Suzanne Zook-Johnston

I believe effective therapy is like planting a tree. First, the therapist provides the seeds and when there is a connection, the client’s goals take root, and desired outcomes sprout up, then effective treatment planning naturally unfolds to ensure flourishing results.

Through my work and life experience, I have developed a sensitivity to a variety of ethnicities, ages, genders and stages of life. As a senior therapist, I can relate to life’s struggles which cause emotional pain and a desire for change.

I have enjoyed working cross-culturally in the United States and Canada for almost 20 years; and feel honoured to have crafted a “clinical tool box” for helping people make changes that have improved their emotional, mental and relational quality of their lives.

Education and Training

I consider myself a lifelong learner.  Over the years, I have gained wisdom from life experience, insight as well as perspective from numerous clients, and knowledge and skills from my many mentors, professors and colleagues.

My formal education includes a doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University Twin Cities in Minnesota, and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School in Toronto. Obtaining dual degrees has enhanced my knowledge of therapy and broadened my skillset.

Counselling Background and Approach

I believe we all have moments when we need someone to talk to and someone to understand. I take great pride and joy in helping those who are struggling emotionally, relationally or mentally with life’s challenges. As a doctor in Marriage and Family Therapy, I use research, education and training to inform my practice and build individualized treatment plans with methods proven to work. My hope is, together we can build a plan that will work for you, then when our work is finished you will feel proud of yourself for achieving your goals and pleased with my services.

I have been told that I am a compassionate and empathetic counsellor. I enjoy working with students, adults, couples and families. I tend to focus on strengths, and what “works” rather than what is “broken.” I aim to empower my clients to achieve their desired outcomes and create positive change.

Some of the treatment modalities I utilize in my practice are: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)and Gestalt Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).