Sue Adamson has built her career on a deep desire to empower people to rise above adversity and be healthy and well.
She set out to turn her personal passion for health and fitness into a professional career; she has earned several certifications including BCRPA Personal Trainer, Group Exercise, Aquatic Therapy and Yoga Instructor; AAHEP Medical Exercise Specialist and GCNM Nutrition Consultant.
Sue has trained men and women in a variety of settings, including helping clients regain full body use, strength, and range of motion after a debilitating medical injury . Sue has always marveled at the power of the human spirit; Her vision extends to helping others with possibilities that go far beyond mere material means. To pursue that vision, she began studying psychology, Western counseling modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eastern philosophies such as mindfulness, visualization, and meditation. Sue’s personal interests and professional career extend into addiction recovery work to assist people who want to face their dependence, break destructive habits, and regain control. their lives by offering an integrated approach to addiction treatment.
Currently, Sue Adamson is a registered member of the Canadian College of Counseling and Psychotherapists and clinical director of the Sage Wellness Center in Kamloops, British Columbia. Some of her accreditations include CPCA Registered Professional Counsel and Doctor of Practice Clinical Counseling, CACCF Canada Certified Addiction Counselor, and National Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling and she received the JIBC Postgraduate Certificate of Complex Trauma.
What are you currently doing at your company?
My current position is the clinical director of the Sage Rehabilitation Center. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, programming, staffing, referrals, and case management. As a trauma-informed addiction therapist, I also facilitate groups as well as one-on-one sessions with clients.
What is the inspiration behind your career path?
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to help people. My personal and professional passions turned to becoming a health and fitness contractor and then pursuing a career in addiction recovery. Simply put, this is the area where I think I can best serve those who need it most. I consider myself a voice for recovery.
What defines your way of doing business?
The words that immediately come to mind are ’empathy’ and ‘compassion.‘To support people suffering from addiction, a person-centered approach is fundamental to any form of treatment. The person-centred approach is to validate the person’s experience, provide hope, and offer solutions through an evidence-based recovery program. Only then can you hope to gain their trust and work with them to uncover their physical, mental, and emotional addictions, the underlying problems that contribute to their addiction. part of their addiction.
Can you share the keys to being productive?
In particular, in my field of work, it is very important to maintain an up-to-date and meticulously organized system. Due to the temporary nature of a residential rehab center, we are constantly dealing with incoming and outgoing clients, many of whom have complex medical histories that we need to know for health purposes. healthy and safe. Our clients are under the care of a physician, and our clinical team conducts a complete biosocial commercial assessment to personalize treatment plans. Case organization and management are key to providing consistent care.
Tell us about a long-term goal in your career.
I believe that the world is currently facing two epidemics, pandemic and addiction. I believe that Sage Medical Center and the recovery community have a responsibility to offer recovery solutions to men and women struggling with addiction, their families, and our communities. I wanted to leave Sage Wellness Center knowing that I had helped build a safe, supportive, inclusive environment that would allow our employees, customers and alumni to be the best versions of themselves. surname. These are the goals that I am striving to achieve every day.
What would you tell yourself when you were young?
I would tell my young self to follow your instincts and follow your passion as it will eventually lead to a fulfilling career. Life is full of unlimited possibilities.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career?
Every individual has a wise ego, and is capable of healing when given the opportunity and supportive environment. While every individual struggling with addiction is unique, there is a common thread that helps men and women understand that they are not alone. Addiction is the result of some underlying mental, emotional, or physical pain, such as trauma or personal tragedy. In cases, such as drug addiction, many clients experience physical harm and subsequently become dependent on pain medications. Most clients admitted to treatment have tried to deal with their addiction on their own and have realized that they need extra support.
What advice would you give to others wishing to succeed in your field?
There are a few small pieces of advice that I would like to impart to anyone looking to pursue a career in recovery or addiction management. First, is to lead by example, the respect gained by walking the talk. Two is to be the best version of yourself and try to be part of the solution in creating a positive work environment. And third, above all, consider the well-being of customers and employees when making all decisions to promote their successful recovery.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I love walking in nature. After a long day, sometimes I like to watch a good movie.
What are a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you’ve updated that you recommend?
I wholeheartedly recommend Four agreements by Miguel Ruiz. It‘a book on wisdom-based self-empowerment originating from the ancient Toltecs, pre-Colombian societies with origins in Central America. Among other things, the book outlines four basic agreements that provide wisdom and understanding in advocating for self and others. Both employees and customers are encouraged to practice the four agreements, and they go hand in hand with once-daily life restoration.
