The Story Behind The Name
For a millennia, people have relied on the North Star for navigation through darkness. We help you find your own North Star, the one that lies within you as your internal guiding compass. We’re here to support you during times of feeling lost, so you don’t have to walk through this alone.
North Star is a proudly women-led, POC-owned local counselling practice committed to inclusive and culturally responsive care.
Meet The Founder, Andrena
I’m Andrena Liu, the counsellor and founder of North Star Counselling & Wellness Centre. I hold a Counselling Therapist Diploma from Stenberg College and I'm currently pursuing professional designations through the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists (ACCT) and Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA).
I created North Star to offer a compassionate and inclusive space for people who appear strong and capable on the outside while quietly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or uncertain within. My goal is to help clients understand the experiences and patterns that have shaped them, reconnect with their needs and values, and build greater trust in their own voice.
I believe meaningful change begins when people feel safe enough to stop performing strength and start showing up as they truly are. Through thoughtful, collaborative support, I help clients reconnect with their inner compass and move toward a life that feels more authentic, aligned, and their own.
Our Mission
We provide trauma-informed, client-centred counselling and wellness services for adults dealing with stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, neurodivergence-related challenges and major life transitions.
Our practice supports professionals, executives, young adults, neurodivergent adults and individuals seeking to build coping skills, confidence, clarity and resilience.
Our Values
The principles that guide how we care for and support every client.
Compassion
We combine deep empathy, care and compassion in our work, building connection and trust, while fostering a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Integrity
We practice with honesty, accountability, and strong ethical standards. We are transparent about our services, limitations and responsibilities.
Inclusivity
We welcome people of diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, religions, relationships, and life experiences. We are committed to respectful, affirming and culturally-responsive care.
Safety
We provide trauma-informed, confidential, inclusive and non-judgmental care that respects your boundaries, choices and pace throughout the counselling process.
Excellence
We carry excellence and quality into everything we do. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed care through ongoing education, reflective practice and support tailored to your individual needs.
