Irene Kakai
(she/her) MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
I am here to help you befriend your emotions and connect with your inner wisdom so you can navigate life’s journey from a grounded, empowered, resilient frame of mind. My intention is to create space for you to honour your path towards liberation and authenticity.
As a Registered Social Worker I have over a decade’s experience journeying alongside folks from diverse backgrounds. After completing a Bachelor of Honours in Applied Economics and Psychology in Ontario I went on to pursue my Master of Social Work in British Columbia.
My approach is non-judgemental and warm, seeking to co-create a compassionate space where you can truly feel heard. I aim to embody a possibility mindset and a beginner’s mind. Throughout our work together I will be committed to your process while holding an anti-oppressive and empowerment-based stance to support your needs. I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples in addressing attachment trauma, relationship challenges, their inner critic, resiliency, healthy boundaries, finding meaning, self acceptance, self compassion and their relationship to money. I am also honoured to walk towards healing with clients who are experiencing grief and life transitions.
My work is grounded in Narrative therapy with a focus on externalizing and story re-telling. I also use Internal Family Systems, Principles of Financial Social Work, Trauma of Money, CBT and DBT to guide my work with clients.
When I’m not engaging with clients, I can be found seeking joy and/or beauty in watercolour painting, walking in nature, or sharing time and good food with friends and family. I am a passionate advocate for decolonized slow living and minimalism.
Approaches
Narrative Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Areas of Focus
Significant Life Transitions (e.g. separation, immigration, career changes, adulting)
Inner Child Work
Identity and Integrating to New Cultures and Environments
Anxiety and Depression
Grief and Loss
Sex and Intimacy (Individual or Couples)
Communication Skills (e.g. consent, boundaries, empowerment)
Attachment Trauma
Self-Acceptance, Meaning Making, and Self-Compassion
Financial Therapy
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
Additional Team Members
“When the truth isn’t hopeful, the telling of it is. ”