Dr. Lydia Kwa
Office Address
601 West Broadyway, Suite 400
Vancouver, V5Z 4C2
Phone (Work): 6046825818
LYDIA KWA
AFFIRMING | COMPASSIONATE | TRANSFORMATIVE
I am a registered clinical psychologist in private practice in Vancouver.
I received a Bachelors of Science degree from University of Toronto in 1983; I graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with my MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology. I’ve lived and worked in Vancouver since 1992.
I specialize in working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma-related problems. I am queer-positive. I also work with individuals who may identify themselves as highly sensitive, or as cultural creative types, wishing to be innovative and transformative in their lives. Many individuals have come to see me for interpersonal issues, either to do with challenges in their careers or their personal lives. I am comfortable helping people address problems or needs associated with race or ethnicity, as well as questions surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation.
I use a variety of techniques in my work with people. Most of these techniques are employed with the aim of helping others disentangle from unconscious patterns. Paying attention to psycho-physiological signs that arise within each session, I work very much with staying in the present moment, focusing on process and mind-body awareness, assisting clients to gradually experience more freedom from distressing symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, creative visualization and breathing techniques are used in my work. More recently, I have begun to employ an approach called Complex Integration of Multiple Brain Systems (www.complexintegrationmbs.com). I am also using visualization techniques based on Ericksonian ideas.
I work intuitively and see myself as serving to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where people can explore ways to be freer and more empowered in their lives. I am interested in helping others heal the connection between their minds and bodies. For me, this involves working with the human being to address many factors—physical, cognitive, emotional, social as well as spiritual—all interconnected.
My work occurs almost entirely through the use of English, but I have slight fluency in Mandarin, with some capacity to understand Cantonese. At times, when needed, I have also worked with interpreters.
Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, I am mostly seeing clients through telehealth.
If interested, please contact me at: 604-682-5818 or email: lydia@lydiakwa.com
Primary Areas of Practice
Adult Treatment
Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
PTSD/Adult Trauma
Panic Disorder
OCD
Social Phobia
Anxiety Disorders - Other
Depression
Womens issues
Client Considerations
Approaches used:
Feminist Therapy