Zhirui (Rae) Zhao
Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW) • Psychotherapist • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Hi, I’m Zhirui. You can also call me Rae.
My work is grounded primarily in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT and Internal Family Systems IFS, two approaches that help us understand your values, beliefs, fears, and inner parts with more clarity, flexibility, and compassion.
We look at the patterns that keep you stuck, the protective parts that have been working overtime, and the values that actually matter to you. The goal is not to "fix the pain", but to help you move forward with clear goals and commitment, so that you can live authentically and unapologetically.
- Understanding your values, beliefs and fears
- Realizing the survival rules you've internalized and challenge them
- Knowing your inner parts and how they try to protect you
- Exploring Practical ways to set boundaries and assert your agency
- Gaining flexibility and resilience to live purposefully, even with pain
Zhirui’s past experiences:
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My work in crisis and suicide intervention began in 2016 at the London and District Distress Centre, where I provided frontline crisis counselling, helping de-escalate emergencies and support individuals in acute distress. I completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Classical Studies at Western University in 2017, which shaped both my clinical foundation and my understanding of the human stories behind suffering.
After earning my Master of Social Work from University of Windsor in 2019, I returned to counselling work within an Employee Assistance Program setting at Morneau Shepell (now TELUS Health), supporting individuals as they navigated complex life stressors.
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I am an Ontario authorized child protection worker and served as a frontline worker with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto from 2021 to 2025, where I investigated over 300 allegations of child abuse and neglect. In this role, I worked closely with families and youth, using a risk informed and solution focused approach to assess concerns, build on existing strengths, and develop practical safety plans. My work centered on collaboration, supporting families to understand challenges, reduce risks, and move toward meaningful and sustainable safety outcomes.
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During my time at Morneau Shepell (now TELUS Health), I worked as a tele counsellor providing ongoing therapy to individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including mental health concerns, relationship dynamics, communication difficulties, workplace stress, grief, substance use, and experiences of domestic violence.
Since March 2025, I have been running my private practice. As of January 2026, I have provided over 500 hours of direct counselling. Across settings, I bring more than 2000 total counselling hours, along with a strong clinical lens, a grounded and compassionate presence, and practical, solution focused skills to help clients find clarity, build resilience, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
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I am certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which allows me to bring a uniquely integrated perspective to my psychotherapy work.
In the past year, I have supported over 10 clients working specifically towards physical rehabilitation and weight related goals, combining mental health support with sustainable lifestyle and behavior change.
My approach recognizes that emotional well being, stress patterns, motivation, and body based habits are deeply connected.
Whether you are navigating burnout, life transitions, or rebuilding your relationship with your body, we can thoughtfully integrate movement, mindfulness, and realistic routines into our work. The goal is not just symptom relief, but building a lifestyle that supports resilience, confidence, and long term well being.