About Otto
I have been working in the area of mental health and addictions for the past twenty-five years after completing my Masters in Social Work from McGill University. I've also completed a post-graduate certificate in couples and family therapy and numerous professional development/clinical training workshops and courses.
I have worked in hospitals (UBC and VGH), community and/or outpatient programs: schizophrenia day program, early psychosis, child and youth programs, inpatient psychiatry, palliative care, HIV/AIDS community, concurrent disorders program, family involvement and support, assertive community outreach, operation stress injury.
And I've been doing my own therapy so I understand how difficult it is to face your own issues and continue to do work on self. There is no magic formula for growth and change but a matter of time, commitment, practice (and making mistakes!), and self compassion.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my kids, rescue dog, and playing rec hockey.
Testimonials
As a parent of a recovering addict and founder/facilitator of Parents Forever, a mutual support group for parents of adult addicted children, I can attest to the fact that Otto has the unique ability to truly understand and emphasize with the emotional trauma - as well as the practical challenges - parents face on a daily basis. In the past five years he has offered support to us in many ways, through education, one-on-one counseling, and most importantly, a willingness to help our children in any way possible. Otto's attitude is to never give up and that gives us the inspiration to do the same. We are truly grateful for Otto's dedication to families and the help and the hope he gives us in our journey of recovery.