PhilosophyMany of our residents held firm to the belief that just getting off the drugs/alcohol for a few days would solve their problem. While detoxification is a first step on the road to successful recovery, physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the ingrained, conditioned patterns of living experienced by our residents. At Webster Place Recovery Center we believe recovery from addiction involves an extended process that requires the help of recovering individuals and addiction professionals. Research into the effects of long-term addiction shows that substantial change in the way the brain functions are present long after the resident has stopped using. This confirms that the resident needs more than just medical detoxification; they need emotional, psychological and spiritual healing as well. Some residents hold out for this complex process to work itself out simply with determination and willpower. Believing the addiction can be broken without outside help and new tools is the distortion of perception that a residents addiction relied on to keep them from ever finding true breakthrough. Humbling themselves, and admitting the need for help is the first step to real freedom. Time away from the substance and time away from the environments the substance is available in allow the resident to acquire new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. A significant change in attitude and focus on life is needed to achieve this lifestyle change and while professional guidance is an effective resource, we hold firm to the belief that residents need to get out of their familiar living environment to sustain real change and in its simplest sense, Webster Place provides a dignified place and setting for one alcoholic in recovery to help another alcoholic find recovery. That is our hope and our commitment
The Person-Centered Approach
Growing into recovery, one person at a time, one day at a time. Webster Place Recovery Center subscribes to the belief that individuals can acquire and sustain recovery through an approach that respects personal dignity. A Person-centered approach is used to help a person achieve personal growth and/or come to terms with a specific event or problem they are having. The primary focus of the Person-centered approach involves living in the present rather than the past or future, with a view toward participating fully in our world while contributing to other peoples' lives.
The program encourages the resident to express their feelings and does not suggest how the person might wish to change, but by listening and then mirroring back what the resident reveals to them, helps them to explore and understand their feelings for themselves. This approach and philosophy allows a more personal relationship with the resident through talking therapy and is a non-directive approach. The primary focus is to direct the resident towards growth by focusing on the immediate situation rather than the past. This way the person is able to use the program as a way to reach a better sense of self and identify resources for personal development and growth. In essence, residents use personal development as the process of becoming more fully themselves. It is the role of the program to provide the favorable conditions for this personal development to occur.
Journaling for recovery
At Webster Place Recovery Center the use of personal journaling is a important part of the recovery journey. We believe that the purposeful and intentional use of reflective writing provides for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellness. In addition, we believe that journaling is an effective means of providing focus and clarity to issues, concerns, conflicts and confusions that the cunning, baffling and powerful addiction distorts. Our use of journal therapy goes beyond the keeping of a traditional diary to offering a genuine, unique therapeutic method that offers cost-effective, holistic self-management and self expression.
Sharing as a way to get and stay sober/clean
The value of 12 Step programs lie in the special and intimate relationship one gets when sharing his/her story with another person experiencing recovery. While talking about what is bothering you can be practiced with a friend or loved one, a family member, or a therapist, the ability to identify and share on a feeling level with someone who is experiencing the same pain and suffering is one of the joys of recovery.
Talking about your problems can help you to spot things that are causing problems in your life. A person with a different perspective on your situation can help you see options that you might miss or overlook, which could help fix the problems you are having, and how to deal with the things you can’t fix. Through discussion, you can find ways to handle your problems so that the same issues won’t continually disrupt your life.
Remember that sharing doesn’t have to be difficult. The simple act of discussing your feelings allows you to gain new insight and perspective. Sharing can also help to enrich your life by bringing the people that you love closer to you.
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