Our Programming

Conducted in both our PHP and IOP programs, the goal of these 90-minute group sessions is to allow for interpersonal interactions and gives group members a way to deepen their level of self-awareness while they learn how they relate to others.

The unstructured nature of the groups allows for an organic flow of topics depending upon the themes that develop from the information shared amongst group members.

Many times there are assignments or readings assigned ahead of time that all patients are asked to complete. Additionally, we provide a copy of Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown to all patients and weave in material from this throughout process/individual sessions.

ACT is designed to assist patients to accept and move through difficult emotions, thoughts, body sensations, life events, past traumas, and unexpected challenges without implementing avoidant strategies.

By helping patients to understand that there is a cost to avoiding painful thoughts, feelings, body sensations, traumas, grief/loss, and all of life’s unexpected challenges, they are encouraged to develop a new and compassionate
relationship with those experiences.

Patients will learn six core processes to help them progress to develop psychological flexibility:

1. Cognitive Defusion – The process of learning to notice the process of thought rather than getting caught up in the content.
2. Experiential Acceptance –
   The process of practicing non-judgmental awareness of internal and external events.
3. Present Moment – The process of becoming acquainted with sensory experiences in the present moment.
4. Self as Context – The process of contacting the ‘observing self,’ a part of oneself that is able to witness thoughts, feelings, and actions at any moment.
5. Values – The process of defining what is most important to an individual in their life.
6. Committed Action – The process of taking steps toward valued goals while experiencing uncomfortable feelings and thoughts.

Patients will develop a mindfulness that recognizes ways in which their attempts to suppress, manage, and control emotional experiences creates their challenges.

The core processes help patients learn how to regulate their nervous system to tone down previous distress by taking the time to pay attention to observing their thoughts by:

• recognizing that there are some things that are out of their control and to make decisions that help them focus on their actions instead of focusing on the struggle.
• learning how to be grounded and to develop a platform of awareness that helps free themselves from previously held beliefs about themselves.
• establishing behaviors that steer their purpose and direction and help enable decision making that can result in a richer and more vibrant future.
• committing to the valued action, rather than the outcome, can bring them greater vitality.

DBT teaches people how to increase mindfulness, develop healthy ways to cope with stress/overwhelm, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with self and others. The main goal of DBT is to help people create “a life worth living.”

Patients will work through modules that focus on:

• Mindfulness
• Emotion Regulation
• Distress Tolerance
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

As a result, patients will be able to integrate the learned skills into their daily experiences. Patients will find that they will eventually be able to recognize their positive attributes and overcome “all-or-nothing” thinking and feel more comfortable trying out different ways of behaving and interacting with others.

This group is meant to reinforce skills learned in previous levels of care and deepen patient’s ability to implement skills in everyday life.

The first 30 minutes of this group are spent moving your body and learning to practice safe embodiment. After movement concludes, the group checks in regarding their movement reflections, emotions and physical sensations. Open space is then given for sharing assignments and processing. In the second half of the group, we review a skill that you will be encouraged to practice over the weekend.

The group integrates therapeutic skills in new creative ways to deepen the mind/body/spirit connection.

This group starts with a short meditation and check-in. Then, the group will be invited to review or learn a new therapeutic concept. This same concept will be explored through movement, writing, experiential learning or art making. Time will be given at the end to share reflections or art pieces.

The goal is to help patients think about their own attachment style and help them establish healthy relationships with others and set boundaries while learning to identify what the current boundaries they have established within their own relationships.

Using a series of worksheets that serve as a basis for identifying attachment styles, patients begin to understand the role of learned behaviors going back to their childhood. Patients will learn how to recognize relationship patterns, manage anxiety over abandonment concerns, and understand how to identify and utilize their own personal values to pursue and maintain healthier relationships.

Multiple studies have found that psychodrama is effective in helping patients with trauma and specifically PTSD by helping participants improve their feelings of safety, self-image and ability to cope.

Patients utilize exercises to integrate both the mind and the body’s experiences as we encourage them to check in with their body first to inform them of their emotions. During the therapeutic process, patients learn about triggers and how to control negative thoughts or behaviors moving forward.

Within a Psychodrama session, participants work with the theory of “working from the body up.” This kinetic technique encourages patients to utilize the prompt of thinking about an unresolved issue in their life – often one that if they could go back and redo in some way, would help them to have some closure.

In using the body memory from a past event, patients can narrow in on what emotions and negative responses are affecting them the most, and then how to negotiate around them should they arise in the future.

After their story has been re-visited, patients often feel a catharsis and relief. For some, it gives them the impetus to move forward and make a dramatic change in a relationship, and for others, it is enough closure for them to leave that raw spot behind.

The goal of this modality is to silence the inner critic, nurture creative expression, and to build confidence with powerful peer support. By offering a judgment-free space for tears, giggles and ah-ha moments patients have an opportunity to overcome obstacles that have held them back through the art of words.

Led by a certified writing coach and trauma-informed yoga teacher, patients begin with a guided meditation that leads into a writing prompt, offering about 10 minutes to free flow pen to paper. Then the group circles back to share and receive “Gateless” feedback.

The “Gateless Method” is based on the science of neuroplasticity, to carve new pathways in the brain through positive reinforcement. Patients will learn how to silence the inner critic, nurture creative expression, and build confidence with powerful peer support.

The goal is to practice mindfulness skills that will allow patients to remain present in the moment while accepting their changing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. By dedicating time to practicing these skills with a therapist, patients will be more readily able to access these skills to cope with challenging situations or distressing thoughts or emotions (such as anxiety). This group is also used as a helpful time to allow clients to check in with their bodies and engage in relaxation skills to better reduce physical tension in a safe space.

During guided meditation group, patients can expect to participate in a variety of mindfulness practices, including guided imagery meditations that encourage non-judgmental observation of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations; mindful breathing exercises that encourage gentle awareness of one’s breath while practicing deep diaphragmatic breathing; and mindful movement to assist with engaging in slow, deliberate body movements to reduce tension and promote increased awareness of one’s physical sensations in the present moment. Patients can expect to participate in discussions before and after the guided meditation.

With weekends offering free time, the goal of the planning is to help patients develop coping skills and self-care regimens to help them maintain their mental health and wellbeing during these “down times.” By anticipating the times away from the program through this activity, the objective of planning these unscheduled hours helps patients engage in reshaping and reframing cognitive distortions and irrational thoughts associated with their negative critic.

Patients will participate by sharing their weekend plans as well as any potential obstacles they may foresee. They complete worksheets to identify adaptive skills in managing their distress or emotional dysregulation outside of programming. If they are struggling to identify their weekend plans, some patients may choose to go on a mindful walk to the beach to create a shift in their environment.

As an alternative to verbal resolution to stress, this therapy aims to help release a patient’s physical stress, tension, and trauma held onto by the body.

Patients can expect to learn ways to calm the nervous system and self-regulate.
They are invited to reflect on past stressful experiences and explore ways to pivot from default reactions or unhealthy patterns into healthier options in the future.

Patients share and receive positive feedback and support and are encouraged to apply somatic integration tools like grounding in present time, balanced breathing, and enjoyable physical movement to help create sustainable tools for long-term mental health and quality well-being.

Patients are encouraged to practice mindful eating and not use technology at the table. Each individual is encouraged to finish their entree and are provided eating disorder informed meal support if appropriate.

During the meal, the staff member will lead table games and neutral conversation throughout the meal. Redirection is provided by staff around conversations regarding diet, weight, body image or trauma sensitive topics. Staff members are able to provide encouragement and one on one support for those in recovery from an eating disorder.

Sound baths help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promote relaxation and better sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Many people find sound baths to be a deeply therapeutic and rejuvenating experience.

In a sound bath, you can expect to lie down or sit comfortably in a peaceful environment while being surrounded by soothing sounds and vibrations created by instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and chimes.  You may be asked to close your eyes and focus on your breath or any sensations you feel in your body. The sound bath is typically around 30-60 minutes long. After the sound bath, you may feel a sense of deep relaxation, reduced stress, and improved mental clarity.

The goal of breathwork is to help individuals improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being by using specific breathing techniques. By practicing breathwork, individuals can learn to regulate their breathing patterns and promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and enhance overall emotional regulation.

You may be guided to breathe in a particular way, such as through your nose or mouth, or to focus on certain parts of your body as you inhale and exhale. Some breathwork sessions may include guided visualizations or meditation to help enhance the overall experience.

It’s common to experience physical sensations during a breathwork session, such as tingling, warmth, or a sense of lightness in the body. You may also experience emotional release or feelings of inner peace and relaxation.

It’s important to wear comfortable clothing and bring any items that will help you relax, such as a cushion or blanket. It’s also recommended to avoid eating a heavy meal before the session and to hydrate well beforehand.

Overall, a breathwork session can be a deeply relaxing and transformative experience that promotes a sense of balance and well-being in the mind and body.