Tatiana Zdyb, Ph.D (Health and Rehabilitation Science), London, Ontario.

Clinical Philosophical Counselling

Tatiana Zdyb, Ph.D (Health and Rehabilitation Science)

Tatiana Zdyb, Ph.D (Health and Rehabilitation Science), London, Ontario.

For individuals who are seeking to improve their mental well-being, rather than needing psychotherapy for serious/severe mental health issues, I am pleased to provide philosophical counselling. Unlike psychotherapy, which treats mental illness, philosophical counselling can be a valuable approach for individuals seeking to navigate life's challenges through the lens of philosophy, providing clarity and insight into and resolution of personal issues. It draws on theoretical wisdom to help individuals navigate modern life.

Key aspects of philosophical counselling include:

  • A dialogical process: philosophical counselling typically involves a dialogue between the counsellor and the client. I facilitate discussions that encourage you to reflect deeply on your beliefs, assumptions, and life choices.
  • A focus on meaning and values: I help clients explore themes such as meaning, purpose, and values in their lives. This can include addressing dilemmas about relationships, careers, and personal identity.
  • Critical thinking: philosophical counselling emphasizes critical thinking and reasoning. I will encourage you to think analytically about your situation(s) and challenge any unexamined assumptions.
  • Existential exploration: I incorporate existential philosophy, examining issues related to freedom, responsibility, and the human condition. Non-psychotherapeutic approach: While it shares some similarities with psychotherapy, philosophical counselling is not aimed at treating serious mental health issues but rather at fostering personal growth, self-awareness and understanding.
  • Couples counselling: Connection is essential for mental health. I am adept at helping couples enhance emotional and/or sexual intimacy. I am very experienced at engaging couples in conscious communication to resolve tension, de-escalate and address competing needs. I also provide pre-martial consultations and solutions for successful separations.
  • Grief counselling: Loss is part of the human experience. Whether the loss of a loved one, a relationship, your health or a career I will guide you through utilization of personal and social resources to tolerate and transform the grief you are experiencing.

Professional Qualifications

My Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences has prepared me for working with individuals and couples experiencing various life and relationship challenges. I have over almost two decades of experience providing psychotherapy to adults in settings including a university psychotherapy clinic, a hospital, and private practice. After thirteen years of providing psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist, I have shifted my practice to clinical philosophical counselling.

I completed a Ph.D. at Western University in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a specialization in Health Promotion. I also completed all pre-dissertation requirements of the Psy.D. (Doctorate of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. Additionally, I have a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy (Philosophy of Science) from Western University. I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, a Chartered Psychologist member of the British Psychological Society and an Affiliate member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association.

Since we are multi-faceted individuals living in a complex world, I believe that incorporating a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach is most effective in cultivating lasting change. The work I do with individuals and couples is guided by insight-oriented theory, philosophical traditions, cognitive behavioural principles and mindfulness practice. I take a client-centred approach ensuring that your unique needs are addressed in our work together.

I believe that physical and mental health are interconnected. There can be no health without mental health. I take an integrative approach to helping people develop and/or access health-promoting resources within themselves, their families, their work environments, and their communities.

About Me

I grew up in Toronto, Ontario. I attended Western University in London, Ontario, and Adler University in Chicago, Illinois. My research interests include attachment/love, psychological trauma, and resilience. I have had a personal daily meditation practice for the last 25 years, am an avid exerciser, enjoy scuba diving and reading, and have keen interests in theoretical physics, philosophy of science, wine, cooking and eating.