Providing Harm Reduction Counselling

With a Holistic Approach

Lianne has provided counselling and services for people who use substances for over 25 years in the Fraser Valley. Walking alongside people has shown her that substance use almost always serves a purpose for people.

Lianne believes everyone deserves a space where they can be comfortable sharing not only how substances impact their life but also what the perceived benefits are that result from their use. She also believes substance use does not always need to be the main focus of the work, knowing that focusing on what matters most to people often results in natural change as people move to their preferred identity. People should not be defined by their drug use, but rather approached in a respectful manner that considers the lives, needs, and feelings of the whole person.

What is

Harm Reduction?

The harm reduction model recognizes each person’s unique and complex life, and the need for more than a “just say no” approach to drug use. Harm reduction strategies are catered to individuals, and may aim at safer use, better managed use, or achieving abstinence.

The traditional scare tactics used in the “war on drugs” have failed to reach into the lives of people who use substances. More than a list of interventions, harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that engages and equips people to make their own decisions, helping to reduce risk and save lives.

Lianne is a passionate advocate for harm reduction, seeing it as a pragmatic approach to addressing the harms that may come with substance use.

Harm Reduction Principles

Lianne meets you where you’re at, on your terms, in a non judgmental setting. Through a collaborative relationship,
you’ll engage in conversations that help you explore what role you want substances to play in your life
and how it works with the goals you want for yourself. Harm reduction values include:

Building Self Worth

No one makes progress through beating themselves up. Lianne helps people recognize their strengths, promoting personal choice, and developing self-awareness.

A Holistic Approach

It’s not healthy to only focus on one aspect of a person, such as substance use. Lianne is interested in you as a whole person and any factors that influence or affect you.

Reducing Stigma

A non-judgmental approach encourages people to receive support. Lianne can also help you work through stigmatizing beliefs you may have adopted about yourself.

Empowering People

Gaining knowledge, strategies, and self awareness helps people identify what they consider “harm” and to make self determined choices about their own progress.

Personal Goal Setting

Setting your own goals, on your own terms, builds confidence and self engagement. Lianne supports you in making small, positive changes that move you to where you want to be.

Recognises Social Inequities

It is understood that poverty, class, racism, social isolation,
discrimination, gendered-violence, and the ongoing effects of colonization play a significant role in impacting people's vulnerability to and capacity for managing the harms that can result from substance use.

LJS Counselling & consulting

Your Path to Understanding and Growth Starts Here

Are you looking to understand your substance use and what role it might play in your life? Would you like to explore the idea of setting goals on your terms, receiving unconditional acceptance and support?

Contact Lianne Today!

Book an appointment

Request a Free Consultation