Program
(Before, During, After)
Prior to Entry
General assessment by one of our Therapy Team to assess your needs and the suitability of our program.
Medical questionnaire and assessment.
Identification of any detox needs and relevant process.
Nicotine replacement arranged with your GP (if you are a smoker and want to take advantage of this opportunity to quit). For rationale, see Southern Highlands’ smoking policy. There are plenty of useful resources and support services to help you get started with quitting smoking before you arrive at Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat.
On Entry
Medical consultation with our Medical Director or Doctor to confirm your health.
Entry interview with one of our Therapy Team to get a sense of your immediate situation and motivation.
Review of Terms and Conditions of Stay in the Admission Form.
Orientation to the facilities and program.
Weekly Program
Each week follows a structure similar to the following (with occasional changes when required). A healthy daily routine is one of the essential habits that you will develop at Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat and hopefully continue after your time with us. (Read more about our method).
Mornings begin with some kind of exercise, such as yoga, group fitness or boxercise. We also have a well-equipped gym, a swimming pool and a beautiful hill walk for times you choose to do your own exercise.
A morning group check in process is a key part of the therapy program, helping bond the group, resolve issues, and support guests to share their feelings in ways that are helpful for their recovery.
There are six topic group sessions throughout the week that are facilitated by two of our qualified therapists. These focus on specific recovery topics as part of Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat’s structured group recovery program.
Guests receive two individual therapy sessions each week. Guests are also offered, and sometimes choose to take advantage of family therapy opportunities whilst here.
Medical care by our doctor is available three times a week or as required, face to face. Our Doctor is also available 24/7 via telehealth if required.
Each week we will go off-site for interesting, exciting or fun activities. Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat is perfectly located for accessing an incredible range of activities, from world heritage national parks to acclaimed art galleries to stunning beaches. Read more about our our location.
Creativity and mindfulness come together with a regular program with pottery, Qi Gong, Meditation and Art Therapy.
Each evening, a group session which we call Gratitude and Goals helps guests to build healthy daily habits of making time for personal reflection, improving personal wellbeing through developing an attitude of gratitude, and setting achievable daily goals.
Sundays are available for friends and family to come as visitors. They are very welcome for lunch.
AA/NA meetings. Whilst we are not a 12 step program. We offer the option for Guests to attend a weekly meeting if they choose on a Sunday morning, alternating between AA and NA.
Activities you may experience include (but are not limited to):
Bushwalking
Gardening
Stand up paddleboarding
Yoga
Pilates
Golf
Team building
Gym Spa and Bathhouse
Meditation
Rhythmic drumming
Ping Pong
Tenpin bowling
Learning to surf
Kayaking
Cycling
Group fitness
Boxercise
Archery
Day trips to local attractions
Volleyball
Badminton
Swimming poo
Lawn bowls
And much more. Activities change depending on the season and weather.
Post Program
Rehab is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning.
We provide a program of encouragement and support to assist your successful transition back into the world beyond Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat and to help you to continue to grow with the changes you have begun here.
A strong aftercare plan is a critical part of having a successful recovery.
During your time at Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat you will be supported in the development of your own personalised aftercare plan, including connection with local support groups, networks and services.
Subject to certain conditions Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat also offers the following ongoing therapy options to support each individuals needs.
1. On-going Individual Sessions
These sessions are a continuation of your individual therapy whilst at Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat with your existing therapist. The intent of these sessions is to support you as you transition back into your home environment, work and community.
When: These sessions can either be onsite or via video conference. Your therapist will discuss a suitable time with you and send you a link upon confirmation of your subscription.
Cost: $175 per session, paid in advance.
This is not for couples therapy or crisis.
2. Weekly Aftercare Online Group
The weekly two hour aftercare group is a relaxed, safe and supportive space for ex-guests to share their experiences in early recovery. Participant’s are given the opportunity to reflect on their week and discuss any foreseeable challenges. The group is encouraged to give feedback and support. The group is hosted by a Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat therapist and follows the same format each week. The therapist will send you a Zoom invitation for on-going sessions upon confirmation of your subscription. Maximum group size of 10 people.
Cost: $50 weekly subscription only.
