Who We Are

I’m Victoria Kim, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I am the founder and owner of Akin Counselling and Psychotherapy. While I always wanted to pursue a helping profession, my own journey with mental health began with my own personal experience with loss and grief, people pleasing, and unrealistic goals for perfectionism at an early age with the hope of being seen as worthy. It was through this journey where I realized our innate capacity to build resilience through support networks and connection with others.

Sessions with me are down to earth, attuned to your needs, and judgement free. I use a trauma-informed and compassion based approach to help during exploration and processing. In our sessions, I take the time to listen, highlight, and hold space the strengths and the small wins that often get overlooked or criticized as “not enough” to emphasize achievements are not about moving the goal post from one to the next, but to recognize the journey of achievements that have gotten you to where you are today.

Meet Victoria

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Reach Out Today

Why “Akin”?

/əˈkɪn/ (uh-KIN)

The word Akin means “of similar character,” “related by blood,” or “connected in kind.”

This name reflects the foundation of our work at Akin which places the utmost importance on the connection shared within the therapeutic relationship through empathy and compassion. Meaningful change happens when your inner world is gently supported, held, and seen.

Here at Akin Counselling and Psychotherapy we understand that pain, suffering, healing, and growth are all universal human experiences. We seek to provide an intentional space rooted in understanding, compassion, warmth, and emotional safety and walk alongside you and your lived experiences.

“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

— Brené Brown

Main Approaches

I utilize a holistic and flexible approach while we explore, process, and navigate on-going challenges. See some of my main approaches below.

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Emotion-Focused Therapy

Emotion-Focused Therapy is based on the understanding that our emotions carry important information about our needs, experiences, and relationships. In our work together, we gently slow things down to explore what you’re feeling beneath the surface and help make sense of emotions that normally feel overwhelming or alien. As we begin to understand your emotions with more clarity and compassion, they often become less intense and more guiding. Rather than something to avoid, your emotions become something you can learn to trust.

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Somatic Therapy

Sometimes, our experiences live not just in our thoughts, but in our bodies.

Somatic psychotherapy gently brings awareness to physical sensations like tension, heaviness, or restlessness as a way of understanding what your system is holding.

We move slowly and respectfully, helping your body feel safer and more regulated over time. This can support a deeper sense of grounding, presence, and connection to yourself.

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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is based on the idea that difficult thoughts and emotions are a natural part of being human not something we need to fight, avoid, or get rid of in order to move forward.

Together, we gently explore how certain thoughts, feelings, or patterns may be keeping you stuck, and how you can begin to respond to them in ways that feel more aligned with who you are and what matters to you creating more space, flexibility, and choice.

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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy focuses on the impact our past experiences have on how we shape our internal and external world. It mainly affects how we understand ourselves in relation to others and the world.

Together we will be curious and explore your past experiences and patterns that may still be influencing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and how they show up in current relationship dynamics.

As you begin to understand these reoccurring cycles of behaviour you begin to find autonomy to respond differently and show yourself compassion.

Ask About Our Approach

How Can We Support You?

Trauma, PTSD, & CPTSD

Anxiety

Depression

People pleasing

Perfectionism

Shame

Racial Identity

Family Conflict & Repair

Relationship Issues

Interpersonal & Peer Relationships

Emotion Regulation & Disturbance

Grief & Loss

Life Transitions

Self-Esteem

Burnout & Self-care

ADHD

Stress & Coping Skills

Sex & Intimacy

Body Image

Caregivers & Compassion Fatigue

Start Your Journey

  • Master of Arts | Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (2024)

    Honours Bachelor of Science | Psychology, York University (2022)

    Honour Bachelor of Arts | Political Science & History, University of Toronto (2016)

  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association | #11250960

    College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario | #17028

  • Individual 50-minute Session | $170.00

    Individual 75-minute Session | $200.00

    Couples 50-minute Session | $200.00

    Couples 75-minute Session | $300.00

    Family 50-minute Session | $215.00

    Family 75-minute Session | $315.00

    Sliding Scale: Apply if you may be eligible

  • Trauma

    PESI - Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course with Janina Fisher

    PESI – Brainspotting Step-By-Step Workshop with David Grand: Integrating the Neuroexperiential Model for Rapid Trauma Healing (In- Progress)

    PESI - Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment with Stephen Porges & Deb Dana: Integrating the Science of Safety, Trust, Self-Regulation and Attachment

    Somatic

    PESI – Somatic Psychotherapy Skills to Bring the Body into Trauma Treatment

    PESI - Hakomi-Informed Online Course: Somatic healing for complete mind-body trauma transformation with Manuela Mischke-Reeds

    Emotional-Focused Therapy

    PESI - Dr. Sue Johnson's Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis

    PESI – Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1 Certificate Course (In-Progress)

    ACT

    PESI - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Online Intensive: Become an ACT Therapist to Enhance Your Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety, and More

    IFS

    PESI - Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems

    PESI – Mastering Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and Addiction (In-Progress)

    ADHD

    PESI - Treating Adult ADHD: Help Smart but Scattered Clients Strengthen Executive Skills & Daily Functioning

    PESI -Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication

    Other

    PESI – The Ultimate Grief Treatment Toolbox: Over 60 Interventions to Promote Healing and Hope Among Grieving Children, Adolescents, and Adults

    PESI – 2-Day Anxiety Certification Course: Integrate CBT and Exposure & Response Prevention for Treatment of GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, & Phobias (In-Progress)

    Gottman Level 1 (In-Progress)

Contact us

Learn to understand your experiences and capacity in a compassionate and non-judgemental environment so you can remain connected to parts of life that mean the most to you.

Schedule a Free Consultation
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