Shanti Adams
Summary
Compassionate and client-focused Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor with extensive healthcare experience supporting diverse populations in hospital, community, and correctional settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and client-centred care. Strong background in therapeutic communication, psychological assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to helping individuals build coping strategies, improve resilience, and achieve positive behavioural change.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Othopaedic Technologist
Lakeridge Health Corporation | Humber River Hospital | Scarborough General Hospital
Oshawa, ON
06.1999 - Current
- Provided compassionate, patient-centred care to individuals experiencing physical trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, and emotional distress in fast-paced clinical environments.
- Built trusting relationships with patients and families through empathy, active listening, emotional support, and therapeutic communication.
- Assisted patients in coping with pain, mobility limitations, injury-related stress, and lifestyle adjustments during treatment and recovery.
- Applied strong crisis management and de-escalation skills when supporting distressed or emotionally overwhelmed patients.
- Collaborated with surgeons, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to support the physical and emotional well-being of patients.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, recovery expectations, self-care strategies, and available healthcare supports.
- Performed orthopaedic interventions including cast and splint application, wound care, suture removal, and management of external fixation devices.
- Maintained accurate patient documentation and upheld confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical healthcare standards.
Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor
Lakeridge Pinewood Centre for Addictions | Michael Garron Hospital
Greater Toronto Area
01.2018 - 09.2019
- Assessed clients during admission, treatment, crisis situations, and transition planning within addiction and mental health services.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation support through telephone and walk-in services.
- Applied motivational interviewing techniques and relapse prevention strategies to support recovery and behavioural change.
- Developed therapeutic relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and community stakeholders through strong interpersonal communication.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation and information management.
- Assisted clients in identifying negative thinking patterns contributing to emotional distress and supported development of healthier coping strategies.
- Promoted client-centred care while maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
Addictions and Mental Health Counsellor- Placement
Central East Correctional Service
Lindsay, ON
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Co-facilitated individual and group counselling sessions for inmates recovering from substance use disorders and mental health conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
- Educated clients on relapse prevention, harm reduction, coping strategies, and healthy relationship development.
- Documented inmate assessments and treatment information using the institution’s computerized ASCU system.
- Coordinated referrals to community support services and documented referral outcomes related to parole planning and reintegration.
- Supported clients in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and recovery-focused goals.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Addictions And Mental Health
Durham College
Oshawa, ON01-2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Trent University
Peterborough01-2012
Diploma - Orthopaedic Technology
Career Canada College
06-1995
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention
- Psychoeducational Group Facilitator
- Mental health support
- Therapeutic communication
- Trauma-informed care
- Case documentation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Conflict resolution
Certification
- Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists
- Smart Serve
Languages
English
Timeline
Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor
Lakeridge Pinewood Centre for Addictions | Michael Garron Hospital
01.2018 - 09.2019
Addictions and Mental Health Counsellor- Placement
Central East Correctional Service
05.2017 - 08.2017
Registered Othopaedic Technologist
Lakeridge Health Corporation | Humber River Hospital | Scarborough General Hospital
06.1999 - Current
Graduate Certificate - Addictions And Mental Health
Durham College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Trent University
Diploma - Orthopaedic Technology
Career Canada College