Here are the treatments and activities you can access
Group therapy
Group therapy will be at the heart of your recovery journey. In a safe and confidential space, our therapists and up to eight of your peers will help you understand your experiences, recognise your feelings and manage the challenges you face. Group therapy has many proven benefits.
-
● Allows you to receive and offer support and feedback
● Improves your ability to relate to and communicate with others
● Lets you practise new behaviours
● Gives you an understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours by looking at your relationship patterns both inside and outside the group
● Allows you to understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of others
● Improves your self-confidence and self-esteem
● Can start you on a process of personal change inside the group which you continue in your daily life.
Art therapy
Art therapy can be very helpful for managing intense emotions and increasing your self-awareness. It is a great way to non-verbally express inner thoughts and feelings. You do not need to feel creative to enjoy and get real benefit from time in our art studio. In this beautiful space you can work with: paints, pastels, clay, textiles, mosaic and other materials. This is all done under the guidance of our experienced arts therapists who will help ensure that you enjoy, and get the most out of, what may be an unfamiliar experience.
Medical care
We have a GP and psychiatrist who can provide medical care. They will listen to your health concerns, explore treatment options, and support you in making decisions that meet your needs.
Mind-body therapies
Mind-body therapies provide opportunities for you to practise reconnecting to your body in a gradual and comfortable way alongside a compassionate facilitator. Through exploring movement and mindfulness practices, you can learn useful tools to help you feel safe and balanced in your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. These practices can help you build a caring, loving relationship with yourself. Our mind-body work includes ancient practices such as mindfulness and meditation, which are practices that are supported by modern neuroscience and trauma recovery evidence. We have a somatic trauma treatment specialist and a massage therapist providing treatments at our centre.
Peer support
Peer support is a relationship built around giving and receiving - manaakitanga. It is a natural part of our programme where individuals support each other and receive support in return. These opportunities for connection occur daily in various small and large ways. They can happen in group therapy, at meal times, and during casual conversation at break times. We also offer a peer support group for people who have finished the programme.
Connection with nature
Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) offers a beautiful natural environment, and we want to help you explore it for the benefit of your mind, body, and spirit. Our tāngata whai ora have visited the sea, beach, local bush, the botanical gardens and Zealandia. Immersed in nature, you will be able to relax, practice mindfulness, reflect on therapy and connect to yourself and the whenua around you.
Therapeutic community
The ‘therapeutic community’ is the whole group that will support you during your time in our programme. It includes your peers, our staff, and volunteers. Manaakitanga—the giving and receiving of support amongst members—can be a powerful healing agent. Our therapeutic community provides many interactions and everyday living experiences that allow you to learn about yourself and strengthen the skills that bring you closer to the life you want. This model has been an established recovery method for many decades worldwide.
Rongoā Māori
Rongoā Māori uses ancestral Māori knowledge to help restore balance to your holistic well-being. Assisting you in connecting to your whakapapa, wairua and whenua. Some of these practices include: rongoā rākau (native medicinal plants), mirimiri and romiromi (massage and bodywork), karakia (prayer) and kōrero (consultation/guidance). Our expert rongoā practitioner will guide and support you in a culturally sensitive and personal way that feels right for your journey.
Music therapy
Music can be a very powerful form of therapy. It can allow you to express yourself without needing to talk, and there is no need to be ‘musical’ by nature. Our music therapist will work with you in playful and meaningful ways, using a variety of instruments, percussion, songs, and lyrics.
Social work support
We understand that day-to-day challenges may get in the way of your recovery. Our social worker can help you overcome these challenges by providing you with support and assistance with personal crises, whānau issues, and legal or social barriers you may have. They can connect you with essential resources within the community and advocate for your best interests. Our social worker coordinates our programme and runs the commuity spaces.
Relaxation and processing time
Time and space to rest and relax on your own is important. It allows you to process and reflect whilst on your journey with us. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to do this during your time in the programme, both in our Centre’s dedicated spaces and outdoors in nature.
Exercise
Good mental and physical health are strongly connected, and even small amounts of movement can make a positive difference. We really understand how hard it can be to exercise when your mental health challenges are holding you back. We will start slowly and make exercise fun and achievable. You can build your capability over time by choosing activities that interest you. We offer various exercise options, including walking, swimming, and gentle forms of yoga and movement.
