Dr. AuYeung provides evidence-based treatment for adolescents and adults, with a focus on anxiety, mood, and eating disorders, and managing life transitions.
Specialist in Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Managing Life Transitions
Dr. Karen AuYeung is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of a range of mental health disorders in adolescents and adults. Her expertise includes treating anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias), depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID), body image concerns, and emotion dysregulation. Dr. AuYeung also provides support for individuals navigating life transitions, interpersonal relationship challenges, exploring cultural, gender, sexual, and familial identity, low self-esteem, and perfectionism. She is also a provider with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
Evidence-Based and Collaborative Services Dr. AuYeung’s treatment approach is active, compassionate, and client-centered. She works collaboratively with clients to understand their difficulties and perspectives and always strives to implement practical strategies for positive change. She uses a range of evidence-based interventions and skills, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, CBT-E for Eating Disorders, Family Based Therapy for Eating Disorders, and Motivational Interviewing.
Compassionate and Non-Judgmental Approach Dr. AuYeung understands that trust and the therapeutic relationships are an essential part of treatment. She brings her genuine personality to session and will always work to understand her clients’ strengths and perspectives to collaboratively develop meaningful goals. As a first-generation, child of Chinese immigrants, she understands that our systems and environment impact our sense of identity and experience of mental health. She strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space that is affirming and respectful of diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, racial, cultural, ability, and class identities.
Passion for Supporting Youth and Young Adults Dr. AuYeung has a particular interest in working with youth and young adults. She also works as the Youth Consultant to the BC Division of BounceBack, a free CBT-based initiative helping individuals manage stress and reduce low mood and anxiety. In her role, she provides training, teaching, and clinical support to program providers supporting youth and transition-aged adults Previously, she worked with the Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program at BC Children’s Hospital and Tupper Nova, a school-based mental health initiative.
Extensive Education and Training Dr. AuYeung completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she received training in both adolescent and adult assessment and therapy. She completed her accredited residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, including rotations with the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, Eating Disorders Clinic, and Youth Wellness Centre. She has previously completed a range of clinical placements including, Mood Disorder and BC Psychosis Unit at UBC Hospital, the Concurrent Disorders Inpatient Unit at VGH, and provided telehealth treatment to Northern BC communities through NSSAC.
Personal Interests Originally from Toronto, Dr. AuYeung has called Vancouver home since 2010. Dr. AuYeung is constantly inspired by the resilience and hard work in her clients, and tries to also live life in line with her own values. She has a passion for the outdoors and tries to spend as much time as possible with her partner and dog in nature. She can usually be found outside – rock climbing, mountain and gravel biking, hiking, running, and camping. She also enjoys photography, piano, and eating good food.