Amrita Thakker

Dynamic and highly skilled Addiction Counsellor with a robust background in addiction treatment and psychological counselling. Adept at creating tailored intervention plans that foster long-term recovery and resilience. Eager to leverage my expertise to guide individuals through transformative change and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking organization.

Addictions Counsellor - Denovo Treatment Center - Huntsville, ON

(2024-01)

• Conduct assessments to understand the client's addiction history, mental health, physical health, and social circumstances. Identify the severity of substance use or addictive behaviours
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on the client's needs, strengths, and goals. Set realistic, measurable recovery objectives. Review and update treatment plans as progress is made.
• Provide one-to-one counselling using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relapse Prevention Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy
• Help clients develop healthier coping strategies and decision-making skills.
• Facilitate therapeutic group sessions. Encourage peer support and shared learning. Promote communication, accountability, and recovery skills.
• Respond to clients experiencing emotional distress, relapse, withdrawal, or other urgent situations. Develop safety plans and make referrals for emergency services when necessary.
• Help clients identify triggers and high-risk situations. Teach strategies to manage cravings and prevent relapse. Encourage the development of healthy routines and support networks.
• Coordinate care with healthcare providers, social workers, mental health professionals, and community agencies. Refer clients to detoxification, residential treatment, housing, employment, or financial support services.
• Advocate for clients' access to healthcare, housing, education, employment, and community resources. Support clients in overcoming barriers to recovery.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records. Document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and referrals. Ensure documentation complies with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Educate clients and the community about addiction, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery. Deliver workshops and awareness programmes.
• Maintain client confidentiality and informed consent. Adhere to professional codes of ethics and relevant legislation. Participate in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision.

Addiction Counsellor (Intern) - Mission Services of London - London, ON

(2023-01 - 2023-12)

• Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, enabling the development of personalized treatment plans that addressed the root causes of addiction.
• Led both individual and group counselling sessions, employing CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate client progress.
• Delivered educational workshops for clients and families on addiction dynamics, recovery pathways, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, physicians, and social workers, to ensure cohesive and effective care.

Child and Youth Worker - Frontenac Youth Services - Oshawa

(2023-04 - 2024-11)

• Applied therapeutic interventions within a youth services setting, focusing on addiction prevention and behavioural health.
• Successfully implemented life skills training, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation techniques, contributing to significant behavioural improvements.
• Regularly contributed to clinical case discussions, offering insights into youth behavioural trends and effective intervention strategies.

Case Worker (Contract) - Muslim Welfare Home - Whitby

(2024-01 - 2024-04)

• Conducted thorough intake assessments, ensuring a detailed understanding of client needs and tailoring interventions accordingly.
• Enforced program guidelines while providing compassionate support to clients, fostering a safe and structured environment conducive to recovery.
• Coordinated with community resources to connect clients with additional support services, enhancing their overall well-being and recovery prospects.

Women Crisis Intervention Counsellor (Contract) - Herizon House - Ajax

(2024-02 - 2024-08)

• Provided immediate crisis intervention and ongoing support for women and children in a shelter setting, using trauma-informed feminist counselling approaches.
• Conducted risk assessments and developed safety plans for clients experiencing domestic violence, ensuring their protection and access to resources.
• Delivered empowering counselling services, helping clients regain control over their lives and work towards sustainable independence.

Counsellor - Reach Centre for Autism - Vadodara

(2021-06 - 2021-06)

• Delivered tailored counselling services to students with autism, focusing on social skills development and emotional regulation.
• Engaged families in the therapeutic process, providing them with tools and strategies to support their child's growth and development.

Psychologist - Hospital for Mental Health - Vadodara

(2022-01 - 2022-12)

• Managed high-risk cases involving severe addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, employing a range of psychological interventions.
• Worked in a crisis unit, providing immediate care to patients experiencing acute mental health crises, ensuring safety and stabilization.

Ontario College Graduate Certificate - Addictions: Treatment and Prevention - Georgian College (2023-01)

Ontario College Graduate Certificate - Autism: Autism and Behavioural Sciences - Durham College (2024-01)

Masters - counselling psychology - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Honor's Bachelor of Arts - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2020-01)