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Key elements of the programme include:
- Therapeutic groups
- Individual counselling
- Family programme and support counselling
- Specialized groups - grief, trauma, anger management
- Addiction education
- Life skills
- Relapse prevention
- Spirituality, including meditation
- Beach and mountain walks
- Drum and dance therapy
- Attendance of Twelve Step Fellowship meetings
- Discharge planning
- Aftercare Programme
Our multi-disciplinary team develops goal-orientated treatment plans for each client, utilising specific combinations of therapeutic approaches to effectively address individual needs.
Much of the therapy takes place in groups, supported by individual counselling and facilitated family sessions with the client. Through groups, lectures, audio/video material and experiential exercises, clients learn about addiction and its physical, psychological and spiritual impact on their lives. They are given the tools to cope with the challenges of real life without resorting to their addictions. Relapse prevention forms a key element of the treatment programme. Here we help clients identify and prepare for risk situations that could threaten their recovery.
Specific individual psychological issues that may interfere with recovery are identified and worked with.
Experience tells us that while it may be difficult to stop our addictive behaviour, staying stopped is the real challenge. To this end, we introduce our clients to the appropriate Twelve Step Fellowship meetings, helping them begin a programme which they can apply, learn from and enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Stepping Stones recognizes that there are a number of co-occurring factors and addictions that must be addressed collectively to provide a holistic and successful outcome. In conjunction with our chemical dependency programme we provide programmes for co-dependency, compulsive gambling, and sexual addiction/compulsivity.
All healing includes a spiritual component - spirituality means different things to different people. Our team will assist clients define what spirituality means to them and to work towards enhancing this area of their lives. This is achieved through spirituality groups, meditation, beach walks and mountain hikes in our magnificent natural surroundings, and through attending Twelve Step meetings.
Addiction is often referred to as a "family illness" because of its devastating effects on those close to the addicted person. Research shows that family involvement during and post-treatment is one of the single biggest predictors of a successful recovery from addiction, yet too often family members are "the forgotten clients".
At Stepping Stones, families are integrally involved in the individual client's treatment. Our Family Programme, assists family members to understand the dynamics of addiction and begin their own healing process. Facilitated family sessions with the client ensure a shared understanding of individual family members' roles and needs going forward.
Discharge Plan and Aftercare
Each client receives a comprehensive personalized Discharge Plan, which fully prepares them for sustained recovery. Key elements include attendance of our Aftercare Programme for at least six months and regular attendance of Twelve Step Fellowship meetings. Aftercare support is arranged for clients coming from outside South Africa.
Our Aftercare Programme is free of charge and facilitated by our Counsellors on Saturday mornings. Importantly, these meetings enable us to monitor clients' progress, and address and assist with any issues they are facing in early recovery. Clients can attend Aftercare meetings for as long as they wish.
Families and significant others are assisted with their own healing via attendance of a Family Aftercare Programme, and are encouraged to attend Twelve Step fellowship support groups.
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