Lazar kakkasery chakkunny

registered social worker

Lazar is a competent and kindhearted therapist with about 20 years of clinical experience, having worked in diverse mental health programs covering the full spectrum of promotion, prevention, curative, and rehabilitative care services. 

He is a seasoned clinician, skilled in assessing the psycho-social needs of individuals and providing therapy from an eclectic perspective. Taking a person-centered approach, Lazar uses a wide range of therapeutic modalities to assist individuals and couples identify their hurdles and to facilitate growth and development. Lazar is skilled in applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing as required in the individual situation of the clients.

Being a person of South Asian descent, Lazar is very fluent in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi and is well aware of the culture and has helped many individuals and families navigate through the challenge of settling and growing in Canada. Lazar has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with Psychosis, Substance use, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Trauma, Sleep issues, Identity crisis, Separation and Grief. Lazar also helps with Career Guidance, Wellness Promotion, Healthy Intimacy, Positive Parenting, and Personality Development. 

He has a good understanding of bio-psycho-social principles of recovery and rehabilitation as they relate to individuals with complex and challenging health care needs. Lazar practices and promotes holistic wellness covering all the eight dimensions of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental wellbeing.

Lazar has very high regard and respect for the culture and traditional beliefs of indigenous peoples in Canada and is open to supporting individuals from indigenous communities in his practice.

Lazar holds a Master’s Degree in Medical and Psychiatric Social work, a Master’s degree in Psychology and an Advanced Master’s Degree in Social Work Research and Practice. All the degrees have been verified by WES as equivalent to Canadian degrees.

Lazar is a registered member in good standing of the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Lazar is also a Certified Auricular Detoxification Specialist (ear acupuncture) and a member in good standing of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA).