On a beautiful mountain in rural Andalucia at the foot of the Sierra Tejeda lies our small retreat where we, Bob and Gerda, receive people who want support and or guidance in their recovery from addiction, breakdown, depression or anxiety.
We know from our own life experiences that living with these kind of conditions wears and weakens us. Over time it becomes more and more difficult to suppress feelings, to manage high stress levels or to try to fill the void in us without losing the grip on our life and health. A wake-up call, a so-called 'rock bottom' or a 'dark night of the soul', can make us decide to embark on the journey from darkness to light.
"The secret of change is to put all of your energy, not in fighting the old, but in building the new." ~Socrates
As many have experienced in the early stages of their recovery, we easily become swamped by the amount of change that is needed, and get lost. This can trigger us to fall back into the coping mechanism that we just have turned away from.
We can also get stuck later in the process, when we are on the mend, but not happy and might start to skip the very practices that we have taken on to support our recovery. This can lead to a fall-back in old behavior, so, as soon as we become aware of that or notice that old patterns re-emerge, we have to intervene.
Together we are 25 years in active recovery from addiction and depression, so we can draw from a lot of experience, various recovery programs and spiritual teachings to offer you a varied and thorough program that allows you to structure and manage your ongoing recovery. Learning how your new life is meant to be lived, can only be discovered by yourself. We are here to inspire, guide and support you on your journey, offering you a safe, sober and nurturing environment.
We can also get stuck later in the process, when we are on the mend, but not happy and might start to skip the very practices that we have taken on to support our recovery. This can lead to a fall-back in old behavior, so, as soon as we become aware of that or notice that old patterns re-emerge, we have to intervene.
Together we are 25 years in active recovery from addiction and depression, so we can draw from a lot of experience, various recovery programs and spiritual teachings to offer you a varied and thorough program that allows you to structure and manage your ongoing recovery. Learning how your new life is meant to be lived, can only be discovered by yourself. We are here to inspire, guide and support you on your journey, offering you a safe, sober and nurturing environment.
WHAT WE OFFER:
You can opt to stay with us for a short, intensive program or to stay for a longer time with or without your partner.
The INTENSIVE PROGRAM that we can offer you has a threefold purpose:
HALF DAYS WEEK PROGRAM
You may come with an issue you want to get more clarity about but like to enjoy leisure time as well? If that is the case, we can offer you a full morning program that leaves you free after lunch.
Every guest brings their specific needs with them, which implies that we can not say in advance what the program exactly will look like. We make use of walks and ceremonies in nature, yoga, expressive movement, guided meditations and visualisations, in-depth research on your stories, energy-healing and motivational interviewing among others. We work intuitively and jointly assess what is needed in the moment.
LONG STAYS (10 days or longer)
A longer stay is in many cases recommended if you want to develop a healthy routine. We start in the morning with yoga and meditation, prepare breakfast together and in the course of the morning there is a workshop, wisdom talk or activity planned. After taking care of the lunch you have the time to yourself and you can book a massage or treatment, go for an excursion or relax in the hammock. In the evening we offer a light snack/meal.
The INTENSIVE PROGRAM that we can offer you has a threefold purpose:
- by being in a natural, inspiring and supportive environment we lay the foundation for a daily routine of healthy eating, light exercise, meditation and keeping a journal;
- to prepare the path to reconnect with your essence, so that healing can take place and you can make choices that match your true values and goals;
- defining your goals and creating a plan that supports this.
HALF DAYS WEEK PROGRAM
You may come with an issue you want to get more clarity about but like to enjoy leisure time as well? If that is the case, we can offer you a full morning program that leaves you free after lunch.
Every guest brings their specific needs with them, which implies that we can not say in advance what the program exactly will look like. We make use of walks and ceremonies in nature, yoga, expressive movement, guided meditations and visualisations, in-depth research on your stories, energy-healing and motivational interviewing among others. We work intuitively and jointly assess what is needed in the moment.
LONG STAYS (10 days or longer)
A longer stay is in many cases recommended if you want to develop a healthy routine. We start in the morning with yoga and meditation, prepare breakfast together and in the course of the morning there is a workshop, wisdom talk or activity planned. After taking care of the lunch you have the time to yourself and you can book a massage or treatment, go for an excursion or relax in the hammock. In the evening we offer a light snack/meal.
"Still I rise." ~Maya Angelou
During your stay you have our guesthouse at your disposal, so that you can be by yourself in your spare time. As nutrition has an important role in recovery, we prepare the wholesome meals together. The daily chores in and around the house we distribute in between the activities. We are always available for you throughout your stay.
We want to emphasize that we are not a rehabilitation center nor crisis therapists,
but when you just have come out of rehab then our program might be very useful for you.
If you are suffering with serious mental health conditions,
then we strongly suggest to seek the advice of a medical professional.
but when you just have come out of rehab then our program might be very useful for you.
If you are suffering with serious mental health conditions,
then we strongly suggest to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Our approach is totally compatible with other effective recovery programs as e.g. 12 Steps, SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery.
We offer a 45 minutes Skype session to ask your questions and to get a first impression of us. When you are interested, please send us a message.
"Healing is a continuous process of acceptance, reorientation, change and compassion
for the perfectly imperfect beings that we are." ~ Gerda
for the perfectly imperfect beings that we are." ~ Gerda
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