In the Experiential Therapies Department the goal is to create an awareness of a holistic understanding of personal health. Patients learn to:

• break down barriers,
• increase self-esteem,
• identify personal goals,
• establish healthy relationships and
• work toward stabilization.

Experiential therapies promote personal growth and self-recognition through action-oriented experiences. They also focus on a variety of group and individual topics including but not limited to: trust, adaptability, leadership, decision making, cooperation, goal-setting, self-esteem and confidence. We strive to address patient’s physical, social, cultural, and recreational needs while providing encouragement and support as well as interpretation and redirection, skill education and non-intrusive observation.

Art (top)
Patients work individually and in group settings as an expression of inner experiences through verbal and non-verbal communication. They are introduced to the different tools and techniques in art with materials such as paint, clay, chalks and collage media. Other mediums include poetry, creative writing and photography. Patients are able to explore the creative process involved in artistic self-expression to help them resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Therapeutic Recreation (top)
In therapeutic recreation we focus on turning the abstract concepts on recovery (i.e.: acceptance, integrity, powerlessness, etc) into manageable values.  Practicing these values as well as developing group cohesion, teamwork, assertive communication and inclusiveness are the primary focuses for us in class. Through games, groups and patients are able to practice skills while learning that living life sober can also be enjoyable and fun.  Reconnecting with activities or staying open minded to new activities is also a primary goal. 

Team Building (top)
In team building, we focus on practically using recovery values that are discussed throughout treatment. Through challenges and initiatives, patients are offered the opportunity to practice these values in situations they may perceive as risky or stressful. 

Fitness (top)
In fitness our primary goal is to develop and improve our patients' physical health.  Improving physical health can help patients create and improve coping skills as well as begin to understand how to take care of their body so they can be healthy.  Educating patients about physical health and the adverse health effects that using has created helps our patients understand the healthy choices that are available to them. 

Horticulture (top)
The overall objective of this program is to cultivate physical and emotional stability and spiritual awareness through nature in a structured environment. Patients are introduced to square foot gardening ideas and techniques. Our goal is to relax and reflect on recovery and become aware of the basic senses: sight, sound, taste, touch and smell.

Fine Arts (top)
In fine arts, we draw from music and theater to discuss feelings and various thoughts about life in recovery.  Using improvisation games and principles from theater we are able to mirror life in recovery.  We also draw from the emotions and thoughts that are elicited from music and work on self awareness.

Life Skills (top)
In life skills, we focus on educating patients about how to be more independent.  The group must work together, follow directions and maintain safety while creating a meal to enjoy.