Vancouver | Adjunct Faculty, Industrial and Organizational Psychology & Psychology in Health and Wellness
Helen Lu is a dedicated educator and practitioner with extensive experience in healthcare, education, and outreach with vulnerable populations. She believes that learning is most effective when it is interactive and collaborative, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. By fostering open dialogue and critical thinking, Dr. Lu creates an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where students feel empowered to question, explore, and refine their skills. Her engaging style of communication ensures that complex concepts become accessible and meaningful, preparing students to navigate the complexities of their professional fields with confidence.
With a background in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, education, and counselling, Dr. Lu brings a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to her teaching. She has worked extensively with marginalized and at-risk populations, including individuals affected by mental health and substance use challenges, systemic inequities, and social injustices. These experiences inform her commitment to psychological safety in the classroom, where she cultivates a supportive space that acknowledges students’ diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. She believes that integrating trauma-informed principles into education not only enhances student learning but also equips future professionals with the empathy and resilience needed for meaningful client-centered work.
Dr. Lu is passionate about creative and innovative approaches to education, particularly in preparing students to address the challenges of working with diverse communities in healthcare and outreach settings. She emphasizes experiential learning, case-based discussions, and applied projects that mirror real-world practice, ensuring that students develop practical skills that translate directly into their careers. Her focus on client-centered care ensures that students understand the importance of working ethically and effectively with individuals and communities, respecting their autonomy, dignity, and lived experiences. She encourages students to approach their work with cultural humility and adaptability, qualities essential for serving populations with complex needs.
Adler University’s commitment to social justice, equity, and applied learning aligns closely with Dr. Lu’s values and professional experience. She is eager to contribute to an academic environment that prioritizes community engagement and the practical application of psychological principles to drive meaningful change. By working with Adler students, she hopes to inspire future practitioners to think critically, act ethically, and lead with compassion as they navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare, education, and outreach with vulnerable populations.
Please feel free to contact me via email or phone (+1 604-657-5609).
Adler University in Vancouver has been, like Canada itself, born and built with an open mind. Located in the midst of one of the world’s most exciting and breathtaking cities, Adler University reflects a true Canadian spirit. It’s smart, inclusive and determined to make a world of difference. By design, our Vancouver campus echoes the Adler values and intent down every hall and in every room. It is built to live, breathe and inspire those with the passion to pursue a more just society. This is where the work gets done.
At Adler Vancouver, you’ll find multiple collaborative areas with the absolute latest technology. Learning areas and windows have literally been situated to stimulate thought. To some, that may sound odd, but these things do matter. If students are given the space, opportunity and technology to achieve their goals, they are more likely to rock the boat of conventional thought.