John Zak, RCC, MAMFT

John Zak View Specialties



Welcome
 
Let me guess, there's a part of you that wants to try out counselling and another that is skeptical of whether it will work. Perhaps you tried it before and it seemed like a waste of time and money. As a skeptic myself, I'm amazed at the inner healing I've experienced after finding the right counsellor! As a therapist, I connect with clients on a deep level so that they feel safe, seen and secure throughout each session. 
 
Clients I Work With:

I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with a variety of challenges, including:
  • PTSD and Trauma: I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma and helping them heal and move forward using evidence-based therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Experiencing. Together, we can work towards processing the trauma and finding a sense of safety and peace in your life.
  • Depression and Anxiety: I have extensive experience working with clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Together, we will explore the underlying causes of these issues, and bring inner healing so they no longer feel so overwhelming. 
  • Grief and Loss: If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, job, relationship, or significant life change, I can help you navigate the complex emotions of grief and find ways to heal and move forward. 
  • Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors: If you are struggling with addiction or compulsive behaviors, such as gambling, shopping, or eating, I can help you understand the root causes of these behaviors and develop effective strategies to manage them.
  • Anger and Communication Issues: In relationships, anger, conflict, and communication issues can arise, causing stress and tension. I can help you develop healthy communication skills and manage your emotions more effectively. Together, we can explore the root of the problem and develop practical strategies to improve your relationships.
  • Spirituality/Christian Counselling: If you are struggling with feeling lost or questioning the meaning of your life, I can help. Together, we can explore these deep questions and find ways for you to gain a sense of purpose and meaning.

Benefits of Counselling
 
There are many potential benefits of counselling, including: 
 
1. Improved mental health: Counselling can help you manage and overcome mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can provide you with the tools and skills you need to cope with your symptoms and improve your mental wellbeing. 
 
2. Enhanced self-awareness: Individuals and couples can gain a better understanding of themselves and their behaviours. They can learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours, leading to greater self-awareness and self-esteem.
 
3. Improved relationships: Therapy can help you improve your communication skills and develop healthier relationships with others. It can also give space for you to work through issues in your relationships, such as trust issues or conflicts, and find ways to improve them. 
 
4. Increased resilience: It can help you build resilience and coping skills to better handle difficult situations and setbacks. It can provide you with a sense of control and empowerment over your life.
 
5. Better decision-making: Counselling can help you clarify your values and goals, and make better decisions that align with personal values and beliefs. It can also help you overcome indecision and uncertainty, and make more confident choices. 
 

My Approach

I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow, and my goal as a therapist is to help my clients achieve their full potential. I work with individuals and couples to help them overcome challenges and improve their relationships. My therapy approach is integrative, meaning that I use a variety of techniques and modalities tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.

Some of the approaches I use include:
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapeutic approach is effective for treating trauma, particularly for specific traumatic events, and is backed by extensive research. For example, it has been shown to produce rapid relief from PTSD symptoms.
  • Somatic Experiencing (SE): SE focuses on the physical sensations associated with trauma, aiming to release stored energy in the body and promote healing. Through gentle guidance and mindfulness, SE can help individuals better regulate their nervous system and alleviate symptoms of trauma
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is a well-researched individual/couples approach that emphasizes the role of emotions in human functioning and relationships. It aims to help individuals identify and express their emotions, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen emotional bonds with others.  

Contact Me
 
If you are struggling in the present, feel stuck in the past, or anything in between, I'm here for you. It takes courage to be willing to explore these areas and I'm very privileged to walk alongside clients as they heal and grow. If interested, you can book a free 10-15 min consultation to see if we'd be a good fit working together. 
 


John Zak Reaches

White Rock BC