Program Overview

Orientation will take place on the day of arrival. The Staff will meet with the clients in a group to review the handbook and answer any questions. Orientation allows time for the Staff to evaluate the client’s personal needs and to prepare the best possible treatment plan and goals. It also allows time for the clients to become acquainted with the Staff, facility, other clients and the program.

The individual will be given info in preparation for strengthening the body, mind and spirit. The emphasis in the first 2-3 weeks will be on proper nutrition, exercise and rest.

Personal Growth takes clients on a journey of exploration and self-discovery. This is done using group programming, activities, journaling and various reflective readings and cultural teachings. Some of the areas covered include: setting treatment goals, traditional values, journaling, human development, self-esteem, feelings, and "who am I".

Dynamics look at understanding some of the underlying forces and cycles at work in addictions such as: co-dependency, family dynamics, addictive behaviours, relationships, cravings and triggers, and the role of grief and loss in addiction recovery.

Skills Development is the part of the therapeutic program that assists the client to build and rebuild social and life skills as prevention tools. The Skills Development program can include: problem solving techniques, mindfulness, understanding anger, decision-making, and handling stressful situations. Some of the skills development sessions are enhanced using videos.

Relaxation Techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, acupuncture, tapping (meridian points) and the use of detox teas, are also taught. The Healing Lodge also offers optional sessions and groups on smoking cessation.

As well, group programs may include presentations provided by community resources such as the nutritionist, nurse practitioner, community health nurse, cultural advisor and the LPN. These are in addition to education/information sessions facilitated by the residential counsellors. Some topics may be introduced through a video presentation, after which clients are invited to participate in discussion groups.

The Culture component of the Healing Lodge program is an integral part of how treatment services are provided. The goal is to enhance the client’s cultural knowledge and to encourage them to celebrate their First Nations identity.

Ceremony is an integral indispensable component of First Nations custom and traditions. Ceremony is an honouring and a means of expression of inherent beliefs and values of First Nations culture. Regular cultural programming is offered to the clients to increase their awareness of their heritage, as well as to provide them the opportunity to learn about Medicine Wheel teachings and to participate in the Sweat Lodge. Introduction of the Sweat lodge ceremony; the meaning, purpose and significant of ceremony are introduced. Smudging is provided daily. Clients are encouraged and supported to learn and to share their own experiences.

Individual counselling provides an opportunity for the client to deal with their identified treatment issues on a one on one basis with a Counsellor, and possibly with the consulting psychologist. Individual counselling is included in the weekly schedule; however, if a client requires more one on one, the treatment team will make arrangements to accommodate.

Clients are encouraged to make physical activity and recreation a part of their recovery and to use it as an important tool to counteract cravings and withdrawals. The program includes daily walks, some individual sports activities such as canoeing and snow-shoeing, stretching exercises, and personal gym work out with equipment. Clients can also participate in basketball and horseshoes.
There are scheduled periods of relaxation in the evening and on weekends, and clients are encouraged to learn to be comfortable with themselves, to reflect and meditate, to look after themselves and to begin to enjoy the moment. This is also a time when clients are asked to work on their journals, or to complete assignments.

Personal discovery is an important part of the recovery. As a client learns more about themselves and various ways to improve their life skills, they will have a better chance for the personal development that is essential for recovery. Every client will keep a daily journal. The purpose of the journal is to help individuals to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and to keep a record of their daily progression towards recovery.

Families are encouraged to be part of the client’s healing journey. Clients can receive visits from family on the third weekend (Sat and Sun) of the program.

An aftercare plan is developed with individuals prior to completion of their treatment program. The aftercare plan covers the sensitive period after treatment during which the client takes total control over their recovery. The plan identifies goals and objectives with benchmarks for individuals to measure their progress and chances for relapse. As a Staff, we will encourage individuals to continue their participation in the Support Groups and traditional programs to keep the appointments with their Counsellor, as well as share about their recovery with new clients. If requested, the Staff can provide information to the families and friends of a client to assist with the healing process.