Catherine Asselin-Kuzak
Montreal,QC
Summary
As a committed graduate psychology student with over five years of experience in intervention work, I am actively seeking opportunities to apply my expertise in counselling. Specifically, I aim to strengthen my ability to use cognitive behavioural techniques and existential principles to help clients make sense of their experiences more purposefully. Research guides my methods, but human connection drives my practice. Whether working in English or French, I bring scientific rigour and deep empathy to each session. My role is not just to help clients navigate their difficulties but also to walk alongside them as they discover their capacity for healing and growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Intervention Worker
West Island Women’s Shelter
05.2022 - Current
- Conduct intake assessments for women and their children requiring immediate shelter.
- Develop and implement intervention strategies to support the devictimization process, promoting safety and autonomy for residents.
- Provide holistic support in addressing challenges, including emotional distress, housing, employment, legal matters, and immigration status.
- Respond to high-stress calls with active listening and problem-solving, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
- Collaborate in daily team meetings to manage cases for up to seven residents over three-month cycles, ensuring individualized care.
- Facilitate weekly support groups for up to seven participants, focusing on empowerment and education on the impacts of violence.
- Mentor new intervention workers by providing training in communication strategies and crisis de-escalation techniques.
- Maintain accurate case documentation, contributing to organizational data analysis and reporting.
Community Intervention Worker
Mission Old Brewery
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Designed and implemented tailored intervention strategies that restored housing stability and fostered long-term community reintegration for over 25 participants.
- Conducted weekly in-home assessments to evaluate the autonomy, well-being, and adjustment of newly housed women transitioning out of homelessness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, hoarding, intellectual disabilities, and substance use.
- Empowered clients to improve self-care routines and enhance their living environments, promoting sustainable personal growth.
- Coordinated and facilitated group activities aimed at promoting community integration, fostering dialogue, and inspiring positive behavioral change.
- Monitored and documented changes in clients' mental health, needs, and progress, presenting updates in weekly team meetings to optimize case management strategies.
Crisis Intervention Worker
Andy’s House
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Led adherence to structured daily programming for approximately 15 residents over three-month cycles, fostering routine and stability.
- Contributed to group living initiatives, fostering a sense of community among participants.
- Supported residents with housekeeping responsibilities to help maintain facility standards and promote life skills development.
- Oversaw residents' wellness and basic health monitoring in the absence of clinical staff.
- Provided crisis intervention services for individuals facing acute mental health and substance use challenges, ensuring immediate support and stabilization.
- Shadowed the clinical team while assisting in developing aftercare plans, supporting therapy sessions, and coordinating community referrals.
- Evaluated intervention effectiveness by tracking client progress toward individual goals.
- Documented detailed clinical observations during group therapy, enhancing treatment planning and statistical reporting accuracy.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Toronto, ON12-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Concordia University
Montreal, QC06-2022
Skills
- Active Listening: Exhibiting attentiveness through clear summaries and insightful questions, adapting based on client feedback to deepen understanding
- Empathy: Building meaningful connections by fostering a non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard, valued, and respected, strengthening trust and emotional safety
- Intervention Techniques: Integrating mindfulness, CBT, and existential principles to help clients manage stress, reshape negative thought patterns, take responsibility for their lives, and drive positive behavioural change
- Treatment Planning: Design personalized strategies in collaboration with clients by thoroughly assessing their needs, strengths, and goals, ensuring alignment with their values and long-term growth
- Ethical Decision-Making: Adhering to professional codes of ethics and confidentiality
- Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams or referring clients to specialists
Timeline
Intervention Worker
West Island Women’s Shelter
05.2022 - Current
Community Intervention Worker
Mission Old Brewery
01.2020 - 09.2021
Crisis Intervention Worker
Andy’s House
01.2017 - 12.2019
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Concordia University
Similar Profiles
Leeanna OttallahLeeanna Ottallah
Volunteer at Women’s Homeless ShelterVolunteer at Women’s Homeless Shelter
Jane SugiuraJane Sugiura
Crisis Hotline Volunteer at Women’s And Children’s Crisis ShelterCrisis Hotline Volunteer at Women’s And Children’s Crisis Shelter
Vimbai MadondoVimbai Madondo
Senior Advocate at South West Women’s Refuge (Harbour Refuge)Senior Advocate at South West Women’s Refuge (Harbour Refuge)