New Path Addictions & General Counseling

My name is Mark, I have a background of 19 years working in the mental health and addictions fields. I have worked in positions ranging from being a case manager working with clients who have concurrent disorders (LOFT Community Services); working as a case manager within a housing agency assisting clients and providing counseling to clients with mental health and addictions issues who were facing homelessness and or poverty, and in addition, I have worked as a Street Outreach Worker in downtown Toronto.

 

However, I am also someone who has been there. I am someone who has walked the path. I have overcome much adversity in my life and learned a lot in my personal journey. But when it comes to helping others my motto is, "Yes, it is true that I have been there before, but I have not been them before; what worked for me, may not necessarily work for them."

 

This is why I utilize solution-focused counseling as my main counseling model, along with motivational interviewing, which is based on the transtheoretical model of change. 

 

These models of counseling work from the client's frame of reference. I wholeheartedly believe that each person has the answers within themselves, all I have to do is ask the right questions and help clients to elicit them from within.

 

I strive to work with you so that you may make the choices in your life that are right for you. We do not impose our views and only work to help you reach the goals you choose for your life. Working at your pace, our goal is to help you to achieve your goals in life; whatever they may be that brings you happiness.

 

I feel that my personal experience, when combined with my professional training and and experience, provide a well rounded background that I believe dramatically improves my ability to help clients find their path in life.

 

My other passions in life are playing flamenco and classical guitar, growing and taking care of bonsai trees, working out at the gym, live theatre, reading, and hiking....