While working in other treatment facilities, I found inconsistencies (staff and counselors not “walking the walk,” job burnout, preferential treatment, etc.) that adversely affected those who were seeking help.
I found that handling the “details” such as an individualized program, multiple one-on-one therapy sessions, atmosphere, food, cleanliness of facility, treating people with dignity and respect were almost as important as the program. One “detail” that stood out above all others is what I call the “health of the helper.”
The only way that a residential treatment environment can be truly therapeutic and helpful is to create a culture where staff are authentically healthy, happy and have a passion for what they do. When I say staff, I mean everyone: support staff, chefs, nurses, doctors, administration, therapists, etc. A true sense of caring carries over into the entire program. After all, if the “guest” is not treated with dignity and importance, how do they build it in themselves?
When designing a treatment center, one of the most important factors was to have a program and system that promotes health both physically and mentally. This concept has proven to be incredibly effective. Building a program with the top priority and end result being to enable our guests to see their own health and to live a sober life that is happy has been unbelievably rewarding.
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