Shelley Quan
Shelley Quan is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who takes a warm, collaborative approach rooted in curiosity about how people think, feel, and make sense of their experiences. She believes therapy offers a meaningful space to explore identity, emotions, and patterns shaped by stress, trauma, and life transitions. Drawing from lived experiences with burnout, grief, bicultural identity, and career change, Shelley brings empathy and real understanding to her work. Clients can expect to feel heard, supported, and met with patience and non-judgment. She has a special interest in understanding how trauma and stress show up across the lifespan, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and perfectionism. Shelley invites you to connect and begin therapy at a pace that feels safe, human, and supportive.
- What it’s like to struggle quietly inside, feeling the pressure to “do it all,” appear capable, and keep moving even when you’re exhausted and overwhelmed.
- The long-term impact of childhood trauma and how it can lead to perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-silencing.
- The confusion and pain of identity conflict, especially growing up bicultural and trying to reconcile different values, expectations, and cultural beliefs.
- Major life transitions, including leaving a long career and starting over — and the grief that comes with losing a familiar version of yourself.
- How to set boundaries, practice self-compassion and mindfulness, and build healthier, more meaningful relationships.
- The courage it takes to seek change, even when it means stepping into uncertainty. I bring deep empathy and a strong understanding to the process of healing — which is rarely linear, but always possible.
- Chinese
- Canadian
- Empathetic and easy to talk to.
- Warm, kind and caring
- Nonjudgmental
- Present and engaged
- Trustworthy - someone you can feel safe with.
Expertise
Areas of Focus
- Experiencing stress or burnout (especially educators).
- High-functioning but anxious or depressed.
- Struggling in relationships or attachment.
- Navigating cultural identity and belonging.
- In the midst of a career transition.
- Perfectionists
- Experiencing grief or loss.
- You feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or burned out.
- You’re anxious or depressed but still functioning.
- You want to understand your relationship patterns.
- You’re facing a major life change or career shift.
- You’re a woman navigating midlife, menopause, or living without children.
- You want a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions.
- You’re grieving a loss and need support.
- You’re healing from trauma.
- You’re navigating cultural identity, belonging, or feeling caught between worlds.
Therapeutic Frameworks & Approach
- Less alone and genuinely cared for.
- Safe and supported.
- More compassion toward yourself.
- More grounded and calm in your body.
- Less overwhelmed and more in control of your life.
- More aware of your unhelpful patterns.
- More clear about your thoughts and feelings.
- More connected to who you truly are.
Populations Served
Practice Details
Service Offerings & Rates
- Why you’re reaching out: What’s been going on and what feels hardest right now.
- What you’re hoping for: What you want to feel or change through therapy.
- Quick background: A brief overview of your history and current stressors.
- Fit + next steps: I’ll explain my approach, you ask questions, and we’ll decide if we’re a good fit.
- Create a respectful, nonjudgmental space.
- Listen deeply and reflect what you’re experiencing.
- Help you make sense of your thoughts and emotions.
- Support you through difficult moments.
- Offer a calm, grounded presence.
Insurance & Benefits Coverage
Schedule
In Person Sessions
Virtual Sessions
More Info
Education
Yorkville University
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
2024
Queen's University
Bachelor of Education
2008
Queen's University
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
2007
Certifications
Languages
Booking FAQ
First Session charges each session directly to your credit card. Once each session occurs, and your card is charged, you will receive a PDF receipt to your email with all of the details you will need to get reimbursed (therapist name, license/designation, license number, address, etc). You can then submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have coverage.
We always recommend you check with your insurance provider to confirm what coverage you have.
You are the expert when it comes to knowing who is the right fit. Ensure you’ve watched the therapist video at the top of their profile and see if you get a good feeling from the message and the energy they are putting out. If you feel drawn to speak with them, listen to your gut! Booking a free consultation is a great first step to asses fit.