Jake is an exceptional benzo coach, possessing a deep understanding of the healing process. He articulates complex concepts in a clear, concise manner, balancing candor with empathy. Jake has facilitated significant progress in my son’s recovery journey and supported our family throughout. I wholeheartedly endorse him – Jake is amazing!

S. H.

No one ever tells you how hard benzo hell is or wow many doctors prescribe a pill with no regard for what a long-term solution looks like. When I was at the peak of benzo hell, I met Jake online when I was looking for solutions to distance myself from benzos. It started as just a casual conversation between two like minded individuals who could relate to the same problem and evolved into Jake taking an active role in helping me push forward in life.

It was an isolating journey until Jake stepped into my life. He was able to instantly start building a rapport with me that led into what feels like an organic friendship. He helped replace hopelessness with positive behaviors and explained how all the triggers in life could be sidestepped in favor of brighter subjects and better practices. His empathy and compassion are outstanding in so many ways. I have never met someone as kind as Jake.

I think the best thing about Jake was his ability to understand exactly what I was going through when even medical professionals are lacking in this area. Having someone to root in your corner at the worst of withdrawals is what (to me) makes the biggest difference between success and failure. Jake was able to offer help with building taper plans, mathing out the math that didn’t make sense to me and helping me learn how to advocate for myself at my doctors’ appointments.

Jake will forever be regarded in my house as the man who made the impossible happen.

M. G.

Jake has been a tremendous help throughout my recovery from post-acute withdrawal syndrome. His encouragement, guidance, and practical advice have kept me grounded during the toughest moments. Jake not only provides support but also helps me build the skills I need to navigate this journey with confidence. I’m incredibly grateful for his continued presence and unwavering dedication.

M. S.

I found Jake after arriving what felt like death’s doorstep after a very short as-prescribed use of Ativan which ended in a very lengthy taper. Very scared about joining a recovery group due to fears of judgement and misunderstanding (surely no one could be going as mad as I was due to benzodiazepine withdrawal?!), I decided to jump in the deep end and do it anyway. Even in a semi-delirious state, I stood in admiration of Jake’s empathetic, intelligent and even-keeled approach to benzodiazepine withdrawal. While many recovery coaches might focus purely on the symptoms at hand and see issues caused by benzodiazepine use as random and entirely unpredictable, Jake is able to see the entire person behind benzodiazepine withdrawal, thus being able to see people as individuals and meet them where they are at. He can often even provide clarity as to why certain symptoms may occur for a specific person, why they are so distressing and what can be done to manage or alleviate them.

I have benefitted in countless ways by having Jake on my side during my recovery from benzodiazepine withdrawal and from mental illness in general. I know I can always be vulnerable and open with him and when doing so, that I will always be met with understanding, empathy and often well-timed and much-needed humour. When needing guidance, Jake goes far beyond simple reassurances and instead approaches the situation from multiple perspectives in order to gain the full picture to help as comprehensively as possible. Also, his extensive knowledge about the influence of pre-existing mental health issues and trauma on benzodiazepine withdrawal and vice versa was extremely insightful as we approached my healing in a holistic way. Finally, one of my favourite things of about Jake is that he always makes me feel seen and heard – benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the most isolating experiences a human can have but I never felt alone knowing I had Jake in my corner.

Thank you for helping me get my life back, Jake.

Z. J.

Jake has been an amazing and invaluable resource during my benzo healing journey. His depth of knowledge and expertise on benzodiazepine tapering and healing has helped me significantly during my rocky multi-year taper. Coupled with his own personal experience, having been through it himself, it puts him in a very unique position to help others struggling with it. His caring and empathetic attitude makes such a difference. I can’t thank him enough.

B. K.