Get to Know Jennifer Chu: Registered Social Worker

By: Daisy Arko-Dadzie, Intake Coordinator

Jennifer Chu wears many hats. In addition to her role as a therapist, she is a parent, an amateur guitar player, and a life-long learner. Driven by her fascination with the individual, she strives to create genuine relationships with those around her. Inspired to learn more about the human behind the therapist, our Intake Coordinator, Daisy Arko-Dadzie chatted with Jennifer about the importance of connection in a tumultuous time.

Why did you want to become a therapist? What and who inspired you?

I volunteered as a crisis line operator while I was in university, and was struck by how simply being present with someone can help ease distress much more effectively than advice-giving or problem-solving. This experience taught me the power of human connection and inspired me to study and train as a social worker and psychotherapist.

What are your greatest passions?

Likely no surprises here - my greatest passion is having authentic conversations that result in deep connection! We are all pieces of the same universe, yet often feel alone and alienated. Nothing energizes me more than being invited to understand another person’s unique worldview, and I truly believe that each and every person is inherently interesting.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Are you currently pursuing any passion projects?

I started teaching myself to play the guitar during the pandemic and would like to continue to make time for it now that the pace of life has picked back up. I’m still working on basic chord progressions, but I find playing the guitar to be very grounding. I also love to paddle board and am always looking for new waterways to explore near Toronto.

What is your greatest achievement to date - personal or professional?

Raising a securely-attached child who is confident, empathetic, and joyful. This is more of an on-going endeavour than an achievement, and one for which I can only take partial credit, but it’s my proudest endeavour!

What advice can you offer to someone who is new to therapy?

Find a therapist that feels like a good fit; someone who seems like they are truly invested in understanding who you are. Ask yourself if the therapist is someone you would want to collaborate with. Just as with any project, therapy works best if there is mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.

If you had to recommend one book that can provide more insight into your therapeutic approach, which one would it be?

Irvin D. Yalom is an existential psychiatrist I greatly admire, and I recently read his very eye-opening book, The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients.

Jennifer Chu holds a Masters of Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She has extensive experience working to support those struggling with complex mental health and addictions in a community setting. Jennifer has completed professional trainings and supervision on treating complex trauma and is currently working towards certification in perinatal mental health (anticipated certification date: December 2021).