“Compassion is not a relationship between the wounded and the healer. Rather it is a relationship between equals. It is only when we know our own darkness well, we can be present with the darkness of others”
Pema Chodron
Meet Christina Chen
Everything I've been through has led me to exactly where I am meant to be. Right here in Vancouver, Canada as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor, and the founder of Radiance Wellbeing, walking alongside people in their journey to healing and coming back to themselves.
My Journey
I have walked this path, experiencing my own mental health challenges but I have chosen to not let them define the way I live. I learnt the real cost of ignoring those seemingly small unspoken needs for too long and pushing myself to continue due to the pressure of responsibility, roles and commitments that did not bring me joy and made me feel trapped. I had to learn to rebuild from here, brick by brick, going back to simpler things that brought me happiness to find myself again. This is why I feel deeply passionate about walking alongside others to do the same, while de-stigmatising mental health in the process through community and connection.
My Experience
While completing an Associate of Arts degree (Family Studies) and then a Bachelor in Psychology (Human Development and Counselling), I gained valuable experience working in youth ministry as a leader and counsellor, then working for a local crisis line and as a Behavioural Interventionist, supporting children and families with autism. These roles grew my passion for helping people and cemented my career path as a counsellor, which led me to complete my Master’s degree in Counselling.
Fast forward, I have now worked over 15 years in front line and management roles in both Australia and Canada across the mental health and wellbeing field. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings including: school counselling, acute care, community mental health, pastoral care, youth and family work, trauma and community recovery. My previous roles include serving as a Clinical Services Manager with Family Services Australia, Team Leader for school counselling programs in New South Wales and clinical supervisor for various universities and not-for-profit organisations.
I now work predominantly in private practice where I provide counselling to individuals and families, and supervision and consultation to mental health professionals, leaders and organisations making a difference in the wellbeing space.
My Approach
With warmth and authenticity, my work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centred approach to counselling. My vision for Radiance Wellbeing is to be a space of genuine care, shared humanity and connection as we journey together through the real and raw rollercoaster of life. I’m here to support you to uncover your true purpose and find joy, while empowering you to find connection to yourself and others to heal from within.
My Invitation To You
Making change is hard, and it requires a mix of effort, timing, openness and pure grit. If you choose to work with me, I promise you'll always receive a genuine interest in who you are, how you see yourself and what matters most to you. I promise we will likely laugh and cry over the course of our time together and that I will do everything I can to help you see that you are the expert and hero in your own story.
Are you ready to lean in and find your path to healing?
On a personal note
I am a daughter, sister, friend, and partner. I love the sun and regularly go out of my way (I literally moved across the world) to revel in it and seek out the warmth and joy it brings me. I love adventure and travel, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and rising up to a challenge. I enjoy music, reading, pilates, going to the gym, movies, walks on the beach, singing in the car (often too loudly), eating amazing food and spending time with the people I love.
My Qualifications
Associate of Arts - Family Studies
Bachelor's degree in Psychology,
minor in Human Development and CounsellingMaster’s degree in Counselling Psychology
Additional Specialist Training
Internal Family Systems - IFS Trained Therapist (Level 1)
Decolonising and Culturally Safe practices
Complex Trauma and PTSD
Solution focused therapy and leadership
Child Protection training
Suicide prevention and risk assessments
Dialectical/ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Attachment Theory
Professional Clinical Supervision Training
Family therapy and Systems theory
Registered Clinical Counsellor with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors,
Australian Counselling Association and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
Follow my Journey
Let's Connect
Follow my Journey Let's Connect
