Dr. Simon Chung has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Counseling, as well as several years of training in counselling psychology. He is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association and registered for supervised practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Simon has over 10 years of clinical experience treating and assessing adults and older adolescents in hospital, community, university, and private outpatient settings. He provides assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, obsessions/compulsions, stress, anger, and inattention. He often supports individuals with their difficulties managing relationship and family conflict, academic/career concerns, identity struggles, grief and loss, and other life transitions and crises. Additionally, he has experience assisting those adjusting to physical health concerns, disability, and workplace or motor vehicle injury.
Over the years, Simon has also been involved in a wide range of mental health and psychotherapy-focused research projects. Many have investigated how to increase the quality of clinical services, broaden accessibility of services, and improve understanding of how to best serve all communities in need. Simon’s current research aspires to disentangle the co-occurrence of sleep disturbance and psychological distress.
In his therapy work, Simon takes an integrative approach that draws from several theoretical models and evidence-based treatments. Irrespective of the specific techniques used, he always comes from a strength-based and person-centered approach that promotes trust, empowers, and builds on the client-therapist alliance. Simon’s focus is always on creating a safe and validating environment for people of all cultural identities; including those defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability.
Whether meeting for treatment or psychological assessment, Simon will work with you to establish your goals, identify relevant information, and formulate an appropriate and individualized plan. He will use a scientific and data-driven approach to best address your unique needs, which includes a consideration of current and historical events and circumstances that might contribute to present concerns. Regardless of your background, cultural context of problems and psychological distress will also be considered.
It’s not uncommon to feel discouraged and helpless in your struggle with stressful life experiences, distressing thoughts and emotions, strained relationships, or unhelpful patterns of behaviour. The goal is to collaborate to better understand and address these challenges by developing new strategies and utilizing your existing strengths. Simon’s aim is to provide you with a supportive setting where you can work towards achieving your therapeutic and life goals.
