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Counselling Therapist, Certified Grief Educator
MA, MACP, CCC, ACTA
Meet Kate Koei
We all want to feel whole and complete. To be seen, heard, held, and mended. In times of need, we hope we can lean on our loved ones, and yet some moments call for greater support than the people closest to us can give.
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For those moments, you can find a home here.
I am a licensed counsellor offering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support. I am attuned to my clients' cultural backgrounds, values systems and take great care in my practice to be mindful of how diversity impacts the ways we experience the joys and trials of life. As an immigrant, I am keenly aware of the challenges of navigating cross-cultural differences.
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I work closely with individuals, couples and families who have suffered a loss, such as illness, death, family/partner abuse and survivors of abusive relationships, PTSD, relationship challenges, separation, discrimination, and other forms of trauma.
When seeking counselling, you want someone to listen and understand you. My integrated approach builds on classical and traditional forms of therapy to provide non-judgmental and specific counselling to your situation. In in our time together, we will draw on different healing modalities to help that light that might be dimmed within you shine fiercer and brighter than ever before.
Areas of Expertise
Grief & Loss
No one can be fully prepared for grief, and yet it is something every single person goes through. Everyone’s grief journey is different. There is no right way to grieve.
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As humans, we grieve many things. Most commonly, the loss of a loved one or someone close but also changing relationship dynamics or family structures, the loss of a job or career or sometimes simply the loss of something that once was. Not everyone understands the many ways in which grief shows up, and sometimes, the people around us may not comprehend our grief. Your grief matters and deserves witness.
As a professional in this field, I understand that grief becomes a part of you. But it doesn’t have to define you.
Our childhood deeply influences our present relationships. Difficult childhoods can generate unhealthy attachment patterns, communication styles, co-dependency, mental health issues, addiction, and abusive behavioral patterns. Many times, it is difficult to draw connections between our past and present lives. In counselling, we will work together to uncover what may be at the root of unhealthy relationship dynamics. You will differentiate between healthy and maladaptive patterns, and we will work towards helping you have the fulfilling relationships you desire.
Difficult Relationship Patterns
As an immigrant, I know that there are aspects of culture that we all hold dear. These are reminders of home and a piece of ourselves we want to preserve, despite adapting and assimilating to a new culture. Family values, religious, social, and economic beliefs all shape who we are, and our differences are not always easily accepted. Integrating into a new culture does not mean you have to change who you are. I am here to support you if you are struggling with relationships, workplace dynamics, parenting, or other day-to-today activities. I help families, individuals, and couples navigate these challenges.
Immigrant Challenges
I work with parents in prenatal pregnancy and postpartum health. This includes relationship changes, infertility, miscarriage, TFMR, stillbirth and more.
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Pregnancy and parenthood can be beautiful experiences, but they can also be lonely, isolating, confusing or, in the worst cases, an erosion of self. You may experience isolation or alienation from your partner, feel out of your depth, struggle to bond with your new baby after birth or even experience grief. Research shows that one-fifth of couples break up after welcoming a new baby and approximately 40% do so after losing a child. I will walk alongside you as you navigate pregnancy and postpartum challenges.
Maternal Mental Health
Domestic abuse is a traumatizing experience that can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, age, education or financial status. The abuse can be physical, sexual, mental, emotional, or psychological and may bring up conflicting feelings for survivors of abusive relationships, particularly cluster B disorders.
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I recognize the complexities of choosing a way forward and the grief that accompanies these situations. In counselling you have a safe space to share your story, rediscover your strengths, identify coping strategies and explore options and resources that you can lean on for support.
Domestic Abuse and Survivors of Abusive Relationships
Testimonials
Resources
Videos
The Power of Vulnerability
I Had a Black Dog, His Name Was Depression
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training
Books
Mental Health Helplines
24-Hour Crisis Line:
403-266-HELP (4357)
Family Violence Help Line:
403-234-SAFE (7233)
Youth Crisis Line:
403-264-TEEN (8336)