North York, ON Couples Therapy: Sari Burkes, MSW, RSW
Sari approached me (Irene) early in January 2020 about joining Couples In Step as a couple’s therapist. I had a sense that Sari could be a good fit with Couples In Step! She was personable, efficient, and had a good variety of work experiences. I was disappointed when I learned she needed further Couples Therapy training before Couples In Step could consider her. I gave her some suggestions for further training and then forgot about Sari.
To my surprise, and delight, Sari approached me again, less than a year later, having not only followed through on my training suggestions, but exceeding them! And, I discovered, her enthusiasm to help couples repair their relationships mirrors my own.
Sari’s thirst to become a more excellent therapist has not stopped. She is well on the way to certification in Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy.
I am thrilled that couples who approach Couples In Step for therapy will have the opportunity to have Sari as their therapist.
Sari has worked internationally and appreciates the nuances of culture and each partner’s lived experience and story.
Sari has experience in
- Child and family mental health
- Infant and maternal mental health
- Primary attachment relationships
- Stress and trauma
- Parent and caregiver support
- Psychosocial care for pregnant asylum seekers
North York, ON Couples Therapy: Irene Oudyk-Suk, MSW, RSW, RP
Irene has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than 25 years. She’s practiced in various parts of Ontario, Michigan and in the Philippines. Irene has had a private practice in different parts of the Greater Toronto Area since 2006. Currently she’s located in North York.
Prior to providing psychotherapy services Irene gained experience as a social worker in the following:
- Domestic violence
- Child protection
- Developmental disabilities
- Intensive care
- Palliative care
- Community health care
- Community mental health
- Cross cultural adjustment and relocation
I’m married to John Suk. We have 2 sons, a daughter-in-law, 2 GRANDCHILDREN! a long term foster daughter, and a foster grand-daughter. We love our family and are totally delighted when our kids come home for a while! (But while we loved parenting, we love our empty nest even more!)
Like most everyone my personal life has been affected by major stresses and family issues. I am no stranger to the particular concerns that my client couples bring to me. Feel free to ask me more about this if you wish.
When it is sought after, my clients value my spiritual depth and insight. I’ve been shaped by a Judeo-Christian worldview. Clients from differing perspectives are pleased that I’m respectful and appreciative of their approach to life and spirituality.
- BSc in Special Education (Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI)
- MA in Christian Studies (also from Calvin)
- Master’s in Social Work (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI)
- Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (007043)
- Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers (812293)
- Member: Ontario Association of Social Workers
- Certified Therapist since 2002 with the Eye Movement Desensitization International Association; EMDR Canada
- Registered Sex Therapist with Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy & Counselling in Ontario
- Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist and Supervisor with International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy; Toronto Center for EFT
- Certified Discernment Counsellor
14 Purdon Dr., North York, Toronto, ON M3H 4W8
The North York Couples in Step office is located in the north-west corner of North York, Toronto, just a few minutes north of the 401 & the Allen Expressway. This office serves couples living in Toronto, North York, Vaughn, Etobicoke, Willowdale, Woodbridge and Downsview.