Maxim Morozkin

My approach is practical, structured, and collaborative. I believe counselling should help you not only understand yourself better, but also recognize what keeps you stuck and discover what you can do differently. In our first sessions, we will take time to understand what is happening in your life now, what you would like to change, and what may be getting in the way. Together, we look at patterns involving your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationships, and ways of coping with discomfort. We pay particular attention to things that provide relief in the short term but may create difficulties in the long term. I primarily draw from CBT, ACT and DBT, adapting the work to each person’s needs. I also integrate Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, Positive Psychology, attachment-based and psychodynamic perspectives when helpful. For OCD, I incorporate principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Some clients come to me wanting practical strategies for anxiety, stress, ADHD, compulsive behaviours, procrastination, or communication difficulties. Others want to understand deeper emotional and relationship patterns or beliefs that continue to influence their lives. Often, we do both: understand the pattern and work on changing it. I can also integrate coaching when appropriate, particularly around decision-making, healthier habits, values, relationships, motivation, and specific life goals. You can expect me to listen without judgment, ask questions, offer observations and practical tools, and gently challenge patterns when that may be helpful. I don’t believe counselling should be about talking about the same problem indefinitely. The aim is to develop greater understanding, build useful skills, and gradually create healthier and more meaningful ways of living.

My professional experience began with the Ottawa Drug Treatment Court and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services in Ottawa, Ontario, where I received extensive training in evidence-informed interventions, therapeutic rapport, risk awareness, and structured treatment planning. I worked with individuals experiencing addiction, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship problems, and co-occurring mental health concerns. After completing my training, I continued with Rideauwood Family Services in a full-time counselling role, supporting individuals navigating substance use recovery, relapse, shame, avoidance, relationship stress, and long-standing behavioural patterns. This experience helped shape the practical, structured, and non-judgmental approach I use today. I later expanded my professional experience internationally, working in private rehabilitation settings in Costa Rica and Panama with English-speaking clients from Canada, the United States, Australia, and other countries. This strengthened my experience working across cultures and adapting my approach to each person’s individual needs. Today, my practice is broader. I provide online counselling in English and Russian, supporting adults with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, stress, addictions and compulsive behaviours, relationship and communication difficulties, major life transitions, and immigrant and expat adjustment.

I hold an Honours degree in Criminology and Psychology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. This academic background provided a strong foundation in human behaviour, psychology, interpersonal relationships, and the social factors that influence mental health and wellbeing. I later completed professional training in Addiction Counselling at Willis College in Ottawa, which included practical clinical training with Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services and the Ottawa Drug Treatment Court. My continuing professional development includes certification as an ICF Life Coach in Positive Psychology, along with advanced training and masterclasses in areas including emotional intelligence, strengths-based practice, motivation, meaning and values, emotional regulation, and counselling approaches. My education and ongoing professional development allow me to integrate psychological understanding with practical, evidence-informed counselling and coaching strategies tailored to each client’s individual needs.