THERAPY FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

Addiction Therapy 5A
Drug Rehab Program 3
Drug Treatment 1
Addiction Professional 1
Programs and Services FAQ

Introduction
Fitness
Talk therapy
Drug therapy
Art therapy
Massage therapy
Relaxation therapy
Ozone therapy

INTRODUCTION

Therapy and counseling are often considered one in the same, however, with the advent of holistic therapies drug and alcohol treatment has gone beyond the more conventional approaches of “talk therapy.” Other therapies have been introduced that help treat the whole person, not just the addiction. These therapies view recovery from a Biopsychosocial perspective where physical, social, mental and spiritual health are all part of the treatment plan.

FITNESS

Getting fit is a great way to start a lasting, rewarding recovery. When it comes to residential addiction treatment, Sunshine Coast stands alone in its commitment to fitness as demonstrated by our investment in staffing, programming and facility amenities:

  • Exercise Physiologist on staff
  • Indoor lap pool
  • Fully equipped gym complete with cardio equipment, weight racks and free weights
  • Scheduled fitness activities that include daily walks, and weekly off-site recreation such as visits to the beach or recreation complex *.

 

During their stay, clients design and work on an individualized fitness plan with the support of a fitness therapist.

For details on the Fitness Program at Sunshine Coast refer to the Fitness section of this website.

 (*) Note: actual activity selected will vary depending on the weather.

TALK THERAPY

Generally speaking, talk therapy is a term used to distinguish counselling therapies from taking medications (see Drug Therapy below) to address emotional distress.

For more information on talk therapies offered at Sunshine Coast, refer to the Addiction Counseling section.

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DRUG THERAPY

Drug therapy, or pharmacotherapy, is the treatment of disease with medicines. While drug therapy can be referred to treatments ranging from high cholesterol to bipolar disorder, Sunshine Coast Health Center may use drug therapy to treat mental health disorders for clients with co-existing mental illness (dual diagnosis).

At Sunshine Coast, the use of prescription drugs to treat co-existing mental illness is determined by the psychiatrist in consultation with the Medical Director.  The use of drug therapy must be considered carefully, factoring in a client’s existing prescription regimen and any co-existing medical conditions. Knowing that clients are compromised by chemical dependency requires careful consideration and, when possible, the use of alternative drugs that have a lower risk of dependence.

See the About our Staff section for more information on our medical team. For general information on drug therapies see biomedical treatment in the Biological Modalities section.

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ART THERAPY

Art Therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate ¹. Sunshine Coast Health Center uses art not so much as therapy but as recreation to help clients unwind and be creative after a busy day in group.

(1) Source: Canadian Art Therapy Association

Art Expression

Attendance is mandatory for at least one session per week.

About the Instructor

Susan Forsberg has been passionately teaching Art Expressions in many different mediums for over 36 years, developing her unique approach that customizes each encounter to guide and encourage individuals where they want to go with their art expression. Clients learn art techniques and working with different mediums, being creative, having fun, and finding a new way to relax.

Furthermore, participating in Art Expressions is an opportunity for clients to develop new ways to spend leisure time after they leave treatment.

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Art Expression Testimonials

"Art Expression gave me a place where I could practice my first steps of sobriety
while still being within the safety of the program"
-Michael B

I didn't think I had an artistic side but I never want to miss art expressions and look forward to
carrying my joy of painting into my recovery.
1-10 my rating 11
-Stu J

“I have to admit, when I first heard I "had" to participate in Art Expression, I thought it might be alright but not something to look forward to. When I met Susan and came to "play" I had a blast!  I also rediscovered a lost love, one that will be a part of my life from now on.  I had painted in the past but got busy, in the "business" of life. Thanks Susan for helping me find that boy that used to love to paint! A solid 10.”
-Gerry E

 “Are you kidding the only thing I've ever drawn is a fish boat! Awesome class this Art Expression is, very relaxing, totally takes my mind off all the hard work that we do all day long. Thanx, Susan. 10/10”
-Ron

For more information on Susan Forsberg refer to the Meet our Staff section.

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MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body in order to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation.

Clients residing at Sunshine Coast Health Center are provided several 30-minute sessions during the course of their stay.  

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RELAXATION THERAPY

Relaxation Therapy classes are provided in weekly one-hour sessions. We teach a simple 3-part class that clients can easily learn and do at home once they leave:

  • Easy warm-up and stretches
  • Progressive relaxation technique
  • Drifting off

 

The aim is to release tension by slowing down breathing and heart rate.  When your body relaxes, the mind will follow and calm down as well.  

The Importance of Breathing in Relaxation Therapy

Just by doing deep and slow breathing, the parasympathetic system (part of the nervous system) is stimulated to activate the relaxation system in the body.   During relaxation therapy, clients are taught to breathe deeper and slower.  Clients will experience a calm, relaxed state that will facilitate clearer thinking as they go about their day.

Relaxation Therapy is a Useful Take-Home Tool to Reduce Stress

Clients learn simple stretching, breathing and isolation tension-relaxation exercises, and visualization techniques. By experiencing the benefits of these exercises, clients will have a powerful tool to make thoughtful decisions during stressful situations.

Relaxation Education

Every fifth week, clients participate in a presentation and group discussion on relaxation. Topics include stress reduction self-talk (affirmations), breath self-regulation, muscle tension/relaxation, meditation, guide imagery, and the stress thermometer.

 

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OZONE THERAPY

Ozone Therapy is a therapy whereby ozone is introduced into the human body. Ozone is O³, whereas the oxygen we breathe is O². Proponents of ozone therapy claim beneficial effects such as increasing oxygen delivery to cells, tissues, and organs; increasing blood circulation throughout the body; boosting the immune system and detoxification.

Clients have reported the added benefit of helping them relax and loosening muscles prior to massage therapy. Clients also report that ozone therapy helps with bad backs, other body aches and joint pain, particularly those individuals with addictions to heroin, Oxycontin ™ and other opiates.

Ozone therapy was originally offered at Sunshine Coast to help speed the detoxification process during the first few days following admission. Since then, sessions have been extended to continue throughout a client’s stay.

While the medical benefits of ozone sauna have been documented for many years, Sunshine Coast Health Center makes no such guarantees and participation in ozone sauna therapy is strictly voluntary.

Note: clients with heart conditions must be cleared by medical staff prior to participation in ozone and massage therapy.

For more information on ozone therapy, visit the O3 Center.

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