
“The older I get, the more I’ve come to understand that there are no real villains, only broken people with real deep wounds who cannot help but to bleed onto others.”
– Jamie Wright

Natasha Kukolj
Registered Social Worker
It is important to recognize that at some point in our life, ‘things’ will ‘fall apart.'
Many of us will seek support due to feeling unhappy, conflicted, dissatisfied, anxious, and/or overwhelmed with life. We are often blocked emotionally and/or creatively and go through the motions of living with ineffective coping strategies. We cannot stop the mind from chattering enough to be present, relax, or fall asleep. Feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and alienation might overwhelm us.
We search for ways to escape this construct we live in but tend to fall back into repetitive and stuck patterns. I view distress and overwhelming emotions as a wake-up call to alter how we function and the choices we make in our life.
I utilize a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered approach in therapy, creating a safe space. This space allows you to explore your inner world, identify, and ultimately manage unhelpful thoughts. This will allow you to hear your wisdom instead. I believe each person holds the capacity to create and live a fulfilling life, and I aim to help awaken this potential.
My focus is to guide you to make behavioural and emotional changes so that your actions reflect a life with more meaning, balance, and fullness. I am shifting from living according to others' acceptance, expectations, and norms; to becoming more present, genuine, and authentic. Reflection and awareness are the beginning steps to altering attitudes, beliefs, thought patterns, and behaviours within a safe, supportive therapeutic space. My goal is to provide an accepting, open environment to allow for self-exploration, understanding, authenticity, and alignment.
I am deeply grateful to those who have helped me reconnect to my wholeness during my crossroads and would be honoured to support you in yours.
Areas of Focus:
Marital/Relationship Issues
Family Dynamics
Self-Esteem
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Aging and Geriatric Issues
Treatment Approaches Used:
Gottman Method: Couples Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Humanistic, Experiential, and Relational Approaches
Psychodynamic Approach
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Qualification, Training, and Membership:
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work
Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers