About The Therapist

Yuhao Miao (he/him/his)

Credentials:

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Canadian Certified Counsellor - 11250281
CRPO Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - 18319
Alberta Registered Provisional Psychologist (In Review)

Working as a therapist:

As I have developed in my counselling practice, my approach has evolved into a more holistic style that blends evidence-based techniques. Such an approach has helped clients work through challenges, including, but not limited to, grief, anxiety, and depression, trauma, while supporting their sense of self and relationship dynamics. In my work with clients facing neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and Autism, I emphasize creating a supportive environment that respects their individuality and promotes self-acceptance. For clients with trauma histories, I incorporate trauma-informed care, ensuring that their experiences are validated while introducing grounding techniques to foster safety and stability.

I have worked and am dedicated to continue working with clients across the range from emerging adulthood to more established stages of life, representing various cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Growing up in Northern China shaped the roots of who I am, and venturing to Canada alone in my early adulthood taught me how to thrive in unfamiliar spaces with courage and curiosity. 

My upbringing and immigration experience allow me to embrace both Eastern and Western cultures, which also equips me with a nuanced understanding of POC (person of colour) clients, those with multicultural identities, or sharing intercultural relationships. Through my personal experiences and critical observations, I have cultivated a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. With the close connection and genuine understanding of LGBTQ culture, I offer heartfelt and open-minded care that gently holds and honours my clients’ unique journey. 

With my therapist hat off…

When I’m not tucked into cafés or libraries absorbing new ideas, you’ll probably find me at the gym breaking a sweat, because mental and physical health always go hand in hand. Self-care is my secret sauce for staying grounded, whether it’s through acrylic painting, aromatherapy, or simply giving myself permission to slow down.

I stay connected with my community through friendships, social support networks, and volunteer work that keeps me grounded. Moving to a new country and adjusting to a new culture taught me how important it is to have people who make you feel like you belong. When everything around you feels unfamiliar, even small connections, such as, a shared meal, a familiar “language”, someone who “gets it”, can feel huge. Building community from scratch wasn’t always easy, but it showed me how much we all need a sense of home, no matter where we are. That experience shapes how I show up for people who haven’t had much space to be seen, heard, or accepted, with a real understanding of how isolating transitions can be and how powerful it is to feel seen and supported.

I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, which probably explains why I decided to call Canada home. However, this doesn’t stop me from moving around just to learn how people live, love, heal, and make meaning across different corners of the world. Whether I’m wandering through historic neighbourhoods imagining the stories they hold, or soaking in the energy of high-tech cities that feel like the future, exploring different places helps me get people on a deeper level. I love hanging out with locals, listening to their stories, swapping ideas about something we both care about, and trying to live even just a little like they do for a day. Those real, everyday moments show me what matters to people and give me a fresh perspective on life. And if you ever catch me at an airport, I’m most likely heading toward another “uncharted” destination, chasing culture, beauty, and the unknown.