Life Transitions Counselling in Vancouver — Divorce, Career Change, Retirement & Big Changes - Dr. Samuel

Notice: For general interest only; may contain inaccuracies. Not a diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or professional, clinical, or legal advice. Reading this creates no counsellor-client relationship. By reading this page, you agree to these terms. Full disclaimer. In an emergency, call 911.

Life transitions counselling in Vancouver for changes that will not settle

Talk to Samuel directly. No receptionist, no intake forms. Call 604-721-0604 · Text what is going on · Book a free 20-minute call. In-person in downtown Vancouver or by video across BC; evenings available.

When a life change will not settle

Separation, a move, a job loss, retirement or a diagnosis can knock anyone off balance. When the distress persists, clinicians may describe it as adjustment disorder, which “is among the most often diagnosed mental disorders in clinical practice” (Zelviene & Kazlauskas, 2018, p. 375). The ICD-11 describes it with “2 main symptoms as follows: 1) preoccupation and 2) failure to adapt” (Zelviene & Kazlauskas, 2018, p. 375).

The research here is honest about its limits: “the best treatment approach for AjD remains unclear, and further treatment studies are needed” (Zelviene & Kazlauskas, 2018, p. 375), even as it has been “increasingly recognised as an area of research interest” (O’Donnell et al., 2019, p. 1). Because many transitions bring low mood, it is relevant that for adult depression “the most important types of psychotherapy are efficacious and acceptable” (Cuijpers et al., 2021, p. 283).

What life transitions counselling in Vancouver looks like here

Session one. What changed, what was lost, what you are preoccupied with, and where daily life has stopped working.

The method. Practical, structured counselling: problem-solving, CBT for the worry and low mood that often follow, and Internal Family Systems when an old pattern has been stirred up. For separation involving children or a partner, couples or family sessions are available.

Common reasons people come

Separation and divorce; becoming a parent; an empty nest; career change or job loss; retirement; relocating; a new diagnosis; caring for an ageing parent. See also family therapy, grief counselling and stress & burnout.

Your counsellor

Samuel Ezzatilord, PhD, RCC, CCC, LMCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC #23405) and Canadian Certified Counsellor with more than 25 years of clinical experience and a doctorate in health sciences. He works in private practice in downtown Vancouver and by secure video across BC.

Frequently asked questions

What is adjustment disorder?

A stress-related condition that “is among the most often diagnosed mental disorders in clinical practice”; ICD-11 lists “preoccupation” and “failure to adapt” as its main symptoms (Zelviene & Kazlauskas, 2018, p. 375). Diagnosis is made in person, not online.

Is there a proven treatment for difficult life transitions?

The evidence is still developing: “the best treatment approach for AjD remains unclear” (Zelviene & Kazlauskas, 2018, p. 375). Where low mood is present, established psychotherapies are “efficacious and acceptable” (Cuijpers et al., 2021, p. 283).

Do I need to be in crisis to come?

No. Many people come early, when a change is not settling and daily life is slipping.

Can you help with separation or divorce?

Yes, individually or with a partner, and with family sessions where children are involved. See family therapy.

Is counselling covered by insurance in BC?

Fees and expenses are covered by ICBC, CVAP, FNHA, IFHP, RCMP, VAC, and most other insurers, and direct billing is available. Most extended-health plans reimburse RCC sessions.

Can I do it online?

Yes. In person in downtown Vancouver or by secure video across BC.

What happens when you call

The first conversation is a free 20-minute phone call with Samuel Ezzatilord, PhD, RCC, CCC, LMCC (RCC #23405). You describe what is going on; he tells you plainly whether what he offers fits and what a first session would involve. Sessions are available in English and Farsi, in person at Suite 1300, 1500 West Georgia St, Vancouver, or by secure video anywhere in BC. Fees and expenses are covered by ICBC, CVAP, FNHA, IFHP, RCMP, VAC, and most other insurers, and direct billing is available.

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Related pages: Life transitions FAQs · Grief · Family therapy · Individual therapy

References

Cuijpers, P., Quero, S., Noma, H., Ciharova, M., Miguel, C., Karyotaki, E., Cipriani, A., Cristea, I. A., & Furukawa, T. A. (2021). Psychotherapies for depression: A network meta-analysis covering efficacy, acceptability and long-term outcomes of all main treatment types. World Psychiatry, 20(2), 283–293. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20860

O’Donnell, M. L., Agathos, J. A., Metcalf, O., Gibson, K., & Lau, W. (2019). Adjustment disorder: Current developments and future directions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14), 2537. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142537

Zelviene, P., & Kazlauskas, E. (2018). Adjustment disorder: Current perspectives. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 14, 375–381. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S121072