ABOUT
vitality counselling
& wellness
Simrit Birk MSW, RSW, RCC
I am committed to supporting clients towards wellness and overcoming the challenges that life brings. My philosophy for counselling is working alongside clients to help them discover their strengths, resiliency, and self-awareness. I value using an empathetic, compassionate, and collaborative approach to counselling.
As a South Asian woman, I recognize the importance of cultural safety and person-centered care. I have a strong passion to advocate for mental health support for the South Asian community. I believe through education, advocacy, and support, individuals can overcome the stigma of accessing counselling services.
Counselling is significant to develop coping skills and process emotions. My goal is to help clients improve their mood, improve communication, and enhance self-esteem.
I have over five years experience providing counselling services in diverse environments including shelters and healthcare settings.
I have experience in palliative care, supporting patients and families experiencing grief and loss. My recent experience has been in stroke rehabilitation supporting patients with emotional regulation, depression and coping with life after a stroke. I recognize that everyone is unique based on social factors such as culture, race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual identity, religion and more. I provide services to diverse individuals using an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. My goal is to empower clients to adapt to life changing events. I believe learning to cope with challenges is what creates resiliency and strength.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be supporting individuals, couples, and families during challenging circumstances. I strive to create authentic, therapeutic relationships where clients feel safe, valued, heard, and understood. Life can be difficult, but the incredible stories of overcoming adversity, self-discovery and transformation make us who we are.
education
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW): University of the Fraser Valley 2018.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW): University of British Columbia 2022.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) in good standing with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) 2018
British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Provider for: First Nations Health Authority, Crime Victim Assistance Program, and ICBC
meet leo
Leo may join us during our virtual counselling sessions. He listens attentively and stays calm during the sessions.
Did you know research shows that dogs can reduce stress, anxiety and depression? They can ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and improve your overall health. Who knew your furry friend could be so amazing for your mental wellbeing.
counselling techniques
Vitality Counselling and Wellness values using a person-centered approach based on the unique needs of clients. We want to support clients in finding solutions in their lives by building resiliency. We use curiosity, empathy, and evidence-based counselling strategies to support clients in achieving their goals. Counselling techniques are used to support clients based on their diverse backgrounds, life stories, and circumstances.
Creating a therapeutic relationship takes time and getting to know clients is an important part of this process. Some theories and modalities we use are:
Strengths-Based Theory
Trauma-Informed Practice
Solution-Focused Theory
Person-in-Environment Approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Attachment Theory
Narrative Practice
Motivational Interviewing
Family Systems Theory
Existential Therapy
