Ian S. Rabb

INTERVENTIONIST · RECOVERY COACH

Dr. Ian S. Rabb’s transformative journey, shaped by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to community service, is deeply rooted in the exemplary values passed down by his parents and grandparents. Early volunteerism wasn’t just a choice for him; it was a tradition, shaping his character and fueling his dedication to effect positive change. Achieving the esteemed status of a doctor of optometry showcased not only academic brilliance but also a profound commitment to helping others. Even in childhood, he surpassed conventional academic expectations, embracing philanthropy and supporting extracurricular activities, such as his involvement with organizations like Folklarama and The Winnipeg Folk Festival. However, the pressures of his high-achieving lifestyle, which hit him as a young man starting his career, led Dr. Ian S. Rabb into the shadows of Chicago’s crime scene, including the sex and drug trade. Amid this struggle, a pivotal rock-bottom moment became the catalyst for Dr. Ian S. Rabb extraordinary transformation, exemplifying the transformative power of experience and underscoring his dedication to reshaping the landscape of addictions, mental health, youth services, and homelessness in Manitoba.

Over the past 22 years, Ian has become a beacon of hope, extending beyond professional roles to encompass advocacy, intervention, addiction counseling, coaching, and mentoring. His personal experiences serve as a tool in destigmatizing addiction and mental health, and reshaping societal perceptions of substance use disorder.

coaching

Intervention


Ian S. Rabb brings a deeply personal touch to his role as an interventionist, using his transformative life experiences to guide others toward recovery. His approach is rooted in empathy, understanding the unique challenges each individual faces. Ian’s pivotal rock-bottom moment serves as the cornerstone of his ability to connect with those in crisis, providing a bridge between despair and hope. His work emphasizes creating safe, compassionate spaces where individuals and their families can navigate the complexities of addiction, paving the way for healing and lasting change.

coaching

Addiction Counseling


As an addictions counselor, Ian Rabb combines professional expertise with lived experience to destigmatize addiction and mental health struggles. His approach goes beyond traditional counseling, addressing underlying traumas and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ population. Ian advocates for holistic recovery solutions, ensuring clients receive tailored care that encompasses mental, emotional, and social well-being. His work not only helps individuals regain control of their lives but also strengthens families and communities affected by substance use disorders.

coaching

Coaching


Ian Rabb’s role as a recovery coach is defined by his dedication to empowering individuals to rebuild their lives through personalized guidance and mentorship. He champions a comprehensive recovery framework, incorporating diverse modalities such as harm reduction, abstinence, and innovative therapies. Ian’s coaching philosophy emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and actionable strategies, ensuring that clients develop the skills and confidence needed to sustain their recovery journey. His unwavering support and focus on long-term success have transformed countless lives, making him a trusted ally in the path to wellness.

Ian’s commitment to holistic well-being is apparent in his advocacy for comprehensive support systems, ranging from international speaking engagements on addiction to frontline work in recovery care. His dedication extends to addressing ethics in treating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, tackling intergenerational, generational, childhood, and situational trauma, and advocating for housing, education, employment, and wellness services for all walks of life, and their families, including youth aging out of systems of care. Moreover, Dr. Rabb, in a display of humility and self-awareness, acknowledges his privilege and leverages it to amplify the voices of those often marginalized, unheard, and underserved. This recognition underscores his commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in all aspects of his work.

What distinguishes Ian is not only his impressive career trajectory but also the profound depth of his commitment to uplifting others and his impassioned efforts to combat the polarization of addiction treatment. His journey, from a limited perspective to an open-minded embrace of diverse recovery avenues—including advocacy for research, administration, and the use of psychedelics with Health Canada—reflects a dedication to growth and innovative healing paths. Fervently believing in the importance of accommodating various treatment modalities, Ian advocates for a comprehensive approach, including ceremony, harm reduction, risk reduction, and abstinence.

Ian Rabb’s evolution from being an addict to advocate marks a transformative journey, illustrating his steadfast commitment to personal growth, continuous education, compassion, and dismantling barriers with unwavering integrity and the essence of a mensch—a Yiddish term signifying a person of honor and integrity, embodying compassion and selflessness. Beyond his professional and advocacy responsibilities, Ian, alongside his fiancé, Trevor, and their three dogs, embodies a dedication to a well-rounded and fulfilling life—whether spending time in Winnipeg Beach or enthusiastically cheering on the Jets and Blue Bombers. Rooted in a courageous act, where Ian apologized to his mother and late father for the impact of his actions during his struggles with addiction, his path to recovery not only restored crucial bonds but also acted as a catalyst for his redemption. This pivotal moment fueled Ian’s determination to positively transform the lives of thousands on the journey to recovery, mending hundreds of families along the way. His accomplishments are notably significant, leading to an invitation to star on Intervention Canada, set to premiere in February 2024 on L+E, showcasing the profound impact of his work on a larger stage.


Who is Ian S. Rabb?


Ian S. Rabb is a certified interventionist, addictions counselor, and recovery coach based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With over 22 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges.


What is Ian Rabb’s background in addiction recovery?


Ian’s journey into addiction recovery began after overcoming his own struggles with substance abuse. He founded Two Ten Recovery and Destiny House, Winnipeg’s only sober living housing organization, and has been instrumental in establishing various recovery programs and facilities.


What roles has Ian Rabb held in the field of addiction treatment?


Ian has served as the Chief Clinics Officer for Universal Ibogaine, overseeing the development of ibogaine-based clinics. He was also the managing director of Kelburn Recovery Centre and has held leadership positions in organizations like the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and End Homelessness Winnipeg


What is Ian Rabb’s approach to addiction treatment?


Ian advocates for a holistic approach to addiction recovery, emphasizing comprehensive support systems that address mental, emotional, and social well-being. He supports diverse recovery modalities, including harm reduction, abstinence, and innovative therapies, to tailor treatment to individual needs.


What is Ian Rabb’s approach to interventions?


Ian Rabb conducts interventions with compassion and a focus on creating a supportive environment for individuals and families. Drawing from his own experiences and professional expertise, he works to build trust and guide individuals toward accepting help, setting the foundation for successful recovery.