Ruth Skutezky - Illuminate Counselling

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), with a practice in beautiful North Vancouver, BC.

My passion is working with young adults and couples, especially those entering marriage, parenthood, or other times of transition, with a focus on prevention and education. I also equip people to better manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns so that they are able to live a more focused and satisfying life.

Please see the Individual Counselling, ICBC Funded Counselling, Crime Victim Assistance, Marriage Prep & Baby Prep, and Couples Counselling pages for more information about services. North Vancouver

Therapy based on 6 Core Principles

Value

I know that both your time and money is precious. I work hard to deliver service that you are happy with

Trust

Earning your trust is the essence of our therapeutic work together

Transparency

I will demystify the counselling process by explaining what we are doing and why

Research-based

I use tools and techniques that are backed by research and proven to be effective

Flexibility

Therapy that is designed specifically with your needs and goals in mind, and is responsive to change

Professionalism

I maintain a high level of ethical standards, participating in ongoing personal and professional development so that I am the best I can be for you.

North Vancouver

Techniques & Therapies Used

Video/tele therapy
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Relaxation & Mindfulness practices
Art-based techniques
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Exposure techniques
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Gottman Couples Therapy
Existential-Humanistic Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
PREPARE/ENRICH Relationship Assessment

If I do not have training in a particular area of need or if for whatever reason you decide to seek services elsewhere, I will gladly refer you to another professional. One of the most important factors in counselling outcome is, after all, the relationshipt that is formed between counsellor and client. It sometimes takes a few tries to find the right fit.

Let’s face it, the idea of going to counselling can be anxiety-provoking, intimidating, or just plain uncomfortable for some people. It takes courage to pick up the phone and ask for help, so as I see it, my job is to try to make the process as comfortable and transparent as possible.

What I aim to do in our work:

Help you to find balance and listen to your desires & needs
Support you through loss & change
Get you back in touch with what matters to you
Encourage you to evaluate your situation from different perspectives by sharing my observations
Share practical tools or resources
Gently challenge you to take responsibility for your role in any problems you are facing
Guide you to become more self-forgiving & embrace your imperfections
Collaboratively brainstorm possible next steps

What I aim to NOT do in our work:

Tell you exactly what you should do to solve the problem
Claim that I have all of the answers
Claim to understand your life better than you do
Encourage ongoing blaming others for the issue
Encourage an exaggerated/unhelpful victim mentality

For more information about what you might expect to gain from specific types of therapy, please have a look at the Services for Individuals and Services for Couples pages.

Get in touch!

Therapy based on 6 Core Principles

Techniques & Therapies Used

What to Expect from Counselling

What I aim to do in our work:

What I aim to NOT do in our work:

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