Professional Mental Health Support in Hong Kong

facing test anxiety in your final semester, balancing demands from home and work, trying to understand your child's emotions, feeling a sense of lost after retirement,

Whether you are

navigating life's challenges can be made easier.

Our counselling service is designed to meet the unique needs of each person. We will work collaboratively with you to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. We are dedicated to helping you find clarity and strength through your challenges, ensuring that you won't have to face them alone.

Whether you are seeking a deeper understanding on emotional well-being, mental health, or life transitions, we are here to listen, support, and empower you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

Counselling Approach

Collaborative

We believe in fostering a partnership where you are actively participating in your healing journey. This collaboration empowers you in the long-run and enhances the effectiveness of our work.

Strength-based

We focus on your inherent strengths and resources, helping you leverage your skills and resilience to facilitate growth and healing. Our goal is to find the foundation of confidence with you to help you navigate challenges effectively.

Integrative strategies

We use a range of therapeutic techniques that are customized to fit each person’s unique situation. Whether it’s helping you define and increase emotional awareness, or processing negative thoughts without fighting it every time, we will use research-backed techniques to help you confront life's issues with greater flexibility.

Counselling in Hong Kong

Meet the counsellor

Compassionate Minds James Pho

MSocSc Counselling (Distinction) from the University of Hong Kong

BA Psychology, Family Studies from the University of British Columbia

Certification Track for Emotionally Focused Family Therapy & Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (ICEEFT)

Certification for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety, Personality Disorder, and Depression (Beck Institute)

Member of Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association

Hi, I’m James Pho. Born and raised in the dynamic city of Hong Kong, I have embraced diverse perspectives through my education and work experiences both locally and abroad, and have gained invaluable insights into the complexities of navigating different cultures, environments, and expectations. These experiences have shaped my empathetic approach to counseling, enabling me to understand and support individuals facing their own unique challenges. I strive to create a supportive space where people can feel understood and empowered as they navigate their own life transitions, whether they are dealing with stressors from work, family, or relationships. In my practice, I walk with individuals toward their personal growth and well-being, fostering open conversations with anyone who is ready to share. I have worked with issues surrounding anxiety, depression, stress management, test anxiety, relationship challenges, and parent-child conflict, among others.

Having worked in academic research in psychology, I emphasize using research-backed strategies to help individuals shape their path to recovery and personal growth. By tailoring these methods, I work alongside individuals to identify specific habits and behaviours, thoughtfully reflect on and learn from past pain and trauma, and discover ways to nurture meaningful relationships. Based on my experience, I firmly believe that regardless of the size of your challenges, we can move towards significant transformation.

You can also find me at Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre and Psychology Today.

FAQ

  • Counselling typically involves regular sessions where you discuss your concerns with a trained professional. The first two to three sessions usually involve understanding the background of the issue you wish to tackle. The process is then tailored to your individual needs and can vary in duration and frequency.

  • Individual sessions will usually last 50 minutes. Couples or family session will usually last between 50-90 minutes.

  • If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with emotional or psychological issues, counselling may be a good option. You can reach out to me for a brief chat on what to expect. It can be helpful to speak with a trained mental health professional to discuss your concerns and explore whether their approach aligns with your needs.

  • Yes, counselling is confidential. Trained mental health professionals are bound by ethical guidelines to protect your privacy. However, there are legal exceptions, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is suspected abuse.

  • Consider what you would want to discuss, as well as your goals for counselling. It can be helpful to reflect on your feelings and experiences leading up to the first meeting. Being open and honest will also help me understand your needs better.