Stand By Me

An interview with the Clinical Director at Voyage about what it means to lead from beside—not above—at a treatment center built on trust, presence, and human connection.

At Voyage Recovery, treatment is a living, breathing process that unfolds in community, over time, and with the right kind of support. For Clinical Director Ivo Dimov, that means showing up for both the young men in our program and the team members who walk alongside them.

We checked in with Ivo to learn what he thinks about leadership, what clinical excellence actually looks like, and the joy he finds in his work. 

It’s Personal

Ivo tells us he didn’t get into this work by accident. “My own recovery journey played a huge role,” he says. “From overcoming addiction myself to losing loved ones to unaddressed mental health and substance use issues, I’ve seen both sides of this disease.”

That lived experience is what gives Ivo’s leadership its heart. “The ability to be part of someone’s healing process, and to witness their transformation... that’s a reward beyond words.”

What Makes a Good Clinician?

Ask Ivo what he looks for in a therapist, and he’ll tell you that a foundation of strong clinical skills matters. And harder to quantify? “Empathy,” he says. “And an understanding of what recovery looks like for young adults.”

The Voyage clinical team is elite: they’re insightful, creative and intuitive. A big part of the impact is the team’s ability to sit with someone in their discomfort, offer presence without judgment, and see past the behaviors to the human underneath.

In addition to walking in the door with strong credentials and experience, Ivo tells us that “therapists are encouraged to seek additional training to expand their clinical abilities, so they can serve our patients better.” Ivo believes that for therapists, professional growth is never over.

Always Growing, Always Supported

Voyage is a place where clinicians are expected to grow—because the work demands it. Ivo encourages his team to keep learning, seek training, and bring fresh perspective into the room.

That growth is supported through regular supervision, both group and one-on-one. “We work in a team for the common good of our patients,” Ivo says. “Supervision helps us look at things from different angles and keeps us from missing something because we’re too close to it.”

Newer clinicians also use supervision to get their footing in the Voyage culture—a place where directness, warmth, and curiosity are part of the job.

The Right Balance of Structure and Flexibility

If there’s one thing that sets Voyage apart, it’s the way treatment is tailored to each young man’s pace and readiness—without losing structure along the way.

“I’m always amazed by the creativity of our staff,” Ivo says. “They’re constantly adapting their approach based on what each client needs.”

That adaptability is backed by a full-circle view: therapists observe how clients show up in groups, in sessions, during experiential outings, in family work, and even at home in the residence. “All of that helps us understand where a guy is really at,” he explains. “Then we can meet him there—and help him move forward.”

What Clinical Excellence Looks Like

To Ivo, clinical excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence and precision.

“It means meeting the client where they are, but not leaving them there,” he says. “It’s building rapport, individualizing care, and holding people accountable—with respect.”

That’s especially important in substance use treatment, where clients often wrestle with honesty, shame, and resistance. “You’ve got to challenge the behavior while protecting the relationship,” Ivo says. “That’s where the magic happens.”

A Team That Makes It Worth It

We asked Ivo what he’s most proud of, he told us “I’m surrounded by a bunch of talented, dedicated people who truly care. It’s a privilege to lead this team.”

He’s quick to credit the mentors and colleagues who’ve shaped him over the years—from professors at FAU, to his time at Hanley Center and Origins, to his current peers at Voyage. “People like Kevin Bandy, Ryan Potter, Brad Sylvain... they’ve all influenced the clinician I’ve become.”

Even after all these years, Ivo hasn’t lost sight of why this work matters. “What stands out most is the recovery culture here,” he says. “And the way the whole team is laser-focused on the well-being of each client.”

He’s especially proud of Voyage’s experiential program, which helps young men reconnect to joy, purpose, and emotional intelligence. But more than anything, he finds meaning in watching people change their lives.

Beyond Just Staying Sober

At Voyage, success isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about becoming whole.

“I hope our patients leave with peace of mind, a sense of independence, and a deeper understanding of how they relate to others,” Ivo says. “Whether it’s family, peers, or coworkers, those relationships matter.”

That’s why Voyage weaves emotional health and real-world coping skills into every part of the program. “We want our guys to walk out of here ready—not just to stay clean, but to build something good.”

For Voyage’s Clinical Director Ivo Dimov, clinical leadership is as much about staying grounded as it is about setting direction. His team doesn’t just guide young men through recovery—they walk it with them. One step, one breakthrough, one relationship at a time.

Because at Voyage, healing isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you grow into, surrounded by people who believe in who you’re becoming.