Priya Virk

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
Staying active at the gym, trying to keep up with my favourite sports, or planning my next travel adventure. I love exploring new cultures, indulging in local cuisines, and adding a few more stamps to my passport. If I’m not on the move, I’m probably catching up with friends and family over good food and great laughs or sneaking in some much-needed downtime with a good book or movie. Balance is key, and I’m all about finding joy in the little things!

Self Care:
I make self-care a priority by finding moments to disconnect and recharge, whether it’s through exercise, listening to my favourite playlist, or relaxing with a feel-good movie. Most importantly, I permit myself to rest when needed, knowing that this helps me show up fully for others.

For Fun:
I enjoy letting my competitive side shine with bowling nights or board games and love discovering local food spots, visiting farmers’ markets, or catching a late-night comedy show. On quieter days, I unwind with puzzles, painting, or diving into true crime podcasts like Rotten Mango.

For Growth:
I’m passionate about lifelong learning, whether it’s through professional development workshops, studying for the EPPP, or sharpening my skills with new therapeutic techniques. I also embrace personal challenges, stepping out of my comfort zone by trying new activities, exploring different perspectives, and setting goals that push me forward.

Something unique about me is:

I balance being both lighthearted and deeply supportive. I can hold space for serious conversations while bringing warmth, humour, and positivity into the room. My genuine curiosity about people and their stories helps me connect on a deeper level and fosters authentic, meaningful relationships.

Before I was in the mental health field

I was working as a practicum student counsellor at the Centre of Newcomers. The most impactful thing about my experience here was working with diverse populations facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. It taught me the value of compassion and adaptability in creating personalized counselling plans to meet unique needs.

Three things you are currently obsessed with and why:

1. Cooking experiments: I love trying new recipes and flavours—it’s a creative and therapeutic outlet.
2. DIY projects: Crafting and building things brings out my hands-on, problem-solving side.
3. Learning new skills: Whether it’s therapeutic techniques or personal hobbies, I’m always excited to expand my knowledge.

The most helpful book I have read is

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl.

My biggest takeaway from it was that meaning can be found even in the most challenging circumstances, offering strength and resilience during difficult times.

The most interesting article or book I have read is

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk

because it highlights the connection between trauma and the body, reinforcing the importance of addressing both in therapy.

My favourite podcast is

Rotten Mango

A true-crime podcast that thoughtfully examines compelling cases while analyzing the psychological and social factors behind each story.

What's one quote that you like and why?

“Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over, and it is too late.” – Robert Updegraff.

This reminds me to embrace the present moment and appreciate the growth and joy that comes with the process, not just the destination.

Specialty and Specific Interest Areas:

Client populations:
I work with adults (18+) seeking individual therapy to address challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem. I also provide couples therapy, helping partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships.

Clinical concern:
I have a special interest in working with trauma recovery, emotional regulation, ADHD, relationship concerns, and anxiety. These areas often intersect, and I enjoy helping clients navigate them to create positive change.

Non-clinical concern:
I have a special interest in working with life transitions, personal growth, and self-esteem. Empowering clients to navigate change and build confidence is incredibly rewarding.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study:

I have the following additional courses / workshops / training:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Anxiety and depression: Using evidence-based techniques like CBT and SFT to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful patterns.
2. Trauma recovery: Supporting clients in healing from past experiences and building resilience.
3. Relationship challenges: Helping individuals and couples navigate communication and intimacy concerns to build stronger, healthier connections.

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol:

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I draw from are:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): I use CBT to help clients challenge negative thoughts and create healthier patterns of behaviour.
2. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): SFT helps clients focus on achievable goals and practical solutions to current challenges.

People like working with me because

I create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to be themselves. I balance empathy and compassion with direct, solution-focused strategies, helping clients build confidence and develop tools to navigate life’s challenges. My supportive approach helps clients feel encouraged every step of the way. I like to keep things lighthearted and positive—making the process feel less daunting and more empowering. Ultimately, I’m dedicated to seeing my clients grow and thrive in a way that feels authentic to them.