Mike Shea

Mike spent twenty-five years of his young adult life in the hospitality industry bartending, managing, and later partnering in some of Western Canada’s largest nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

This was a great profession for any fan of drinking, and Mike was part of a group that normalized substance use in an industry that celebrated (or overlooked) excess.

Predictably, his substance use increased and became a serious issue in every aspect of his life. As his mental health and self-worth rapidly deteriorated, he often felt hopeless and overwhelmed, and he began to fear the thoughts that encouraged him to harm himself. Thankfully, he was able to ask for help before it was too late, and his journey of recovery began. Part of that journey put him on a path of service to help others also suffering with substance use disorders and mental health issues.

Early in recovery, Mike returned to school and became a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with training based on a humanistic approach and using Family Systems Theory as well as transpersonal psychology.

In addition, Mike studied to become a Certified Recovery Specialist and a Recovery Coach, has earned both the Motivational Interviewing Foundational and for Addictions certificates, and has studied CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) to better aid him in helping the family members and concerned friends of the person with substance use disorder.

Not least however, and perhaps his biggest teacher, came from the school of hard knocks: he’s been there.

Mike is a skilled guide, support, and mentor to help people transition from an unmanageable life of addiction to a meaningful life in recovery. With compassion and open mindedness, he helps others to find their own recovery path. He also aids family and friends in finding helpful and healthy strategies in dealing with loved ones they are concerned about. Witnessing the miraculous transformations in clients is incredibly rewarding, and he is grateful and honoured to be trusted in helping others in the journey of recovery.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, in his free time Mike can be found in nature with his dogs, playing tennis, breaking bread with friends and family, enjoying some “throttle therapy” on his motorcycle, or simply chilling with a good book.

• Bachelor of Education Degree from University of Alberta
• Registered Therapeutic Counsellor – ACCT #2396
• Certified Recovery Specialist – International Recovery Institute
• Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)