About Amrin Khan
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker Serving Vancouver and South Surrey, BC
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW)
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
A Calling to Become a Social Worker and Counsellor
I’m the 3rd daughter in an immigrant family that came to Canada in the early 1970s. From a very young age, I was deeply curious about people. I wondered why some families struggled while others thrived, why people fought or connected with one another, and why the same life event could devastate one person and strengthen another.
At 16, I saw an ad for a social worker position at a hospital. I cut it out, tucked it into my day timer. That was the moment I knew who I wanted to be. From that point on, I stayed focused on that path.
In my work today, the early curiosity I held about people has stayed with me and enables me to hold multiple perspectives at once. This capacity for empathy and for validating clients’ different experiences without judgement has become one of my greatest gifts as a therapist.
My Professional Journey
SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELLING EXPERIENCE
I trained in social work because it looks at the whole person, everything in their lives that influences them.
My career began with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, followed by nearly 20 years as a hospital social worker, where I worked across the neonatal intensive care unit, the birthing unit, pediatrics, pediatric palliative care, the emergency room, and long-term illness clinics. Later, I became a school counsellor.
Working as a social worker in institutions has shaped me profoundly and informs everything I do as a therapist today. There are few situations that I have not encountered in some form.
At the hospital, I was able to have deep relationships with patients as they healed, which fueled my desire to become
a therapist. While working there, I started a private practice as a counsellor on a part-time basis and eventually moved into it full time.
I became a counsellor because the more I learned, the more I genuinely understood how healing is possible. I wanted to educate and support people as they worked through their challenges and healed from distressing and traumatic experiences.
I bring my whole-person perspective together with a wide range of therapeutic approaches to help people move forward and live more fully.
I’m extremely grateful and honoured to walk alongside people through some of their darkest days and to witness their healing and growth.
Qualities I Bring as a Therapist
Whole-Person Focused: I see you holistically. Your struggles exist within the context of your whole life, including your history, family, culture, relationships, and circumstances.
Trauma-Informed: I understand how past difficult and traumatic experiences influence the present, and I work with that understanding at all times.
Non-Judgmental: I accept you exactly as you are. I have no expectations of where you should be when you arrive. I truly believe we are all just doing our best.
Warm and Direct: I’m approachable and compassionate, while gently encouraging you to look deeper into yourself as you progress in therapy.
Intuitive: I listen carefully and deeply. I often sense what is happening for you before you put it into words.
Empowering: I’m here to help you trust yourself as you build the confidence to navigate your life on your own terms.
Genuinely Invested: I go above and beyond to find the right tools, approaches, and resources to support you wherever you are in your journey.
Collaborative: I support you in working at your own pace and encourage you to make your own decisions.
Culturally Sensitive: I understand what it means to navigate multiple identities, cultures, and expectations, both personally and professionally.
Education and Training
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
Bachelor of Social Work, University of British Columbia
Master of Social Work, University of North Dakota
SPECIALIZED COUNSELLING TRAINING
I’m trained in a wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches and draw from those that best fit your needs at different points in therapy.
EMDR can help when past distressing experiences still feel present in your body, emotions, or reactions.
IFS (Internal Family Systems) can help when different parts of you feel in conflict, such as one part wanting change while another part feels afraid.
Somatic Therapy can help when stress, fear, or other emotions show up strongly in your body.
CBT and DBT offer practical tools for understanding your thoughts, managing emotions, and responding differently.
Motivational Interviewing can help when part of you wants change, but another part feels unsure or not ready.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches can help you find steadiness, awareness, and calm in difficult moments.
Art Therapy can help when words alone don’t feel like enough to process what you’re experiencing.
You set the pace. I follow your lead.
A Peek into My Personal Life
Outside of work, I love to sew, paint, sculpt, do pottery, cook, and bake. I also enjoy walking, biking, swimming, and practicing yoga and meditation.
I love having people over for dinner and game nights, trying new foods, and exploring hidden gems when I travel and vacation with my family.
I also teach cooking classes, which bring together two of my favourite things: food and connecting with new people.
