Reflections on a Season of Shared Care

Written By Sarah Montes

For the past three months, we have partnered with some very special individuals. At the end of 2025 we set a goal to shift the lens outward, to Shine a Light on Shared Care. Our purpose was to put a spotlight on a diverse group of healing professionals from psychotherapists and social workers to nutritionists and peer support workers.

As this project concludes, we are filled with so much gratitude for the colleagues who lent their expertise to help our community move from chaos to clarity.

The Foundations of Wholeness

Throughout this series, we explored the four pillars of the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model:

  • The Biological: We learned that healing begins with nervous system regulation rather than just mental insight.

  • The Psychological: We explored how "Parts" work (IFS) and identifying core beliefs can transform how we view our internal struggles.

  • The Social: We highlighted that "safe people" are the ultimate safety net for those navigating identity and recovery.

  • The Spiritual: We discussed the bravery of letting our spirituality grow and finding purpose beyond the pain.

A Library of Insights

If you missed any of these powerful contributions, I encourage you to dive into the full articles below:

To my treasured colleagues: Thank you for your passion and your profession!

To our community: Thank you for leaning in. We are better together!

Much Love,

Sarah

Sarah Montes

Sarah Montes is a Registered Practical Counsellor, Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling RPC, MPCC and a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor, CCAC, dedicated to helping individuals and families move from the chaos of addiction to the clarity of recovery. As the founder of Sarah Montes Recovery & Associates, she provides a compassionate bridge between clinical expertise and the profound insight that only lived experience can offer.

Sarah is dually credentialed through the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) and the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). Her robust clinical foundation is built upon specialized training in:

Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Addiction, and Trauma-Informed Professional Addiction Studies

Having held key roles in withdrawal management , as a primary counsellor in residential treatment, and providing one-on-one therapy in various clinical settings, Sarah understands the full continuum of care.

Sarah operates within the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model, ensuring that healing addresses the whole person—mind, body, community, and spirit. She empowers her clients to reclaim their sovereignty.

A hallmark of Sarah’s practice is her commitment to the family behind addiction. She works extensively with partners, spouses, parents, and loved ones, providing the guidance needed to navigate family dynamics, establish healthy boundaries, and foster collective healing.

Beyond her private practice, Sarah is a prominent voice in the recovery community. She contributes significantly to the field through professional development, public speaking, and advocacy, working tirelessly to reduce the shame and stigma surrounding addiction in all its forms.

Whether working one-on-one or speaking to a crowd, Sarah’s approach remains rooted in empathy, deep understanding, and an unwavering belief in every person’s capacity for a fresh start.

https://www.sarahmontesrecovery.ca
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