Heyo, I’m Steve!

I'm a frontline worker here at Peer St.

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be writing this, I would have laughed at you. I never expected, nor planned, to make it this far, but here I am!

One of the biggest things in my life today that gives me a great reason to stick around is being able to use my life's experience to help others avoid making the same mistakes I did - believe me, there were a lot. All of which were learning experiences for a cliche silver lining finisher ;P

My journey has taken me through the thick of it: trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder - to name a few, and more than a few run-ins with the mental health system: from detoxes to in-patient units. I’ve worked with many mental health professionals: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, OT’s, support workers, and fellow peer workers. Along the way, I’ve found community and healing in places like NA, AA, SMART Recovery, SHARC. As well as day programs, which I attended, like DBT, Mindful Self-Compassion, and a 3-year Addictive Behaviours Program. I still continue regular psychodynamic psychotherapy, which I find very helpful (and painful, in the best way possible) — because growth is a process, not a destination.
 
But none of those things define me.

I’m not just my diagnosis or my past. I’m a curious, playful, reflective human being who loves deep chats, big ideas, and building meaningful connections with others. I choose to live my life by spiritual values, and as part of that, I get to ‘work’ with Peer St., who hold the same values as me. Peer St. empowers me to walk alongside you, using the passion I have for everything I’ve learned (and continue to learn) in the hope of supporting others in navigating life, on their terms - not just surviving, but building a life worth living!