Whenever a therapist treats a client, the least restrictive environment is always what is desired. However, there are times when client’s struggles are so great, or the client is in crisis, that a higher level of care is needed. These are in the form of intensive outpatient treatment programs or residential programs.
I had the opportunity to visit a residential treatment center called Sierra Tucson, located in Tucson Arizona. They work with clients struggling with addiction, pain, mood disorders and eating disorders. I was incredibly impressed with the level of care available as well as the multitude to treatment programs available.
As treatment providers, we met with the staff, therapists, and doctors. The amount of care and the way the teams work collaboratively was what impressed me the most. The staff felt it was a gift to be able to work with our clients. They are passionate about the work they do. If you know of someone struggling with substance abuse, mood disorders, or eating disorders, he or she would be well taken care of at Sierra Tucson.
It is located outside the city in a calm serene area where there is nothing much else other than cacti and mountains. It’s a beautiful place in nature where you can let go of your baggage and struggles. The surroundings put one in a different state of mind. One thing that was unique about Sierra Tucson from the other treatment centers I have visited is that each patient has an individualized daily schedule. No two treatment plans are the same, as opposed to everyone going to group at 1 time, everyone having individual therapy at one time, etc.
We had the opportunity to experience several of the treatment modalities. One of these was psychodrama, where one’s fears or struggles are acted out. This is lead by a group leader who is excellent. We all struggle with some type of fear, so we can understand how irrational the voice can sound. Imagine being able to talk to your fear in a way you never have before. These experiential treatments help in many ways, whether you are the participant or the observer.
We got to experience equine therapy. You can learn about yourself and the way you act interpersonally from a horse. Somatic experiencing was another modality. The body will let you know how you react. You may have heard of fight, flight or freeze. Those who are depressed tend to be stuck in the freeze mode, those who are anxious, the flight mode, and those who are angry are stuck in the fight mode.
Then there is the ropes course, which is a wonderful way to build trust, as your friends are the ones holding the ropes and ladders, and are the ones to keep you safe. It helps you stretch out of your comfort zone and grow in different ways. There was also neurofeedback, acupuncture, yoga and massage as a way to treat the patient holistically. In addition, there are support services available after one leaves the facility to help with relapse prevention.
You don’t go through experiences like these without learning something about yourself, even as an observer. I came back refreshed and renewed. If you know of anyone who is struggling and may need therapy or a higher level of care, don’t hesitate to call me at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
