- John

Substance Use Clinician

Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care Response Centre, Surrey

John describes his day at work as a Substance Use Clinician at Surrey’s Urgent Care Response Centre as “challenging, humbling, and fulfilling.”
 
“Working at the UCRC in Surrey has given me the opportunity to work with an amazing interdisciplinary team of health care professionals including psychiatrists, addiction medicine specialists, psychiatric nurses, and mental health clinicians along with my fellow substance use clinicians. When clients walk into the UCRC, I know that I can count on the expertise and support of every member of this wider team to support and assist me in helping the client create a treatment plan that offers the best possible means of improving their quality of life.
 
“Guiding, observing, and supporting clients towards a better quality of life is one of the most inspiring and uplifting aspects of this role. It reminds me of the transformative potential and power within every one of us.”
 

If you’re considering a similar career in mental health and substance use, here’s some advice from John.

“We are here to help clients identify and access their internal resources and focus them in a positive direction.  We offer a calm, compassionate and supportive environment in which our client's can safely unpack their perceptions, beliefs and expectations to discover how their world view and self identity are supporting and/or undermining their ability to experience the life they long for. Clients often require a safe, compassionate and curious outsider to help them make sense of their situation.
 
“Every morning I set my intention for the day. I ask myself, ‘how do I want to show up in the world today? What do I want to bring into the world today?’ Every evening I give thanks for the abundance I received during the day."
 
John is a father of two and a grandfather of three. “I am a widower of many years and feel very blessed with a loving extended family and several beautifully stimulating and nurturing friendships.”
 
Thank you for sharing your story, John. We are so proud to have your compassion and dedication as part of our family.
 
Learn more about Surrey’s Urgent Care and Response Centre.