Launched in 2021, the Joan Campbell Award honors the impact of BCACC Past President Joan Campbell and her immense contributions to the Association and counselling profession as a whole.
Covering BCACC application and membership fees, criminal record check, and insurance for the first year of membership, the award will facilitate enhanced access to the counselling profession from under-served communities and support eligible candidates experiencing financial hardship who would otherwise not be able to join the profession.
Meet 2022 Joan Campbell Award recipient, Pin-Han Hsu.
After graduating from my undergraduate studies, I started to volunteer at a psychiatric clinic in Taiwan doing group counselling work. The volunteer experience not only offered me the opportunity to develop new skills vital to the therapeutic process and grow on a personal level, but also taught me the value of meeting individuals where they are at. Being able to observe people’s journey in healing fascinated me and encouraged me to explore the helping professions field.
Currently, I am working both in private practice and agency work. I provide individual counselling services and facilitating psychoeducation groups.
The theoretical approach that aligns with my views is trauma-informed. My practice is meant to provide anti-oppressive and nonjudgmental care to marginalized individuals including, but not limited to, people in the LGBTQ2S+ communities, immigrants, people who use substances, and survivors of domestic violence. I believe that each person is the expert in their own life, so my approach seeks to be integrative and collaborative.
Based on my personal experience and stories around me, I believe in the importance of multiculturalism and intersectionality in supporting individuals who experience layers of systematic oppression such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class and culture. I hope to see fewer barriers and increased accessibility in the future of mental health. Especially for folks that might otherwise not have access to clinical counselling except through a community agency.
Those that have inspired me throughout my life have several qualities in common. They have been my parents, teachers, supervisors, colleagues, and clients. Their compassion, wisdom, and support gave me the drive to become a counsellor and help others. They inspire me to offer collaborative and supportive care to empower the strength of individuals while striving for diversity and inclusion to support them through any difficulty in their life.
Pin-Han Hsu is an Associate Counsellor, Collaborative Space with Expressive Wellness and Collective Healing Counselling and Consulting. Connect with her here.
Contribute to the Award
We graciously welcome both individual and corporate donations. Donate now. Please note: Donor(s) will not be issued tax receipts as the BCACC is not a charity, however virtual receipts will be issued to acknowledge the donation(s).
