Simon Zukowski
Simon Zukowski is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20618) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and holds a Masters of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia.
We all struggle with feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress or anger from time to time. For some of us, these feelings become chronic. They seem to move in and never really leave. They rob us of the sense of peace, joy and meaning that we all want in our lives. Simon believes that things really can get better, and he works with clients to help them understand and address what’s keeping them stuck and unhappy.
Simon brings a wealth of counselling experience with diverse individuals to his practice. He is a compassionate advocate for his clients and sees their well being as his top priority.
Areas of counselling expertise
- Anxiety (worrying, racing thoughts, social anxiety)
- Depression (low mood, lack of motivation, hopelessness)
- Self Esteem (low confidence, not liking oneself)
- Anger (being irritable or easily frustrated)
- Relationship Skills (improving communication, improving appreciation)
- Stress (feeling overwhelmed or burnt out)
- Existential concerns (the big questions in life and what it all means…)
Therapy modalities Simon uses in his counselling practice
My counselling style is rooted in Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on creating the right conditions for personal growth and healing—this includes making my clients feel listened to, understood and viewed with unconditional positive regard. On top of this solid foundation, I use a variety of mindfulness, psychodynamic and cognitive techniques to help clients develop a more aware and loving relationship to themselves, to the world and to others.
If you are dealing with anxiety, I will help you uncover and address the thought patterns that are driving your worries, to allow you to create more calm and ease in your life.
If you are struggling with depression, I will work with you find and amplify the light and beauty which already exist in your life, but which the depression may have overshadowed.
To boost your self-esteem, we will explore just who this “self” really is, why it is of inherent value, and how you might stay in touch with it more often.
For those dealing with anger and irritability, we will work on self-regulation and de-escalation techniques and will explore what’s fueling the anger.
To improve the important relationships in your life, we will work on communication, empathy, and boundary-setting.
For stress, we will identify the stressors, see how well your existing coping strategies are working, and develop new ones.
For existential concerns, we will discuss how to find meaning in your experience of life, even if that experience is hard or painful.
Personal qualities / strengths as a counsellor
Having myself suffered with anxiety, depression and chronic stress for years, I know first hand what many of my clients are going through. I’ve been there, I’ve seen that things can get better and I want to help others do the same. I’ve been described as kind, compassionate and committed and you can expect to encounter these qualities in our sessions.
Education and professional development
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Simon Fraser University)
- Master of Arts (Simon Fraser University)
- Master of Education – Counselling (University of Northern BC)
- Northern BC Crisis Centre and Suicide Line Volunteer
- ASIST Suicide Prevention Training
