Welcome to another episode of the Rhodes Podcast featuring Janice Ha, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). Janice shares how her journey from burnout as a private chef to becoming a counsellor was shaped by Rhodes’ heart-centred and practical Professional Counselling Diploma (PCD).
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Janice discusses how leaving the culinary world helped her find a new purpose. The “wounded healer” archetype became a powerful guide in her transition. She explains how experiential learning at Rhodes gave her the confidence to work with real clients. Role-play, labs, and supervised practice were key.
Janice explores somatic counselling and why it is important for nervous system regulation and injury recovery. Although many clients begin with CBT, she gently introduces somatic tools to deepen their healing. She reflects on her DBT training and how learning to hold conflicting truths can empower clients.
Janice also discusses the dangers of “performative wellness” and the importance of being real.
Instead of aiming for perfection, she models how to repair and build trust when things go wrong.
To her, long-term sustainability matters more than rushing to succeed. Her practice is grounded in self-awareness and compassion, the two wings of client support.
Episode Highlights
Janice now works in a clinic with massage therapists, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists. Together, they support clients dealing with grief, identity shifts, and physical pain. With new clients, she focuses on safety before depth. She helps them find neutral or joyful moments before doing deeper emotional work. Her training at Rhodes helped her get comfortable being uncomfortable. Mistakes became learning moments, and she now encourages clients to embrace imperfection too. Her career plan is not about reaching a big goal fast. Instead, it’s about building a grounded practice that reflects her values.
“It’s not about never messing up. It’s about knowing how to repair.” — Janice Ha
Why This Episode Matters
If you’re thinking about becoming a counsellor, Janice’s story is inspiring. You’ll learn how experiential training builds real confidence. You’ll also hear honest reflections on boundaries, self-care, and private practice. This episode is useful for both new and experienced practitioners.
Listen Now
Rhodes Podcast Episode 5: Registered Counsellor & Alumni with Janice Ha
Thinking About a Counselling Career?
Rhodes Wellness College’s Professional Counselling Diploma blends experiential learning with small class sizes. You’ll get supervised practice and graduate ready to work with clients.
