Kapwa (noun): Neighbor; fellow human. A concept in Filipino psychology representing our interconnected identity and shared humanity.
Psychologist Joanna Gorres in a white shirt, smiling warmly with a serene expression, standing in a room with natural light.
Ready for change? Let’s work together! Sessions in English or Tagalog, in-person or virtual. Reach your potential with personalized, supportive guidance!

Kapwa Counselling

Pricing

First 15-Min Consultation FREE

Couples / Family Therapy

Online
50 min
180
In person
50 min
195
75 min
210
75 min
225
First 15-Min Consultation FREE

Individual Therapy

Online
50 min
150
In person
50 min
165
with the Practicum Student:
Online
50 min
80

Sliding Scale Rates

with the Practicum Student:
Online
50 min
70-80

Specialities

Top Specialities

Areas of Expertises

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment.

I provide compassionate, specialized support to help individuals improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and bring more stability to their lives.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that can disrupt daily life.

I offer support using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you confront fears, reduce compulsions, and live a life aligned with your values.

(Alternative) Relationship Issues

Relationships can encounter challenges, whether in traditional partnerships or alternative setups like polyamory.

I offer support for couples addressing communication, trust, and intimacy, as well as those in polyamorous or open relationships who need help managing boundaries, jealousy, or balancing multiple partners.

Life transitions

Life transitions, such as starting university, adjusting to immigration, coping with grief, changing careers, or exploring identity shifts, can be both challenging and transformative.

Together, we’ll navigate the emotions and uncertainties, empowering you to move forward with confidence and resilience.

Identity Exploration

Exploring your identity is a profound journey of discovery and growth.

Whether you’re questioning your gender, sexuality, culture, or personal values, I offer a safe space to navigate these complexities.

Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, empowering you to embrace your unique identity with confidence.

LGBTQ2S+ community

I am committed to offering an affirming and inclusive space for individuals in the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

Whether you’re exploring your identity, facing societal challenges, or seeking relationship support, I’m here to listen and help.

You deserve a place where you feel seen, heard, and valued.

Deconstructing / Reconstructing Faith

Navigating faith within evangelical Christianity can be complex and transformative.

Whether you’re questioning beliefs, facing doubts, or redefining your spiritual path, I offer a supportive space to explore these emotions.

Together, we’ll deconstruct harmful narratives and rebuild a faith aligned with your values.

About

Joanna  Gorres
Joanna Gorres

Joanna Gorres

Hey! I’m Joanna, or Jo for short (she/they).

I founded Kapwa Counselling to value authenticity, mutual respect, and self-agency, working closely with clients.

As a co-parent, Filipino immigrant, queer, neurodivergent, and in remission from BPD/OCD, I bring my lived experiences to our practice, helping you find meaning, live your values, and thrive in relationships.

Psychologist Joanna, wearing a white shirt, smiling gently with a calm expression. She stands in a softly lit room, exuding warmth and approachability.
Portrait of psychologist Joanna Gorres wearing a white shirt, smiling gently at the camera in a softly lit room.
Kapwa Counselling
Kapwa Counselling

Kapwa Counselling

Kapwa Counselling is a practice committed to authenticity, mutual respect, and self-agency in therapy.

Our team brings diverse lived experiences and professional expertise to support clients in finding meaning, living their values, and thriving in relationships.

We are dedicated to ongoing personal and professional development to stay updated on the best approaches to meet our clients’ unique needs.

Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

At Kapwa Counselling, we embrace person-centered counselling, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship.

As Rogers famously stated:

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

We believe individuals can grow and heal when they feel truly understood and accepted.

Eclectic Approach
Eclectic Approach

Eclectic Approach

Our eclectic approach combines various therapeutic methods

  • Narrative Therapy,
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),
  • Solution-Focused Therapy,
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

—to tailor treatment to your unique needs and support your growth.

Kapwa
Counselling

Insights

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."

Brené Brown

"Healing is not fixing. Healing is about being able to hold yourself in the highest regard in the face of the worst things that can happen."

Gabor Maté

"BPD is not who you are; it’s what you have. With the right support, healing and growth are possible."

Unknown

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

Carl Rogers

"Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."

Nido Qubein

FAQ

What is therapy like?

Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Each session is an opportunity for you to discuss your experiences and challenges with our therapists, who are here to guide you with empathy and understanding.

This journey is about your self-discovery, personal growth, and equipping you with the tools necessary to overcome life’s hurdles.

How do I book?

Booking a session is easy and convenient!

You can use the online calendar to pick a time that suits your schedule. If you prefer, you can also get in touch directly via email or phone to arrange your appointment.

We’re here to help you find the best time for your session, ensuring that the process is as smooth and flexible as possible. Whether online or over the phone, booking has never been simpler.

Reach out today to get started!

What should I bring?

You don’t need to bring anything specific to your first session—just come ready to share your thoughts and feelings.

If you have any previous therapy notes, assessments, or any relevant stuff, feel free to bring them along. This can help provide more context for your therapist, but it’s not required.

Your session is a safe space to begin exploring your emotions and experiences.

How long are sessions?

Sessions typically last about 50 minutes. This time allows for meaningful discussion and reflection. Throughout the session, we make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and heard.

Our goal is to offer you a space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions in a secure, non-judgmental environment.

Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is fundamental to our work. We keep all your personal information and the details of our discussions completely private, unless specific legal or ethical circumstances require disclosure. We'll discuss these exceptions with you during your initial session.

Protecting your privacy is always our utmost priority.

Ready to explore new perspectives on your personal journey?

We Will Contact You

We will contact you at the earliest possible opportunity:
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Contact Us

Do you have any questions? Contact us:
For any administrative concerns such as invoices or scheduling, contact the assistant:
Nicole Ann Napeñas
If it's an emergency, press the link below:
Emergency