Client Services
The following information is a list of therapeutic and program services we offer.
At Heritage Home we use a Holistic: body, mind & spirit, approach to recovery. Our client services satisfy all aspects of holistic recovery in the following manner:
Individual Therapy
Karyn Robertson, Ph.D., Candidate
All clients benefit from engaging in weekly therapy sessions with Karyn, the psychotherapist. Clients are also assigned another therapist whose responsibility is to complete their intake, create a treatment plan, provide a final report and most importantly, assist them in developing a viable, realistic and achievable post-treatment plan. In addition to this, clients can select other therapists to work with.
Clients are required to meet with Karyn and their assigned therapist. If clients feel that their needs are being met, they are not obligated to have sessions with more therapists. We recommend that people meet with everyone to maximize their therapeutic experience – this suggestion is optional.
Group Therapy: Non 12-Step Approach
Heritage Home is primarily a group therapy setting. We use the holistic approach: body, mind and spirit, in a variety of ways during group therapy sessions. We provide group therapy sessions that appeal to different learning styles, interest areas and skill sets. Due to the importance and frequency of group therapy, all sessions are mandatory.
Group sessions occur at least 3 times per-day. We also offer weekend workshops and we sometimes have guest group facilitators and speakers to provide additional topics to clients.
Group therapy topics include, but are not limited to: addiction; relapse prevention; post-treatment planning; meditation; anger management; stress & anxiety management; self-esteem; shame & guilt; managing your moods, interpersonal communication; conflict resolution; and, positive visualization. The approaches and methods used include, but are not limited to: cognitive behavioural therapy; creative art therapy; experimental learning; group and individual presentations; and leadership training.
To read more about our group therapy topics, visit our Treatment Approaches page.
Health Services
Heritage Home’s registered nurse will work with the clients to complete an intake assessment and analysis of information that assists in the planning of a client-centred, goal-oriented care plan in collaboration with attending physician and other team members. Our registered nurse will provide an on-going evaluation in order to determine if desired outcomes have been achieved and continuation with implementation or reassessment of client-centred goals. She will also support the clients in achieving individualized health goals by providing information, acting as a liaison for medical appointments, facilitating the creation of support systems, and enhancing coping strategies. Also, the registered nurse will create and teach workshops designed to promote nutrition and exercise, to improve understanding of the effects of stress and anxiety, and to encourage compliance to healthy-promoting strategies.
Meditation
Kathleen Rattigan, M.A.,
Meditation & Spiritual Advisor
Julie Gergely, RYT
Yoga Instructor
Meditation is a very important skill when developing healthy coping mechanisms. It enables people, especially when responding to urges and cravings to “be in the moment”, to acknowledge the cravings as one feels them. When people are in the moment, they accept that they have these feelings, but take solace in the fact that these feelings do not have to be acted upon – cravings will pass. Meditation also assists clients who have problems with stress & anxiety, impulse control issues, attention deficit disorder and other issues that hinder ones ability to live fully in the present. One of the most enjoyable aspects of mediation is positive visualization and affirmation because it teaches clients to see themselves living happy and productive lives – once the goal is realized, it can be achieved!
Yoga
A gentle form of Hatha yoga is taught at Heritage. The focus is on cultivating inner peace and clarity. A typical practice includes breath work, strengthening and stretching postures, ending with deep relaxation.
Creative Art Therapy
Creative art therapy is used primarily to illustrate group therapy session material. The photo, for example, illustrates ones inner feelings of shame and guilt; this project was completed during a three-day shame and guilt workshop.
Creative art therapy is also used as a way of achieving catharsis: feeling strong emotions lead to insight that in turn, motivates one to effect positive change. Creative art therapy can be challenging and emotionally draining, but it can also be fun. People learn more when they are having fun and are stimulated; enjoyment also enhances the therapeutic process by creating trust and healthy companionship and mutual cooperation.
Native Spiritual Healing
Sky Bellefleur, M.A., Certificate
Native Spiritual Counsellor
Traditional Native Healing is based on a holistic approach: physical, mental, spiritual and emotional healing, along with ceremonies like the healing circle and sweat lodge. These ceremonies are based in cultural beliefs from the North American aboriginal people of Turtle Island. The healing ceremonies are lead by a native elder.
Healing Circle: The healing circle is one of the most powerful native ceremonies. It brings people together through sharing and support. Many times a healing circle is followed by a sweat lodge to help in the healing.
Sweat Lodge: The sweat lodge reconnects us to Mother Earth and to ourselves in a very safe and loving environment. The lodge is used for healing in most native cultures. It is a very sacred ceremony. An aboriginal Elder runs it and guides the people with their healing in the lodge.
Although we value the role that traditional native healing has on recovery, Heritage Home does not guarantee that this service will be offered during the course of your stay. If you are interested in traditional native healing, contact us prior to your arrival and we will inform you of what is being offered, or what can be arranged.
Therapeutic Exercise
The body aspect of holistic healing is essential to recovery as it helps detoxify the body, aid against co-occurring disorders like depression and it is essential in creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In order to assist clients in developing a proper exercise and leisure routine, Leslie was hired to provide clients with an individualized program.
Theraputic Recreation
Learning how to enjoy life clean and sober is very important to us at Heritage Home. That is why we provide clients with a variety of seasonal activities. Leslie is certified in the field of leisure studies and he, as well as other staff members, engage clients in physical recreation, competitive sports, sightseeing tours, educational outings and a variety of other fun activities.
There are many types of therapeutic activities that clients have access to. For activities not covered in the cost of treatment, clients are not obligated to participate.
Alternative Treatments
We provide access to alternative treatments because of their physiological, emotional and mental therapeutic benefits. Some of the alternative treatments enjoyed by Heritage Home clients are:
- Swedish Massage
- Scalp & Facial Massage
- Shiatsu
- Reflexology
- and Ion Footbath Cleansing
For more information, visit the Alternative Treatments page.
