My name is Paul Jerome, and I’m a counsellor and psychotherapist here at Resilient Health. I work with individuals, couples, and groups, supporting people through their journeys to find healing and hope.
My decision to pursue this career was deeply personal. I’ve faced my own struggles with addiction and trauma, and I’ve been fortunate to have crossed paths with incredible people who helped me turn my life around. Experiencing their compassion and guidance made me realize that I wanted to do the same for others: to help someone else find a new way forward.
I started with an undergraduate degree at Carleton University and later earned an Honours Diploma in Addictions Counselling. Over the past 15 years, I’ve built on this foundation through a diverse range of roles in treatment settings, each of which has shaped my perspective and skills. I’ve worked as a clinical director, case manager, relapse prevention coordinator, professor, group facilitator for Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and even as a substance abuse counsellor in Ottawa’s high school system. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of addiction and recovery, alongside certifications in Non-Violent Conflict Resolution and Suicide Prevention Intervention.
What makes this work so meaningful to me is witnessing the profound transformations that can occur when someone replaces despair with hope. Those moments – when someone changes the trajectory of their life – are what I consider my proudest achievements. I believe my ability to create genuine connections with others and approach them with compassion has been invaluable in helping people open up and begin their recovery journey.
As someone in recovery myself, I draw on both personal experience and professional training to better understand the challenges faced by those I work with. Addiction is often inseparable from trauma, which is why I’ve recently been expanding my expertise in trauma-focused care. This ongoing learning allows me to offer a broader skill set and more nuanced support for clients dealing with the complex interplay between these two challenges.
I believe every person has within them the capacity to live a meaningful and purposeful life—and everyone deserves to feel that they matter. That belief guides my approach to counselling, which is holistic yet tailored to the individual. While addiction as a disease follows certain patterns, every person’s story is unique. Together, we develop a treatment plan that honours that individuality and speaks to their specific needs.
That said, one of the hardest parts of this work is accepting that I can’t always “save” everyone. Addiction can be relentless, leaving some people feeling lost and unable to find their way back despite all efforts. Those moments are challenging, but they also remind me of the importance of persistence, humility, and hope in this field.
Outside of work, my two big dogs keep me grounded. They’re constant reminders of simplicity, love, and dedication. I enjoy being outdoors and staying active, whether hiking or simply soaking in nature. Music is another passion of mine, and helps me recharge.
Ultimately, what makes this work rewarding is knowing that, in some way, I’ve been able to ease the suffering of others, even if just for a moment. That sense of contribution is deeply gratifying and motivates me every day.
It's possible that I understand the challenges you might be facing because I’ve lived them too – now I'm someone who can help you make the changes you wish to make. I love what I do, and I truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.