How this BIPOC therapist in Vancouver Can Make Your Life Better

Do you know that feeling when you talk to someone about your challenges and the difficulty that the day-to-day can bring and they look at you with sympathetic eyes, they say all the right words to ease your discomfort, but you know that deep down… they just don’t really understand your struggle? 

They try, they really do. But they don’t understand what it’s like to come from an immigrant background, to have cultural values that aren’t Euro-centric, to be seen as different because of the colour of your skin. 

Even though you somewhat feel like they listen to you attentively, there’s a part of you that knows deep down that they don’t really get you.

And when you are in a vulnerable position, like seeking out therapy to assist in navigating those already chaotic world, it can be really hard to connect with a therapist when they are removed from the real issues that you face on a daily basis as a BIPOC individual. 

First, let’s get up close with your BIPOC therapist in Vancouver

Well, I moved to Canada on my own from Indonesia in 2011. Since being here, I’ve come out as queer - something which is really frowned upon in Indonesian-Chinese culture. I've had to make my own way in a society that, despite its large immigrant population, can still be cruel and unforgiving to a foreigner.

I’ve been misjudged, misunderstood, and stereotyped. It’s not easy being BIPOC in Western society. 

Still, I am on a personal mission to help people live their lives as the best versions of themselves. Which is why I became a therapist.

So why is this important? 

Because as a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver, I understand a lot of the issues you face. I see you in ways that oher therapists won’t, because like you, I’m moving through a society that is very cis-eurocentric.

Wondering how can a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver help you? 

Like I said, Vancouver is a city full of immigrants, but still guided by outdated thought forms. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I love this city.

It’s beautiful, the food is amazing and the sights are unparalleled, but when it comes to emotional and mental well-being, it can be tough. 

As a BIPOC therapist who specializes in queer and youth counselling, cultural issues and adaptations, my goal is to make it simpler for my clients to find their way through life with someone they can count on to listen without judgement, without prejudice. 

I create a safe environment for you to talk about the things that are preventing you from living your life as the best version of yourself. 

And this is incredibly important to me, both as a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver and as a BIPOC individual because there can be so many things to overcome. It can be overwhelming and defeating.

Some of the most common topics I heard a lot in my role as a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver…

As a BIPOC therapist I work with you to help you overcome those feelings, to talk through and process your isolation at being away from your home countries, in a new city, in a new school, or new workplace. 

Isolation is a very big part of being BIPOC living away from home, despite the fact that no one talks about it.

I felt it at first too when I made my move from the place I lived my whole life. It’s strange being somewhere new. And can be even more difficult if the transition was made as a betterment for your family and you’ve left behind your friends, culture and everything you knew.

I’ve been there, dealt with that. And while my departure was my own choice, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience of being lonely and isolated. Which is why I make a very big effort to make sure my clients know they aren’t alone. Even when it feels that way. 

I work with you on strategies to help find your footing, and how to navigate those times of loneliness and isolation.

Navigating microaggressions and casual racism with a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver

Have you ever experienced a microaggression– you know, those subtle, daily, sometimes intentional, oftentimes unintentional behaviours or communications – that leave you feeling icky? 

You're not alone. And no, I’m not saying that to make you feel better. 

There is no comfort in solidarity when BIPOC folks are constantly faced with these occurrences from both friends and strangers.

Having been a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver, I can safely say that more often than not, you probably don’t know how to deal with these actions, and more than that, the compounded  you find yourself torn about how to navigate these moments. Add in some casual racism - you know the “things” people say that seem to be socially acceptable - and it can be tough. 

Now, let me be clear, just because I use terms like ‘micro’ or ‘casual’ does not mean that these actions or words cannot have a big impact on your life. They absolutely can, and they do. 

I help my clients navigate these encounters. Validate their feelings, their uncertainties. And make them feel seen. Together we will work through what’s on your mind, devise strategies to cope, and even formulate ways that you can stand up and set boundaries to safeguard yourself from these behaviours. 

It’s a precarious position to have to handle others in order to make sure that they understand your needs, your feelings and how to treat you. 

You deserve better than to let microaggressions and casual racism into your life. If you’re local - or even if you’re not, I’m your BIPOC therapist in Vancouver and can meet with you either in-person or virtually. 

What sets me apart from other therapists? 

One of the things that I want you to know about me, is that

I don’t take a colour blind approach when it comes to my BIPOC clients.

I know that many believe that taking a ‘colour blind’ stance when it comes to seeing race is an ideal, but I don’t believe that. 

One of the most important values that I bring with me as a BIPOC therapist to every session is “come as you are”. I’m here for you. I’m not here to diminish or devalue your feelings. 

As a BIPOC therapist I’m here to empower you and help you become the best version of yourself. You won’t be able to do that if the people you are looking to for help undermine you by treating you like ‘everyone else’. 

Sure, you want to be treated like everyone else. But you also need to be treated like you.

Your experiences and your concerns matter. And I see that. I see you. 

So if you are wondering what makes me different? Well, I’m not trying to change you. I’m not here to help you cast blame. I’m here to be your trusted ear, your guide to help you work through things. 

I work with youths and young adults on a variety of issues, including being queer, being neurodivergent and being BIPOC. 

Is this BIPOC Therapist in Vancouver Your Jam? 

If any of this sounds like something you’re dealing with, if you feel like an outsider, if being a person of colour impacts your life negatively on a daily basis and you need someone to talk to, reach out. 

Fill out my contact form, and let’s see if we can make walking through life easier.

Hello, I’m Nita Agustin

Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Burnaby, BC

My jam is helping curious and questioning queer youth and young adults move from confusion to clarity.

Most of my clients shared feeling overwhelmed by the messages the world told them how they’re supposed to be. They do not want to be defined by what society told them about themselves.

In our work together, I guide clients in figuring out who they are, who they want to be, and how to get there. We do this by processing how their past impacted the way they live out their life today. From our work together, I noticed clients develop better self-awareness and experience improved quality of life as they can show up differently in their relationships.

I offer virtual and in-person sessions in Brentwood, North Burnaby. In the summer I also offer walk-and-walk in Confederation Park.

I am licensed to practise in BC, as well as all across Canada, so I support clients all over BC, all the way from Vancouver to Kitimat. Other than working with clients who reside in BC, I also can support clients who reside in Yukon Territories, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland.

Check out my About me page to learn more about what I do and have to offer for you. Also, explore my Services page to see how I can guide you in making shifts in your life today. If you feel ready to discover ways to live life on your own terms, I welcome you to book an initial intake session. I am so stoked to meet you and start figuring out how you can show up as your best self!

Throughout this pandemic, I witnessed telehealth virtual sessions become more of a norm, and it has been super transformative seeing clients can access mental health services from the comfort of their home.

There are lots of different stereotypes out there, and society tells us who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do in the world. It can feel very overwhelming and confusing to compare our personal experience against those ideas. The thing is, you no longer have to be defined by what society tells you. It is your life to live, and you get to decide who get a say about your life.