Our Philosophy
Trauma by definition is any experience or series of experiences that leaves us with a shattered assumption of safety. It is not limited to abuse, violence, or catastrophe. Loss, injury, prolonged exposure to stress, repeated exposure to other people’s suffering, neglect, and betrayal are also traumatic and can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on an individual’s and their families’ functioning and well-being.
Trauma and suffering are not overcome by avoiding or eliminating stressors and hardships but rather by learning how to accept that life is unpredictable, unfair, and offers no guarantees. In learning to accept these realities, we are then able to recognize that the fragility and chaos of life is what makes life so profoundly precious.
TOV, an ancient word for “good” understands that the truly good things in life are good because of their fragility and vulnerability, not in spite of them. Falling in love or the birth of a child always come with risks and we have no control over the outcomes but this is exactly why when we fall in love or a baby is born it is so very good.
At TOV Trauma Recovery Services we believe that life is inherently good and that the pain and chaos of trauma is like the tilling of the earth – while it may uproot everything that was there before, both good and bad, it helps prepares the soil for something new. So at TOV Trauma Recovery Services we provide support and strategies for coping with the pain and chaos of trauma but our work does not stop there. It is not done until you can begin to see and experience your suffering and trauma as being a part of what makes life TOV.
Jandy Kim, MA, RCC
Jandy is a trauma-informed Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and is a BCPFFA Silver Seal Endorsed clinician. Jandy understands the unique challenges faced by first responders and veterans in accessing mental health support services and was inspired her to open a clinic dedicated to serve those that serve to protect the rest of us.
Jandy currently serves as a treatment provider for WorkSafe BC through their Occupational Trauma Response and Mental Health Treatment Services programs; as well as the WorkBC funded Survivors of Violence and Youth at Risk programs. She also has extensive experience in providing counselling support services for victims of abuse and trauma.
Jandy earned her Master of Counselling through City University of Seattle and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Sciences and Psychology at the University of British Columbia.
“A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors”
