It’s a Monday morning and Addictions Counsellor, Jake Nemett clearly outlines the next steps of the group counselling session. He invites every client to ‘check-in’ by sharing how they are feeling, any coping strategies they utilized, any substance use or unsafe behaviour they engaged in, any commitments they kept, and any community resources they accessed over the past weekend.

The first client to share speaks openly about the anxiousness they have been experiencing, but also reflects on the strategies and supports they used to help manage their desire to use substances. In response, Jake expresses sincere appreciation for the client’s honesty before offering feedback and moving on to the next share.

This check-in — and the check-out that follows at the end of the educational session — is grounded in the Seeking Safety methodology.

In 2025, Renascent’s Virtual Intensive Treatment Program implemented Seeking Safety, an evidence-based counselling program designed to help people who have experienced trauma develop healthy coping skills and establish safety in their lives and recovery.

The methodology had already been successfully introduced within Renascent’s live-in treatment programs the year prior. Following its positive impact, the organization expanded the approach into virtual care to help strengthen client engagement and support long-term recovery outcomes.

Paired with recovery education and group counselling, Seeking Safety helps clients build resilience, improve self-awareness, and develop healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions and experiences. The approach also encourages connection — an important part of recovery for many individuals who may have previously felt isolated or alone.

“We’ve seen a considerable improvement in client engagement and client commitment to recovery since implementing this program,” said John Bushell, Manager of Renascent’s Virtual Intensive Treatment Program. “This year, our client completion rate is at an all-time high, and a record number of clients are continuing on to our six-month virtual Continuing Care program as well.”