Sorobey Psychology
Overcoming Substance-Abuse with a Human Touch

In towns where a significant portion of the population works in safety-sensitive roles within the oil and gas, construction, trucking, and forestry industries, the transient nature of the work can leave individuals feeling disconnected. Constant travel keeps them away from home, missing precious moments with family and loved ones. In such environments, the social norm of alcohol consumption often becomes a bonding ritual among workers, slowly turning them to get used to it. This even adds to the challenge for those striving to maintain healthy drinking patterns. The influence of drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and motor skills, leading to decreased performance, errors, and diminished morale in the workplace.

Mary Sorobey, a registered psychologist, a certified addictions counselor, and owner of Sorobey Psychology, is on a mission to support individuals in safety-sensitive positions facing substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Her company collaborates with various organizations, including insurance companies, testing programs, public and private organizations, and employee assistance programs, to help those battling addiction. Through coaching, aftercare, and relapse prevention support, Sorobey helps her clients achieve optimal physical, mental, and emotional health and safely perform their duties in these demanding professions.

House of Healing for Substance Abuse, Anxiety, and Depression

Its ultimate objective is to dispel the societal misconception that individuals with diagnosable substance use disorders are inherently bad or harmful. She is trying to convey to the world that these persons are not seeking to cause harm; rather, they want to work, look after their families, and navigate the substance use challenges. “I let people be the driver of their vehicles. I walk alongside them to help them be on track and accountable and provide resources and support to allow them to find the answers for themselves,” says Sorobey.

Whenever a patient is referred to Sorobey, she begins with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment that collects their history and current features. This evaluation allows Sorobey to understand the individual’s position on the spectrum of concern for substance use and best support them based on their personal needs. She then guides them to accomplish predefined goals through her tailored treatment plans and conducts follow-ups to ascertain rehabilitation level.

Her commitment to supporting clients goes beyond individual counseling, encompassing broader initiatives to help safety-sensitive organizations create psychologically safe environments through ‘Return-toWork’ recommendations. The assistance mitigates potential regression during staff-bonding events and high-stress work environments.

Sorobey Psychology also lends a hand in relapse prevention. It runs an aftercare group with a reputed nationwide treatment facility, allowing individuals to share their struggles and receive support to continue recovery. The psychologist occasionally exercises a one-to-one accountability approach apart from the commonly used addiction recovery practices like the 12-step programs and the Red Road. This helps clients adapt to the changes in their brain chemistry as they stride toward abstinence.

Providing a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space for Individuals to Open Up

Sorobey knows it is not easy for everyone to ask for help. So, when a person approaches her, she treats them with utmost respect and kindness. In the initial phase of client engagement, she quickly identifies the underlying factors contributing to their drug/alcohol concern. Her urgency stems from the firsthand observation of addiction’s harmful consequences on close family and friends. Personal experience and comprehension of the root causes of substance abuse, specifically heightened stress, drive her to adopt a humanistic approach when assisting individuals in one-on-one consultations. These meetings also enable clients to take the reins and determine the necessary steps to attain sobriety. She creates a supportive space, allowing individuals to develop resilience and empowering them to seize control of their lives. This approach goes a long way for her in establishing a positive connection.
“My fundamental goal is to provide a safe space for open conversations and address the unique needs of individuals without judgment. I believe in equipping people with the tools and strategies necessary to regain control of their lives, with a significant emphasis on reintegrating into the workforce. Removing barriers to returning to work and ensuring ongoing support is essential,” says Sorobey. She shares clients’ emotional journey from their initial meeting and culminates post-treatment. The first appointment unveils the chaos that lies below the individual’s mental defenses, shedding light on the reasons behind substance use.

Sorobey then evaluates the severity of addiction, recommends treatments, and guides clients through rehabilitation until they achieve a significant reduction in alcohol and drug intake. They demonstrate increased participation in family life and extracurricular activities, ultimately rediscovering the value of a healthy and fulfilling life.
Despite the effectiveness of traditional, in-person therapy, Sorobey offers virtual one-to-one sessions as she understands some people find comfort in online meetings. Although her primary registration as a psychologist is in Alberta, she can conduct assessments across Canada as a certified Canadian addiction counselor

Sorobey’s System of Support
To help her in this journey, she plays ball with two other contractors who possess the necessary tools and skills. She encourages them to believe that anything is possible and that their thoughts and ideas hold significance. Together, they emphasize pushing through mental barriers and challenging oneself to go beyond perceived limitations, rather than succumbing to fear and self-imposed restrictions. This collaboration helps Sorobey to help clients more efficiently. To further her vision, she aims to create a onestop shop support system, covering assessment, outclient programming, treatment support, and aftercare. The plan also entails recruiting additional contractors and personnel to support more individuals as she progresses.

Despite a plethora of successful addiction recovery stories, Sorobey continues to receive training to stay abreast of advances in psychology and substance addiction counseling. Her career, supplemented by extensive experience in treatment centers, has anchored the humanistic core of her profession, perceiving clients as inherently good individuals in need of support. This drives Sorobey and her highly experienced team to empower employees, encouraging them to embrace a new life perspective and embark on a journey of healing and rediscovery.