Resilient Light Wellness

ADDICTION COUNSELLING · RECOVERY

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Real support.
Real conversations.
Meaningful change.

Life doesn't always go the way we imagined. Sometimes we find ourselves dealing with things we never expected, repeating patterns we don't understand, or struggling to make changes that seem so simple from the outside.Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or drugs, trying to make a change, or navigating life in recovery, there's usually more to the story than what people see.At Resilient Light Wellness, I offer addiction counselling that looks beyond the substance. Together, we'll explore what's happening, understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work toward changes that make sense for you.

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My ApproachUnderstanding the person, not just the addiction.I don't believe addiction is simply a matter of poor choices or a lack of willpower. Our relationship with substances is often shaped by our experiences, mental health, environment, and the ways we've learned to cope with life.For some, alcohol or drugs become a way to manage stress, quiet difficult emotions, or disconnect from things that feel overwhelming. What may have started as a way of coping can eventually become something that's difficult to manage.My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in understanding the whole person. I draw from evidence-informed counselling approaches, including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and somatic strategies, while recognizing that no single approach works for everyone.What does that actually look like in counselling?Some sessions might involve understanding patterns, exploring emotions, or making connections between past experiences and present behaviours. Others might focus on practical skills, managing difficult situations, strengthening relationships, or navigating the challenges of recovery.There isn't a script we have to follow. We work with what's happening in your life, at a pace that makes sense for you.You bring your experiences. I bring my knowledge, perspective, and support. Together, we figure out what comes next.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Sarah.I've spent more than a decade working with people navigating addiction, mental health challenges, and some of the messier parts of being human.And if there's one thing those years have taught me, it's that everyone has a story. Usually one that's far more complicated than what we see on the surface.My experience spans community addiction counselling, outreach, harm reduction, withdrawal management, and residential treatment. I've worked with people who were ready to make a change, people who weren't sure they wanted to, and people who were simply trying to get through another day.What I've learned is that people don't need another person telling them everything they're doing wrong. More often, they need someone who's willing to listen, take the time to understand, and see them as a person rather than a problem to be fixed.That's the kind of counsellor I strive to be.I'm a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW), with additional training in trauma-informed care, concurrent disorders, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. I bring professional knowledge and experience to my work, but also curiosity, compassion, honesty, and a sense of humour when the moment calls for it.I know that talking about substance use isn't always easy. There can be shame, uncertainty, fear, or things you've never felt comfortable sharing with anyone. You might not even be sure what you want to change yet.That's okay. We can start there.I won't pretend to have all the answers, and I won't assume I know your story before you've had the chance to tell it.What I can offer is a place where you can speak openly, feel heard, and begin making sense of things without having to defend or explain away every part of your past.You don't need to have the right words, a perfect plan, or everything figured out before reaching out. We can start with a conversation.

Working Together

Starting somewhere is enough.

You don't need to know exactly what you want from counselling before reaching out.Maybe you're ready to make a change. Maybe you're still figuring out what that change might look like. Either way, we'll start by talking about what's happening in your life, what matters to you, and where you'd like to go from here.There's no one-size-fits-all plan. Our work together will be shaped by your experiences, your goals, and what you need along the way.

Individual Addiction CounsellingI offer one-to-one virtual addiction counselling for adults in Ontario.Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or drugs, working toward sobriety, exploring harm reduction, or maintaining your recovery, sessions are tailored to where you are right now.$125 | 60-minute sessionSliding-scale appointments availableI believe financial circumstances shouldn't automatically prevent someone from accessing support. Reduced-fee appointments are available on a limited basis and can be discussed during your consultation.

Let's Start With a ConversationNot sure whether counselling is right for you? That's okay.I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk about what you're looking for, answer your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.

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