress Management

  • Stress Management Strategies

  • Stress and Coping

Neurodivergence

School and Work

Life Stages & Transitions

Relationships

Cultural Adjustment and Support

Identity

It takes genuine courage to invest in yourself and seek a life beyond simply "managing." If you’re a purpose-driven individual ready to step into your full potential, I’m ready to walk alongside you.

Credentials and Training

Leadership

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Awards

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Education

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Training

Couples Therapy – Level 2 Training

The Gottman Institute

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2025

Couples Therapy – Level 1 Training

The Gottman Institute

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2025

Foundations of Perinatal Mental Health

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings

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2024

ADHD Certification Course

PESI

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In Progress

Writing and Media

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