Isaac Chun-Yeung YU

Thesis title: The Experiences and Psychosocial Struggles of Novice Counselling Psychologists during the Transition from Training to Practice in Hong Kong (Provisional)

PhD (Counselling Studies)

Year of study: 2

Contact details

PhD supervisors:

Address

Street

Doorway 6, Old Medical Building,
Teviot Place

City
Edinburgh
Post code
EH8 9AG
Street

Counselling and Research Centre,
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
10 Wai Tsui Crescent, North Point

City
Hong Kong
Post code

Biography

Background

About Isaac Chun-Yeung YU

Isaac Yu is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselling Studies at the University of Edinburgh, where his research is concentrated on the trainee experience of counselling psychology training in Hong Kong. He holds the role of a counselling psychologist with affiliations to the Counselling and Research Centre and the Practice-Based Evidence Lab at Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Additionally, he serves as the Assistant Director at the Mrs. Dorothy Koo and Dr. Ti Hua Koo Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice & Research (CIEBPR) at Hong Kong Shue Yan University.

Isaac is the current President of the Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association, where he plays a leading role in advancing the counselling and psychology profession in the region. He is also actively involved with the Hong Kong Psychological Society, serving as an Associate Fellow and a Committee Member (registration board) in the Division of Counselling Psychology.

At the tertiary level, Isaac has a strong commitment to psychology and counselling education, sharing his knowledge with students in a variety of courses including Introduction to Counselling Psychology, Micro-skills in Counselling, Group Counselling, Social Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences, and Counselling for Students with Special Needs. Additionally, he serves as a mentor, guiding research and counselling interns within both bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Isaac's counselling approach is grounded in the principles of Adlerian therapy and the strength-based perspective, empowering individuals to discover their potential and overcome life challenges. He provides counselling services in universities, schools, and non-government organisations, and conducts professional training for frontline mental health professionals.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Isaac actively advocates for the recognition of counselling psychologists in Hong Kong. He is passionate about raising awareness among the public and policymakers about the invaluable role counselling psychologists play in enhancing the mental well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

Education Background

  • PhD Candidate in Counselling Studies, The University of Edinburgh
  • M.Soc.Sci. in Counselling Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University (Distinction)
  • B.Soc.Sci. in Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University (First Class Honour)
  • Professional Certificate in Clinical Supervision of Counselling, HKSYU Counselling and Research Centre
  • Certificate Course in Family Therapy, HKU Family Institute

Qualifications

  • Registered Counselling Psychologist (Credential ID: 2014-568) of Hong Kong Psychological Society [Since 2014]
  • Registered Clinical Supervisor (Credential ID: RCS130006) of Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association [Since 2014]

  • Registered Counsellor (Credential ID: RC100007) of Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association [Since 2010]

  • Chartered Psychologist (Credential ID: 729598) of the British Psychological Society [Since 2023]

  • Registered Member (Credential ID: 401189) of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy [Since 2023]

Responsibilities & affiliations

  • President of Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association [Since 2019]

  • Vice President of Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association  [2016 – 2018]

  • Associate Fellow of Hong Kong Psychological Society [Since 2021]

  • Executive Committee Member (Division of Counselling Psychology) of Hong Kong Psychological Society [Since 2018] 
  • Counselling Psychologist, Counselling and Research Centre, Hong Kong Shue Yan University [Since 2012]
  • Assistant Director, Mrs. Dorothy Koo and Dr. Ti Hua Koo Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice & Research (CIEBPR), Hong Kong Shue Yan University [Since 2023]
  • Affiliate Member, Practice-Based Evidence Lab, Hong Kong Shue Yan University [Since 2022]

Research summary

  • Localised training of counselling / counselling psychology in Hong Kong
  • Localised counselling and psychotherapy
  • Psychosocial studies
  • Decolonising counselling / counselling psychology
  • Counselling students with special educational needs
  • Positive parenting

Affiliated research centres

Invited speaker

  • Yu, C. Y. I., (2023, August). Empowering the "Gatekeepers": Reflections on the experience of a training course in supporting children with special educational needs for teachers and mental health professionals. Invited Presentation at International Conference for Enhancing Resiliency in Children and Practitioners: Play Therapy Practice, Education and Research. Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong.
  • Yu, C. Y. I., (2023, July). A Reflection on the development of integrated, eclectic, and pluralistic approaches in Hong Kong: Insights from counselling psychology training and practice experience. Invited Presentation at the 10th Forum on Psychological Guidance and Counselling at Universities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. Capital Normal University, Beijing, Mainland China.
  • Ho, E., Pang, K., Chui, Y.H., Yu, C. Y. I., & Yuen, M. (2023, January). Five questions on school-based counseling: Responses from Hong Kong China. Invited Presentation at ISPRESC School-based Counseling Opening Media Event. Christ University in Bangaloren, India.
  • Yu, C. Y. I.,  Pang, K., Cheung, K. F., Chung, S. K. (2022, July). The school counselling service provided by the school counsellors in Hong Kong in accordance with COVID-19. Invited Presentation at the 9th Forum on Psychological Guidance and Counselling at Universities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong.
  • Yu, C. Y. I., Kwok, S. H. H., Tsui, T. S. P., & Fu, W. (2019, October). Reflections of counseling profession in response to the psychological support services under the social unrest in Hong Kong. Invited presentation at Taiwan Guidance and Counselling Association Annual Conference 2019 in Taiwan.
  • Yu, C. Y. I. (2016, December). Is counsellor a healthcare practitioner? A reflection of the identity of counsellor in the voluntary accredited registers scheme for healthcare personnel in Hong Kong. Invited presentation at Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association Symposium 2016 in Hong Kong.
  • Yu, C. Y. I., (2015, November). Use of Adlerian therapy techniques in counselling children and adolescents with special educational needs. Invited presentation at 4th Asia Pacific Rim International Counselling Conference in Wuhan, Mainland China.

  • Yu, C. Y. I., Kwok, S. H. H, Wong, K. Y. S., Lau, H. L., Yung, K. Y., & Ho, Y. W. B. (2012, August). Integrating solution-focused brief therapy into the Hong Kong Chinese context. Invited presentation for 4th Asia Pacific Solution Focused Approach Conference in Singapore.

Organiser

  • Conference Organising Committee Member, Enhancing Resiliency in Children and Practitioners: Play Therapy Practice, Education and Research (2023)
  • Organising Committee Member (Hong Kong), The 10th Forum on Psychological Guidance and Counselling at Universities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong (2023)
  • Chief Secretary, The 9th Forum on Psychological Guidance and Counselling at Universities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong (2022)

Participant

  • Yu, C. Y. I., & Kwok, S. H. H. (2019, October). Professional identity development of counseling psychologists in Hong Kong. Poster presented at Taiwan Guidance and Counselling Association Annual Conference 2019 in Taiwan.
  • Yu, C. Y. I., & Yu, K. C. C. (2013, August). The relationship between parenting and problematic behaviours exhibited by children with autistic disorder in Hong Kong. Poster presented at 3rd Asia Pacific Rim International Counselling Conference in Sarawak, Malaysia.
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