Tag: Experiential Therapy

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Learning Self-Care at Orange County Rehabs

Nestled between the Pacific coast and the Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County is a gorgeous place to attend rehab. Thanks to its near-perfect weather, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The area boasts numerous beaches—like the famous Laguna Beach—and public parks. Orange County is an especially popular destination for surfers, and even hosted the World Surf League finals in 2021.

Coastal living certainly isn’t for everyone. If you prefer indoor activities, or if you find comfort in colder weather, a rehab center in Orange County might not be a good fit. This is an excellent destination for people who enjoy temperate weather, beach excursions, and time in the great outdoors.

Outdoor Adventures at Orange County Rehabs

Talk therapy is hard work, especially for people in recovery. Many rehab programs balance this with experiential therapy, in which clients use a different set of tools to process their emotions. These modalities are not only fun; they’re also an important part of healing. On these guided excursions, clients can practice the skills they’ve learned so far by navigating new situations, relating to a group, and sometimes even overcoming physical challenges.

Many experiential therapy programs focus on athletic activities, like rock climbing. In Orange County, however, clients can participate in outdoor adventures that don’t necessarily depend on physical fitness. Many of these are unique to the area, and would be difficult to access in another climate.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is a beautiful way to spend time outside, whether or not you enjoy athletics. Residents at Monarch Shores, for example, are invited to go on these day trips. If you choose to participate, you’ll take a boat ride near the California coast, with the potential to see some of the most beautiful and majestic creatures in the natural world. These guided tours are carefully planned to maximize your chance of seeing whales, although there’s no way to predict whether they’ll be visible at the exact time you’re passing by.

Whale watching isn’t physically taxing—unless you’re prone to motion sickness. Participants can just enjoy the ride, take in the scenery, and talk to each other throughout the trip. This activity is ideal for clients who love the outdoors, but want to be more focused on emotional healing than on physical challenges. As with any type of experiential therapy, you’ll be supported by the staff of your program throughout the trip.

Go Karting

Go karting is a popular sport in Orange County, and is accessible year-round due to the local climate. Clients may be invited to drive on an outdoor or indoor course, depending on their specific program. This experience is offered by a few Orange County rehabs, like Monarch Shores.

This increasingly popular sport can be competitive, but it doesn’t have to be. Depending on which rehab you attend, you might go either to a racetrack or a driving course. This is a way for clients to learn about group dynamics, and to practice healthy risk-taking. People in recovery may be accustomed to the thrill of dangerous situations. Go karting teaches you that it’s possible to feel that thrill without actually putting yourself in grave danger. You’ll learn how to keep yourself safe, while simultaneously meeting your need for adventure.

Go karting is popular in Orange County and around the world. If you realize you love it, you can likely continue this hobby even after you finish rehab, whether or not you live in the immediate area.

Surfing

The beach is easily accessible throughout Orange County. If you choose a rehab in this area, you’ll almost certainly be invited to visit the coast. Several programs in the area take advantage of this with water activities like surfing.

Even more than most sports, surfing is a fully embodied experience. It has great physical health benefits, and may also help clients improve their body awareness. This can be especially important while you learn or re-learn how to meet your own physical and emotional needs. Research has even found that surfing can offer clients “a sense of respite from PTSD.”2 This is a common concern for people in recovery, who are often healing from dual diagnoses.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Orange County

Most luxury rehab facilities in Orange County offer dual diagnosis treatment. This philosophy honors the needs of clients with more than one mental health issue, such as a substance use disorder combined with PTSD, or an eating disorder combined with OCD. Every client’s experience is unique, and this approach allows providers to offer you the care that best suits your unique needs.

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to “help patients return to a life of normalcy as they learn to address their co-occurring disorder properly.3 The goal of dual diagnosis treatment centers is to provide patients with the tools and resources needed to successfully cope with their mental illnesses without the use of drugs and alcohol.” This approach does not aim to “fix” you, or to get your mental illness to go away. Instead, the focus is on sustainability. Clients learn to live with their ongoing conditions, using a variety of therapies to manage their symptoms. If you have, or are concerned that you may have, more than one relevant diagnosis, this treatment is likely to be a good fit.

Learning to manage your mental health is an absolutely essential component of addiction recovery. When you find sustainable, repeatable strategies for dealing with triggers and other hardships, you’ll be better equipped to continue healing after residential treatment. Some people find it helpful to think of mental illness just like any other chronic condition. If you have fibromyalgia, for example, you might have to adjust your work schedule, or take certain medications to manage your symptoms. The same is true for emotional issues.

It’s quite common for clients to have dual diagnoses. Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, explains that “it’s not often that you’ll find someone with a singular addiction…In the dual diagnosis process, figuring out the reasons why people use is very important.” If this describes you, know that you aren’t alone. Trained healthcare providers will work with you to manage your condition, using tools such as talk therapy, medication, and specific plans for aftercare. Dual diagnosis treatment recognizes that each client is a complex, unique individual. You can trust that your treatment plan will be tailored to best suit your needs.

Individualized Treatment in Orange County

Many people attend rehab in Orange County because they’re seeking highly individualized care. Thanks to the richly diverse culture of this coastal area, practitioners understand that every client’s needs are unique. Treatment is focused on helping you achieve your personal goals for recovery, using the therapeutic modalities that you and your team agree are most effective. In some cases, the process of personalizing treatment begins before you arrive at rehab, or before you even begin to detox.

At Capo By The Sea, for example, clients undergo a thorough intake assessment as part of the admission process. This practice “allows the intake clinicians to accurately diagnose the disease and identify any unique features involved. From the information provided during the intake interview and evaluation, an individualized treatment plan is created as a kind of recovery blueprint, customized to address the specific needs and recovery goals of the individual.”

In service of their philosophy, this rehab center offers amenities that are hard to find elsewhere. Their executive treatment program supports clients who may need to work during residential rehab, with efficient scheduling and the freedom to use electronic devices. They even provide pet-friendly housing options.

Capo by the Sea private home living area
Capo By the Sea has a sober living environment for clients who have completed inpatient treatment.

When you attend this type of bespoke rehab program, your providers account for your pre-existing strengths, and help you identify areas of growth. Treatment is designed to help you learn exactly the skills you need, developing healthy strategies for your continued recovery.

Orange County’s Commitment to Education

Many cultural stereotypes envision people with substance use disorders as being destitute, low-income, and uneducated. This is simply not the case. Research has shown that this disease can impact people from all walks of life. The perception that high achievers are immune to addiction is extremely damaging; it perpetuates isolation and shame, preventing many people from seeking help. All people are deserving of care, including all people with substance use disorders. And you are not alone.

The rates of substance misuse among well-educated people are particularly illuminating. One study reported high rates of both licit and illicit substance use among well-educated respondents:4 “42% reported using mood-altering prescription drugs (analgesics, antidepressants, sedatives, or tranquilizers).” Although these numbers reflect rates of use, and not necessarily rates of addiction, they do paint a concerning picture. Based on these and other findings, researchers concluded that “prevention and early intervention programs need to address use of mood-altering substances (including alcohol) in highly educated workforces.”

Orange County has a highly educated population,5 and is home to many universities, including Pepperdine University, Chapman University, and UC Irvine. It’s clear that this area has a strong cultural focus on learning. As a result, many Orange County rehab centers place an emphasis on teaching their clients important life skills.

The Ho Tai Way, in Costa Mesa, is a treatment program specifically for women. In addition to detox and regular therapy, clients attend classes designed to prepare them for life after rehab. They learn skills such as finance management, healthy cooking, and how to keep up with basic daily routines. They’re also supported in determining their career goals, and planning ways to enact those goals after leaving treatment.

This program is based on the idea that these skills form the basis of a healthy and meaningful life. “When you know how to cook a meal, stay on top of your finances, and establish healthy habits–you have a foundation for dealing with other life issues that come your way. The basics have been taken care of, so you can direct your attention to other challenges in your life as they come.”

This emphasis on learning sets clients up for success in more ways than one. First, you’ll leave rehab with practical skills that will help you build healthy daily habits. Second, you’ll be better-equipped to learn even more about yourself as you begin the next chapter of your life. Learning, like recovery, is a life-long process. Any education program—be it a high school, a university, or a series of classes offered in treatment—teaches you not only to understand the subject matter, but also how to approach the actual process of learning. By honing this skill, clients can maintain a healthy level of curiosity about themselves and their lives. This may support you in trying new things, building relationships, and creating a healthier lifestyle after rehab.

When you first begin rehab, it’s quite common to feel lost or even helpless. It’s all too easy to lose hope. By learning how to meet your own needs in a safe, protected environment, you can develop a new sense of agency. As you learn to trust yourself again, you may become more confident in your ability to navigate life after rehab.

Getting to Orange County

Although Orange County is a populous area, it’s not quite a major travel hub like neighboring Los Angeles. John Wayne Airport, the county’s one major airport, is centrally located, making it easy to reach most of the rehabs in the area by car. Most facilities offer their clients ground transportation from the airport. If you’re flying into Orange County for treatment, make sure to talk to your admissions team about your travel plans.

Immediately after rehab, many clients benefit from transitional programs before they return to the hustle and bustle of life at home. If you enjoy your time in Orange County, you may be able to stay in the area after your initial stay in a residential facility. Capo By The Sea, for example, has a sober living environment for clients who have completed inpatient treatment. This option can be a good fit for people who want on-site support while they practice new skills. It can also help you continue to learn more about your own specific needs, and plan ways to meet them in the future.

Learning How to Heal

Every recovery process is unique, because every person is unique. Orange County rehabs balance this idea with the understanding that we all share certain needs. These facilities help their clients form a strong foundation from which to build healthy, happy, sustainable lives.

This approach isn’t right for everyone. You may benefit from a much more structured rehab program, where you can connect with members of your cohort about a shared treatment regimen. Alternatively, you may need even more flexibility, and prefer to attend a one-person rehab facility where you have even more say in how you approach recovery.

The process of choosing a program is one of the first steps in getting reacquainted with yourself. As you enter the next phase of recovery, you can expect to learn even more about your own values, needs, and goals. Whether or not you attend rehab in Orange County, it’s important to think about your own learning style while selecting a program. If you think you would benefit from individualized treatment in a coastal setting, with a strong focus on life skills, this area might be a good fit for you.

Learn more about luxury rehabs in Orange County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange County Rehabs

What types of outdoor activities can I expect at Orange County rehabs?

Orange County rehabs offer a range of outdoor activities to enhance the recovery process. From whale watching trips to go karting and surfing, these experiential therapies provide clients with unique opportunities for personal growth and emotional healing.

Do Orange County rehabs offer dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders?

Yes, most luxury rehab facilities in Orange County provide dual diagnosis treatment. This specialized approach addresses substance use disorders combined with mental health conditions. These programs focus on helping clients develop sustainable strategies to manage mental illness without relying on drugs or alcohol.

How do Orange County rehabs personalize treatment plans for clients?

Orange County rehabs prioritize individualized care and tailor treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs and recovery goals. Through comprehensive assessments, rehabs here create personalized recovery blueprints for clients, considering their pre-existing strengths and areas of growth.

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What to Expect While You’re in Rehab

Rehab is a place for you to build a sustainable life. In order to do that, you’ll develop healthy daily habits, learn to cope with cravings, and set goals. This is not a simple process. In order to create a better future, you first need to understand what led you to this point. By working through your emotional experience of your life so far, you’ll learn more about yourself and your own values. And when you truly understand yourself, you open the door to a life that can support your unique version of health.

Most rehab programs are designed to give you a type of structure you may have been missing up until now. You’ll likely have a full agenda, waking up early for a full day of activities and going to bed soon after you finish them. This schedule strikes a delicate balance. The intensive process keeps you focused on the work at hand, with little time to get too distracted by the cravings and triggers you came to get a break from. You will, however, have some opportunities for downtime to process the hard emotional work you’re doing in therapy. How intensive this journey is varies from program to program.

Because everyone is different, each rehab center offers a number of different healing modalities, ranging from individual therapy to recreational group outings. The process may feel more accessible if you have a sense of what to expect in advance.

A Typical Day in Rehab

Your time in rehab will be carefully curated by a team of healthcare providers. In addition to receiving medical care, you’ll spend time with the other residents, attending one-on-one therapy, and processing your experiences. Here’s what a typical schedule might look like: 

7am – 8am Yoga 

8am – 9am Breakfast 

9am – 10:30am Individual therapy 

10:30am – 12pm Group therapy 

12pm – 1pm Lunch 

1pm – 1:45pm Medical aspects or energy work

1:45pm – 3:30pm Trauma therapy

3:30pm – 4:30pm Recreation therapy

4:30pm – 5:30pm Meditation

6:30pm – 7:30pm Group Activity or Speaker

7:30pm – 10pm  Free Time & Homework

10pm Bedtime

You won’t have the same schedule every day, but it’s likely that each day will be tightly structured. Most facilities have time set aside for visiting hours, family therapy, and experiential therapies or outings such as skiing and rock climbing. Some rehabs offer even more flexibility. For example, at All Points North Lodge , a luxury rehab in Colorado, clients sometimes go on nature walks with their therapists during individual sessions. 

As you can see, most centers maintain a balance between time alone, one-on-one sessions with a provider, and group experiences. Every one of these dynamics is an important part of healing. Because rehab is a place to reconnect with yourself, it’s valuable to learn how to be alone. Talking through your feelings with a trusted guide in a private setting will help keep you on track throughout that process. Social dynamics offer group support, and encourage clients to hone their interpersonal skills. Many clients even find the simple act of sharing meals with their rehab community gives them a helpful sense of camaraderie and support. 

paracelsus bedroom
Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, Switzerland.

Personalized Programming at Bespoke Treatment Centers

Some residential rehabs serve only one client at a time, offering a completely bespoke experience tailored to meet their needs. Other rehabs take a holistic approach, treating a few clients at a time using a highly individualized approach. For instance, the team at Paracelsus Recovery works very closely with each person in their care to come up with a plan perfectly suited to their recovery goals. Louis Fitzmaurice, a therapist at Paracelsus, says: 

“Everything that goes on in the therapeutic environment that we exist in has been created for and directed at our client. It’s designed. It’s tailor-made for our client, everything that goes on. That’s the food, the complementary therapy, the psychotherapy, the psychiatry. That’s me, the live-in therapist. That’s the physical work. Everything that goes on in the environment is focused on our client and is for the best outcome for our client.”

This careful scheduling offers clients the structure they were likely missing before rehab. It also ensures that you’ll have the chance to benefit from a number of different healing modalities. 

Emotional Exploration in Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a safe, private space for you to express yourself without being concerned about the listener’s reaction. Your therapist’s job is not to fix you, but to help you do the hard work of healing. 

This is not a fast or easy process, but in the end, it’s worth the effort. By developing the skills to navigate whatever life throws at you, you can come to rely on yourself and go forward with confidence. Ryan Soave, Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says that “With therapy in general, the goal is not to reach some place where nothing affects you and you’re happy 100% of the time. It’s really about building the capacity to experience difficult emotions, to experience hardship. We’re going to experience pain – it’s part of life. In fact, we can’t have joy without pain. The more we can build the capacity to experience the full amount of pain, the more capacity we have to experience joy in life.”

During individual therapy, you’ll get to process anything that’s coming up for you. You might feel called to talk about your life before rehab, your daily experience of the program, or your concerns about the future. This is also a place to discuss practical skills like how to manage cravings, how to define your goals, and how to set healthy boundaries in your relationships. Bear in mind, however, that one-on-one therapy is just a starting point. It’s your responsibility to take what you learn in this context and apply it to the rest of your life. 

There are many different styles of one-on-one therapy. Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have access to some or all of these; you may even want to choose a program based on which types of therapy they offer. Some popular styles of therapy offered at rehab are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),1 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),2 and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).3

As productive as individual therapy is, it’s not a simple solution to all your problems. In fact, much of the work of therapy happens between sessions. This allows you to reflect on your observations, put what you’ve learned into practice, and gain new insights into your patterns. When you return for your next session, you’ll be ready to delve even deeper into your treatment process. As you integrate the lessons of therapy into your daily experience, you’ll develop a greater understanding of yourself. Eventually, you’ll start to define what you want your life to look like after rehab.

Group Therapy and Social Dynamics

Group therapy is another way to prepare yourself for life after rehab. This is an opportunity to connect with people at a similar point in their path. By building community with the other clients in your program, you’ll realize through sharing your experiences that you’re not alone. As valuable as it is to work with a therapist, there are some lessons that you can only learn from peers. As Lana Seiler, Associate Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge, says, “We’re social creatures by nature, so it’s a very different feel working one-on-one with someone versus working in a small group and in their community.”

If you attend a program for a specialized cohort—such as a men’s group, a women’s group, or a group for older adults—group therapy may allow you to speak in shorthand. If you’re the parent of adult children, for example, there are parts of your life that a childless 23-year-old might not understand without explanation. On the other hand, that same person can probably teach you a great deal about what it’s like to be a young adult relating to her parents in this era of history. There is no right or wrong group of people with whom to undergo group therapy, but it’s important to find the right group for you. 

For many people in rehab, interpersonal skills are an area of growth. Group therapy is a safe, gentle way to learn or relearn how to build healthy relationships. Openly describing past and present experiences can help clients work against shame. “Group therapy is important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, addiction and substance use bring around a lot of isolation, shame and secrecy over time. People often feel very alone. So an important vehicle for change is to have support and encouragement from others,” says Dr. Monika Kolodziej, Program Director of McLean Fernside. This dynamic helps clients cultivate a sense of self-acceptance, which is essential in order to move forward from substance use. 

Substance use can easily damage your relationships with family, partners, colleagues, and friends. As such, group therapy is a safe place to practice skills that will serve you well when you return to your community after rehab. The act of building relationships in this context provides a certain level of accountability, which may have been lacking in your life before rehab. When you see how the people around you approach their treatment, you may be inspired to commit to your own process even more fully. Data shows that group therapy can improve clients’ engagement with recovery.4 

all points north online aftercare
All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado

Finding Joy in Complementary Therapies

Recovery is hard work; there’s no way around that. However, recommitting to yourself and your wellness means building a better life. In support of that goal, there are many therapies that focus on relaxation and fun. Inpatient rehabs often offer complementary therapies, giving you time and space to process the more demanding aspects of treatment.

Bodywork: Healing the Body to Heal the Mind

Some rehabs invite clients to receive bodywork such as massage, acupuncture, and other spa services. These experiences have a dual purpose. On a therapeutic level, they help your body heal from the negative impacts of substance use. They’re also an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Some of these modalities have a component of mindfulness, which can contribute to your emotional recovery.

Recreational Therapy: Emotional Processing Through Self-Expression

Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have the opportunity to participate in recreational therapy. Arts and crafts, film, and psychodrama—to name just a few—offer a different way of relating to yourself and expressing your emotions. Veronique De Buck​, Evolutionary Art Therapist at Camino Recovery, explains: 

“By working with art, you can reconnect with your resources, your potential, your talents and all the beautiful things you have inside of you. Sometimes people can’t put their trauma into words. So it helps to feel, to contact their heart, to feel the emotions and to put those emotions on paper.”

Adventure Therapy: Exploring Your Inner and Outer Worlds in Tandem

Some rehabs are known for their adventure therapy programs. These experiences vary widely from location to location. In California, you might hike a beautiful mountain trail. Some Florida rehabs offer beach activities from surfing to wave running. At White River Manor in South Africa, you can even go on safari. These activities are a fun and exciting way to learn about your own reactions to life in different contexts. According to Ryan Soave, these experiences are more than just a break from the intensity of therapy:

“Fun and play are super important to getting well. It actually allows people to access creative states, which we want people to be in. In behavioral health, it’s about inventing a new way of relating with oneself and others and the world around them. So being able to get out and have fun can really help their process.”

Through these experiences, you’ll develop more sustainable ways of relating to the world. And having positive memories to draw from can make the next chapter of your life feel more accessible.

People are complex, multifaceted beings. Rehab is designed to treat every aspect of self. The demanding work of individual and group therapy encourages you to delve into your reasons for being in rehab in the first place. By balancing this work with enjoyable low-stakes activities, you’ll be reminded of how much the world has to offer you. As challenging as recovery can be, it’s the first step in moving towards a life you love.

Browse our collection of treatment centers to learn more about the experience of rehab. 

Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens in Rehab

What is a typical daily schedule like in rehab?

A typical day in rehab is highly structured from morning until late evening. Schedules usually include individual and group therapy, complementary therapies like yoga, other recovery activities, and downtime.

How long does rehab typically last?

The length of stay in rehab varies depending on individual needs, but most programs last between 30 and 90 days. Some programs are shorter or longer stays depending on the severity of addiction and the individual’s needs.

What kind of therapies are offered in rehab?

Rehab programs offer a range of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These different styles of therapy may be delivered in a one-on-one or group setting. Luxury rehabs tend to offer complementary therapies like yoga or art therapy.

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Colorado Rehabs: A Beautiful Backdrop for Creating Life Change

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Rehab is an opportunity for all-around healing. Although you will receive clinical care during your stay, that care is just one aspect of the experience. You’ll also get to connect with people at a similar point in their lives, develop healthy new habits, and redefine your own wants, needs, and goals. In order to do this effectively, it’s important to choose the right environment for you.

Rehabs in Colorado offer a unique combination of opportunities to do just that. Your time at a residential rehab center can be full of rich and inspiring new experiences. This diverse landscape is beautiful during every season, and especially appealing to more adventurous people. Many centers offer experiential therapies based in nature, encouraging their guests to go hiking, skiing, rafting, rock climbing, or even horseback riding. The cultural focus on healthy living and outdoor exploration invites clients to heal through interaction with the world around them. 

We paid a visit to Colorado to find out what makes treatment there so special. Hear from experts at All Points North Lodge and Gallus Detox Center about how this special setting promotes recovery.

Colorado’s Revitalizing Landscape

To call the Colorado landscape “diverse” would be an understatement. This state has eight distinct regions, appealing to people from all walks of life who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. You can go snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, soak in the Colorado Hot Springs, hike the Manitou Incline, or just enjoy the temperate weather and majestic views. Some facilities even invite clients to spend time outside during their regular therapy sessions.

Most of these activities can be either solo or group experiences, while more extreme sports may require a professional guide. Whether you want to push yourself to new heights or just commune with the natural world, outdoor sports can be a great opportunity for emotional catharsis. Experts agree that exercise has a positive impact on mental health.1 Some also hypothesize that the social component of sporting activities plays a role in this, which can be very helpful for people in recovery. Rehab is a place to start healing yourself, and to begin thinking about how you can heal in the context of your family and community. 

These external events let you learn about your internal experience in a broader context, and not just in the privacy of therapy. As Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge, explains, “it puts you in your place in the world.” 

Because of the state’s cultural focus on alternative medicine, many medical professionals in the area are especially qualified to help clients decide which treatments will work best for them. For example, you may choose to go through a medical detox program before arriving at a rehab facility, or you might decide to stay in a sober living environment after the first stage of treatment. By staying in close communication with your treatment team, you can choose your own adventure, both literally and figuratively. 

all points north lodge
Views of the Vail Valley and New York Mountain Range surround All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado.

Experiential Therapy: Learning by Doing

Colorado rehab centers tend to take a holistic approach to healing. Many programs place a strong focus on experiential therapy, in which therapy techniques are delivered via hands-on processes. In the right context, activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and whitewater rafting can serve as transformative experiences. Dr. Drzewiecki explains:

“The experiential philosophy says that the way you do one thing is the way you do everything, or at least there’s something to learn from the way that you experience everything. So we periodically pause during activities and say, ‘What’s going on for you right now? What are you noticing?’ And we’re able to use that as a therapeutic opportunity to look at what’s happening.” 

These outings also provide opportunities for clients to unplug and process the hard work they’re doing in their sessions. Temporarily stepping outside of the conventional therapy box can spark new insights into your treatment experience. 

Physical activity is certainly an important part of treatment in this region, but it’s just one facet of a much larger perspective. For example, some clients choose to begin recovery before they even arrive at a rehab center. Medical detox is a way to safely move past physiological dependence on substances prior to attending a longer program. 

Before Residential Rehab: Private Detox in the Heart of the Rockies

The Gallus Detox Center in Colorado is a highly regarded destination for medical detox, visited by people from across the U.S. Like any medical detox program, a team of doctors and nurses closely monitors patient progress—but the Gallus Method provides an especially high standard of care. 

So why do people come to Colorado for medical detox? Douglass Weiss, President and Chief Customer Officer at Gallus Detox Centers, says the state itself is a draw:

“First of all, Colorado is a destination in and of itself. We find that substance use patients like the outdoors. They may want to go skiing or kayaking or hiking after they’ve done detox. Denver is easy to reach if you’re coming in for destination care, which a lot of our patients do. And the outdoor activity component complements the recovery journey very nicely.”

Residents at the Gallus Center are treated by physicians who specialize in addiction. They use cutting-edge equipment to monitor every aspect of each patient’s progress, from cardiac telemetry to video monitoring of every room. This practice ensures safety during every phase of treatment. And because detox is only the first step in a long-term recovery journey, in addition to daily doctor visits, patients also work with counselors and partnered rehab facilities to plan how they’ll proceed after their discharge. 

Advanced Therapy Technologies for Specialized Care

Some Colorado rehabs offer a unique opportunity to try innovative treatment technologies, like All Points North Lodge’s float tank and hyperbaric oxygen chamber. President Jerry Vaccarro says these enhance clients’ treatment experience:

“One of the things here at APN that we focus on is that we like to see ourselves as innovative and embracing technology. We have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is used in a lot of areas of medicine as an indicated intervention. We’re now performing an investigation of it to see whether it has an impact, and we believe it does, in behavioral health conditions. For example, it looks to be effective when people have PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions of that nature.” 

Sandstone
Sandstone Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Traveling to Colorado for Treatment

As a popular tourist destination, Colorado is extremely accessible by plane. All major airlines fly into the Denver International Airport, including international flights. And if you’re traveling to a facility far from Denver, there are 12 more commercial airports to choose from. Some rehab centers also offer free transport to and from the airport. If you’re attending treatment in the winter, it’s important to take the weather into account when making your travel plans, as flights or roads may be affected by snowfall. 

When you travel to a rehab center, you’ll need to account for your safety throughout the trip: it’s inadvisable for clients to travel alone. To help with this, rehabs’ admissions teams can often assist you in the planning process. Heather Charlet, the Director of Admissions at Gallus Detox Centers, explains that their facility has “a white-glove car service that goes to the airport, picks [clients] up and brings them straight to us. So we can help with all the aspects of planning to get them here safely.”

Colorado offers a pleasant balance between rural and urban life. While its mountain slopes, hot springs, and remote wilderness areas are the epitome of natural beauty, they are still easily accessible. Both Denver and Boulder boast vibrant metropolitan areas, and numerous smaller towns pepper the countryside. Visitors can choose to be high in the mountains, near major-city conveniences, or anywhere in between.

At most rehabs, core programming takes place at the facility itself. However, the world around you can still have a great influence on your experience. This region is most compelling for people who appreciate vast open spaces and plenty of time outdoors. The landscape is an ever-present component of life in Colorado. 

Could Your Next Chapter Start in Colorado?

Traveling is a powerful way to mark a major change in your life. New scenery may help you gain a fresh perspective on your most deeply ingrained patterns. This is certainly not the right choice for everyone; some people may find travel to be too stressful at a time when life feels unmanageable. Remember that this is your journey. Recovery is, among many other things, the process of relearning how to trust your own judgment. The simple act of choosing the right facility for your needs can be very empowering. 

Whether or not you decide to travel, this is a time to start making changes. If you’d like the next chapter of your life to focus on holistic health and physical activity, Colorado has a great deal to offer. Outdoor adventures can allow you to learn new skills, take pride in your accomplishments, and most importantly, have fun in the process. 

Colorado boasts a selection of top-tier rehab facilities that also accept Medicaid and other state insurance options, providing accessible and quality care to those seeking recovery.

To explore treatment options in this state, see our collection of rehabs in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabs in Colorado

What makes rehabs in Colorado unique?

Rehabs in Colorado offer a unique combination of clinical care in a beautiful natural environment. Clients can connect with others, develop healthy habits, and redefine their goals. Colorado’s diverse landscape allows for outdoor experiential therapies like hiking, skiing, rafting, and more. This focus on healthy living and outdoor exploration enhances the healing process.

Why should I consider a rehab in Colorado?

Colorado’s revitalizing landscape and cultural focus on alternative medicine make it an ideal choice for rehab. The state’s diverse regions offer various outdoor activities, from snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains to soaking in hot springs. Outdoor sports and exploration contribute to emotional catharsis and positive mental health. Moreover, Colorado has qualified medical professionals who can guide you in choosing the best treatments for your needs.

How does experiential therapy play a role in Colorado rehabs?

Colorado rehab centers emphasize experiential therapy, delivering hands-on processes for holistic healing. Activities like canoeing, hiking, and snowshoeing serve as transformative experiences. These outings provide opportunities to unplug, gain new insights, and complement conventional therapy. Experiential therapy in Colorado encourages self-reflection and personal growth, promoting a comprehensive recovery journey.

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Anxiety Treatment Options Explained: Virtual, Outpatient, and Residential Care

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As someone intimately familiar with anxiety, you already know there’s no simple explanation for what causes your anxiety or even why you feel anxious some days and not others. Everyday life is full of different triggers. On top of that, today many of us are also facing the additional stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic: sheltering in place, living in isolation, worrying about income and job security, balancing working and schooling from home. The list could go on.

It’s not surprising, then, that throughout 2020, the amount of mental health cases, including anxiety, has been on the rise. One U.S. nonprofit, Mental Health America (MHA), reported that, of the 1.5 million people they screened, the number of people with moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety1 steadily increased throughout the past year.

“As the pandemic relentlessly persists, we are seeing the highest levels of anxiety and depression reported since the pandemic2 hit the U.S. in March,” said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of MHA. “This is a troubling trend being fueled by loneliness and isolation.”

No matter why you’re feeling anxious, remember: You’re not alone. Many different types of treatment options and therapies are still available to help you cope with, manage and move beyond your anxiety.

Virtual Therapy or Telehealth

This past year, the availability of telehealth appointments, or audio/visual calls with a therapist or health professional, has skyrocketed. Although the tech to accommodate virtual appointments has been around for more than a decade, the lockdowns and social distancing requirements brought on by COVID propelled many companies to start offering telehealth as a viable choice for receiving treatment.

In fact, Amwell’s 2020 Physician and Consumer survey found that, of those surveyed, the percentage of physicians who offered telehealth nearly quadrupled3 from 22% to 80% between 2019 and 2020. And the number of consumers who took advantage of virtual care grew from 8% in 2019 to 22% in 2020. The medical industry in general has rapidly pivoted this past year to accommodate the needs of patients who have restricted in-person appointment availability and options, no matter what the reasons. It’s clear from the surge in use that telehealth is likely here to stay.

Online Anxiety Rehab Programs

Similarly to the medical industry, today many treatment centers around the world have recognized the need and demand for more online therapy and rehab programs. These virtual outpatient programs offer flexible, ongoing support and treatment from the privacy of your own home. Online anxiety programs can include virtual clinics, online support groups, and one-on-one counseling sessions.

Many centers in our directory offer online and telehealth treatment options to help you find the care you need without having to overcome any physical or location logistical challenges.

Inpatient Anxiety Treatment

Even though online treatment is a great solution for many people, if you have a severe form of anxiety, inpatient rehab centers offer both a more intensive level of care and a more immersive treatment experience. Seeking inpatient treatment during the pandemic can still be a viable option. Many anxiety treatment centers have remained open, fully operating with all of the necessary, state-required COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

RehabPath’s up-to-date list of open treatment centers with COVID-19 measures in place can help you find access to in-person treatment from some of the best rehabs around the world.

More Information on Healing from Anxiety

Types of Therapies for Anxiety

Part of the fear that comes with seeking treatment is the fear of the unknown: What’s actually going to happen when I get help for my anxiety? And that fear only makes your anxiety worse! So, understanding the types of therapies your counselor or rehab center may use can help you overcome that fear and reduce your anxiety around actually getting help.

Therapists use many different types of therapies to treat anxiety:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):4 This is a form of talk therapy that focuses on equipping you with strategies to understand and change your thinking and behavioral patterns. CBT is the most commonly used therapy to treat anxiety.
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT):5 The goal of MBCT is to help you better understand your mind and your moods by combining cognitive therapy practices with meditative, mindfulness practices.
  • Experiential therapy: Going beyond talk therapy, this approach recreates real experiences to help you understand your inner thoughts and better process your emotions. Examples of some of the methods used in experiential therapy include art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, and psychodrama.
  • Stress management: One common root cause of anxiety is chronic stress. This type of therapy will help you identify areas or events in your life adding to your stress, and therefore, anxiety levels.

These therapies can also be used to treat other mental illnesses, like depression and OCD. If your anxiety co-occurs with other mental illnesses, these therapies may be an effective treatment option for your co-occurring mental health issues as well.

Learn Techniques for Managing Anxiety

One of the most impactful effects of getting treatment for anxiety is learning techniques for managing your anxiety that you can rely on and use for the rest of your life. No matter how you get treatment for your anxiety, your therapist will likely equip you with the skills to manage your anxiety at home and to prevent your anxiety from reaching a critical point. Plus, the support you receive from a therapist and/or a program for overcoming your anxiety can continue—with aftercare options and ongoing therapy, your path to healing can be as short or as long as you need it to be.

Find the Best Rehab for Your Anxiety

No matter what your current living, work and relationship circumstances are, you don’t have to suffer through your anxiety. You can get help. There are many local, national and international treatment options and types of therapy available. You can explore our collection of treatment centers by location, treatment approach, or therapy type to find the one that’s best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Rehab for Anxiety

Can you go to rehab for anxiety?

Yes, many rehabs treat anxiety. Treatment options include online and inpatient anxiety rehab programs.

How long should you stay in rehab for anxiety?

The length of stay in rehab for anxiety varies widely based on your unique symptoms. Most rehabs offer 30-90 day programs.

What types of therapy help with anxiety?

These therapies are commonly used to treat anxiety:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy (MBCT)
• Experiential therapy
• Stress management

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4 Ways Art Therapy Boosts Your Addiction Recovery

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The first days at rehab can be kind of, well … awkward. You’re in a totally new environment, you’re surrounded by strangers and you’re not sure what to expect. And you have to begin the process of sorting through all the painful and confusing emotions you’ve been experiencing.

That’s where addiction-focused art therapy comes in. Far more than a hokey craft class, art therapy is a sophisticated component of addiction treatment that helps you create a safe space for self-expression, build trust with your treatment team and easily access parts of yourself that other forms of therapy can’t. And at world-class rehabs, art therapy programming is robust, comprehensive and delivered by consummate professionals who have extensive experience using art for therapeutic gain. All of which bodes very, very well for your recovery.

1. Art Therapy Is the Yin to Talk Therapy’s Yang

It’s not always easy to put a whirlwind of painful emotions into words. In fact, you may not even be consciously aware of everything you’re experiencing. Communicating visually, however, can be great for those who are having a hard time doing so verbally. And, you can access parts of your subconscious that conventional therapies like CBT don’t reach. During the creative process, things can come out that you’ve never thought of before—meaning huge breakthrough opportunities for you.

McLean Borden Art Therapy

“Art therapy works more quickly than talk therapy and a lot of healing happens. It’s exciting to watch a person be vulnerable and be safe in that. I ask questions; I don’t interpret. There is no fear of being analyzed or judged as being a terrible artist,” says one art therapist.

Art therapists provide a safe space for people in recovery to express themselves:1 they provide direction and facilitate the process between you and your art. When you make progress in the studio, you begin to reconnect with your sense of self-worth, and form connections with your counselors. This makes your entire treatment experience more effective and enjoyable.

2. Art Lets You Discover Yourself

Because it reaches down to a subconscious level, art therapy can help you uncover the root cause of your addiction. While addiction distorts reality,2 leading us to have a skewed perception of ourselves and those around us, art therapy provides a conduit for self-reflection that ultimately leads to a better, more accurate sense of self.

With each project you complete, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment that boosts your progress both in the studio and outside of it. You’ll be able to take that newfound confidence into all other aspects of your treatment—and your life.

3. Creative Outlets Help Safeguard Against Relapse

There’s an added benefit to all that creative skill-building: you can bring it with you into recovery. A huge part of staying sober is developing healthy ways to deal with the things that used to trigger you to use substances, and creativity is an excellent way to channel uncomfortable emotions into something positive. Using the creative process as a coping mechanism gives you new insight, improves your judgment and helps you deal with stress and process trauma.

Since boredom is one of the most common addiction relapse triggers,3 it’s important to fill the time you used to spend using substances with activities you find fun and interesting. What better way to do that than by turning the skills you picked up into a new hobby?

4. Art Makes You Feel Like a Kid Again—And That’s Great for Your Recovery

Getting your hands dirty, pushing paint around a canvas and engaging your sense of wonder unlocks your inner child—a vital connection point for staying in touch with your true self. Art is proven to relieve stress4 by processing emotions and focusing your attention on the beauty around you, all of which results in a happier you! You may even discover a talent or passion you never knew you had.

For the Best Art Therapy, Go With a Luxury Rehab

Not all art therapy programs are created equal. If you’re looking for a rehab center that offers art therapy as a core component of your addiction treatment, your best bet is to go with a luxury rehab. World-class rehabs often offer much more robust specialty programming, with the staff, environment and resources necessary to create the best experience possible.

Look for a rehab that has:

Professional Art Therapists

Many art therapists at luxury rehabs hold advanced degrees in art therapy and have extensive experience using art to work through addiction, trauma and mental health disorders. The Cabin Chiang Mai’s art therapists, for example, integrate art therapy with evidence-based practices for a comprehensive, holistic approach to addiction treatment.

Dedicated Art Facilities

At a luxury rehab, you’ll have every material imaginable at your disposal: pens, pencils, pastels, crayons, paints, plaster of Paris, clay, canvas and paper in all shapes and sizes. You’re not limited in your mediums, and neither is your expression. You can work in whatever feels comfortable and right for you.

An Inspiring Setting

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Marlize leading an art therapy session in the gardens at White River Manor in South Africa.

Premium rehabs are often set in secluded, naturally beautiful locations—and there’s nothing like connecting with serene natural beauty to let you relax into your environment and get your creative juices flowing. White River Manor’s art studio is housed in a spacious lodge with large doors open onto their 100-year-old garden, the space filled with birdsong, soothing music, aromatherapy candles and paintings, masks and other artworks done by their residents, who may even choose to paint on their walls.

“I don’t think I will be able to do this kind of work in an office environment … because the beauty of the garden actually lends itself to the process of art therapy,” says White River Manor’s art therapist, Marlize van der Merwe.

Who Benefits From Art Therapy in Rehab?

In short, everyone. Art therapy is effective in treating a plethora of behavioral issues including addiction, anxiety, depression and trauma. And no, you don’t have to be artistically inclined to reap its benefits. You only have to show up with an open mind, and see where the process takes you.

Ready to start your creative recovery journey? See our list of premium rehabs offering art therapy.

Cover photo: A scene from the art studio at McLean Borden Cottage, a luxury rehab in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions About Art Therapy in Rehab

Can art therapy treat addiction?

Yes. Art therapy allows for self-discovery and helps you access parts of your subconscious that conventional therapies might not reach. This can treat behavioral issues, like addiction.

Does art therapy work for addiction?

Yes. Art therapy helps uncover and heal root causes of addiction. While addiction distorts reality, creative self-expression is grounding and promotes self-reflection. This can lead to a more accurate sense of self.

What activities help you stay sober?

Art is a healthy way to relieve stress and process trauma. Since boredom is a common relapse trigger, finding a healthy coping mechanism like art helps you channel emotions into something positive.