Our C.A.R.E. program (Connection, Action, Recovery, Empowerment) incorporates traditional elements of addiction treatment such as relapse-prevention strategies, safety planning, case management, and psychoeducation while always remaining client-centred. As such, we work alongside each client as they discover individualized ways of conceptualizing and practicing sobriety. We feel privileged to be a part of their journey, using a trauma-informed lens that affirms clients as the experts of their own experience and empowers them to find solutions that work best for them.
C.A.R.E. is a structured, trauma-informed day program for young women whose substance use is no longer working, but who don’t need or want inpatient rehab.
We provide stability, accountability, and compassionate support so women can regain control and build a sustainable recovery.
We have incorporated cognitive modalities (CBT, DBT), somatic and sensorimotor components, as well as mindfulness techniques and relapse prevention strategies to ensure both top-down and bottom-up processing. Our counsellors are culturally competent advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion. As such they have been trained in the social determinants of health and the intersectional realities such as stigma, and other systemic obstacles that women face as a marginalized category of experience. As a result, C.A.R.E. is intentionally structured as an outpatient treatment option in direct response to the logistical barriers encountered by women in recovery. We proudly welcome women of every religious tradition, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as women. Our program is built to honour and support each person’s unique identity and lived experience
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to need support.
If your drinking or substance use started as coping, and now feels like it’s taking more than it gives, you’re not alone.
Weekly therapy isn’t always enough. Inpatient rehab isn’t always necessary.
C.A.R.E. exists in the middle.
What Does C.A.R.E. Stand For?
Connection
We have all heard the adage, the opposite of addiction is connection, and we agree. Current research in trauma processing espouses that human healing takes place relationally, and this includes repair of existing connections but also the forging of new, meaningful bonds with others. The C.A.R.E. program believes that connecting with other members of the program and the community at large builds support and safety which is an indispensable first step toward sustained wellbeing.
We mean this both metaphorically and literally! Adlerian theory proposes that human beings require encouragement to move psychologically toward their goals and this includes everything from therapeutically improving our thoughts and actions to making strides to live in alignment with our most authentic selves. Additionally, the C.A.R.E. program is founded on research that indicates that somatic work (ie. deep-breathing, grounding, muscle- tension/relaxation, yoga, containment exercises) is essential for processing trauma as an adjunct to cognitive therapy and meaning-making.
Action
This is a meaningful word. C.A.R.E. has incorporated traditional aspects of addiction treatment programming like relapse prevention strategies, safety planning, case management and psychoeducation, but our program is highly client-centered. As such, we encourage clients to discover individualized ways of conceptualizing and practicing sobriety. We feel privileged to be a part of their journey, guiding them through a trauma-informed lens that asserts that clients are experts who are able to discover the best solutions for themselves.
Recovery
This is a cornerstone of our program and can be seen in every aspect of re-connection with the inner-self and the value each client inherently possesses. So much of C.A.R.E. emphasizes a return to self, the discovery of meaningful identity and purpose, the reinforcement of self-esteem, self-love and self-compassion. Our strengths-based focus honours the individual as central to the program with the power to transform themselves, but also the responsibility to be of service to their peers and community.
Empowerment
Who C.A.R.E. Is For
C.A.R.E. is designed for women who are:
Using alcohol or substances to cope, numb, or survive
High-functioning on the outside, overwhelmed on the inside
Aware something needs to change
Seeking structure without shame
Wanting support beyond weekly therapy
Who It’s Not For
C.A.R.E. may not be the right fit if someone:
Requires medical detox or 24/7 supervision
Is unwilling to engage in group support
Is seeking crisis or emergency care
Our Program
Our Women’s Addiction Recovery Program is a 3-month therapeutic journey designed to support women in healing from substance use and addictive behaviours through a safe, structured, and empowering process. The program is divided into 4-week cohorts, allowing participants to join at the start of each new phase and grow within a supportive group of women who share similar goals.
Each cohort focuses on meaningful themes that guide participants through self-awareness, emotional healing, and sustainable recovery. Using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based relapse prevention, our team provides tools and insight to help women build lasting change.
Program Highlights:
3-month structured program with 4-week rotating cohorts
Small, supportive group setting for women
Weekly group sessions led by a qualified counsellors
Individual counselling and ongoing progress check-ins
Personalized recovery and wellness planning
Family Support Group for loved ones.