Izabela Zakrzewska, M.C., R.C.C.

I have come to this beautiful part of the world by way of Poland, through Greece, to Vancouver, and most recently, I have discovered the hidden gem of Summerland. I love our community, the lifestyle, the seasons, and all the wine and good food the Okanagan has to offer!

I hold a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle, complemented by a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University. My first exposure to counselling came through my experiences as a high school teacher. I taught Social Studies, Psychology, Law, English, Career Education and even a cooking class. Beyond my teaching duties, I was involved in the choir, athletics, and the school drama productions – I was a veritable Swiss Army Knife of education! But, most importantly, I talked to and heard from the kids. I heard from their parents, and I heard from my colleagues as they expressed their day to day professional and personal frustrations. I loved teaching, but at some point, my career path shifted from lecturing to listening. I became a counsellor.

After many years of teaching and counselling, this is where I am today. My goal is to provide a space and an opportunity for clients to be listened to, and, hopefully, to be understood

In my counselling practice, I take an empathetic and client-centered approach. I have had the privilege of working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has deepened my understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. This allows me to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their concerns and cultivate resilience. I strongly believe in establishing a trusting therapeutic alliance, where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to make positive changes. I strive to create a collaborative environment that encourages personal growth and self-discovery.

I draw from several theoretical approaches based on the needs and preferences of my clients. I primarily integrate elements from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, emotion focused therapy and psychodynamic therapy. I believe in tailoring my approach to each client’s unique circumstances, and I am open to integrating other evidence-based modalities as needed.

• Adolescent challenges
• Communication
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transitions
• Parenting
• Relationships
• Self-identity exploration
• Spirituality
• Strength Building
• Stress and Anxiety
• Trauma