Emma Mercer started her career in health-care eight years ago working on a crisis line. Over time, her role shifted to involve more in-person support, and she developed a love for group therapy and seeing her clients shift and change.
Now, Emma is a rehabilitation counsellor at the Women’s In-House recovery program, a role she’s held for six years. Rehabilitation counselors provide counseling and support services to clients or patients who are recovering or rehabilitating from addiction or mental health conditions.
Like many allied health professionals, addictions and mental health care providers are facing immense challenges in their day-to-day roles and they’re dealing with increasing workloads, burnout and toxic workplace culture. Still, they continue to put the needs of their patients first, wholly invested in every step of the rehabilitation journey. Addiction is a complex disease, and treatment doesn’t look the same for everyone seeking help.
Addiction is a complex disease, and treatment doesn’t look the same for everyone seeking help.
“Just as the folks struggling with addiction are unique, the services we provide need to change with them. One day, I’d love to see a place where allied health professionals work together to support people struggling with mental health/addictions. Sometimes, it can feel like we are working in silos, and I believe shifting our approach would better support our clients.”
Outside of work, Emma likes to keep her hands busy with various knitting and crocheting projects, and a never-ending list of home renovations to tackle. She often has at least three books on the go and finds joy in reading at night with her cat Lita (pictured). She has big aspirations for her career and feels hopeful for the future.
“I hope to continue to learn within the ever-changing field of mental health and addictions and I look forward to helping develop more programs for the people we support. Working in addictions can be an extremely challenging job, but seeing people’s growth makes those harder times worth it.”