Program Overview

Personal growth takes clients on a journey of exploration and self-discovery. This is done using group programming, activities, journaling and various reflective readings and cultural teachings. Some of the areas covered include:

• Setting treatment goals
• Traditional values
• Journaling
• Coping mechanisms
• Life skills
• Self-esteem
• Feelings
• Exploration ‘who I am’

The group programs on Dynamics look at understanding some of the underlying forces and cycles at work in addictions such as:

• Co-dependency
• Family dynamics
• Addictive behaviours
• Relationships
• Cravings and triggers
• The role of grief and loss in addiction recovery

Skills development assist the client in building and rebuilding social and life skills as prevention tools. Components of skills development program may include:

• Problem solving techniques
• Mindfulness
• Understanding anger
• Decision-making
• Handling stressful situations
• Relaxation techniques
• Job readiness
• Life skills
• Activities of daily living, like cooking and cleaning

Some of the skills development sessions are enhanced using videos.

The availability of relaxation techniques varies but may include breathing exercises, yoga, acupuncture, tapping (meridian points), the use of detox teas, wood shop, mindfulness, craft workshop, or physical activity.

The Healing Lodge also offers smoking cessation options like gum or patches.

All clients are expected to complete tasks around the Healing Lodge as part of building their life skills.

The Education component of the therapeutic program may include presentations provided by community resources, such as the nutritionist, nurse practitioner, community health nurse(s), cultural wellness workers, mental health counselors, and LPN. These are in addition to educational and information sessions facilitated by Healing Lodge staff.

Some topics may be introduced through a video presentation, after which the clients are invited to participate in discussion groups.

An integral part of how treatment services are provided, the Culture component centres around enhancing the client’s cultural knowledge and encouraging them to celebrate their Indigenous identity.

Ceremony is an indispensable component of Indigenous custom and traditions. Ceremony is an honouring and a means of expression of inherent beliefs and values of First Nations culture. Regular cultural programming is offered to the clients to increase awareness of their heritage, as well as to provide them the opportunity to learn about traditional teachings. The meaning, purpose and significance of ceremony are introduced.

Teachings are provided around the sweat lodge and regular sweats are held. Smudging is provided daily and clients are encouraged and supported to learn and to share their own experiences. We also focus on teaching about traditional medicines and their significance and lead activities, like sweetgrass picking, fiddlehead collection, and medicine gathering. We also attend events in the community as they happen.

Culture activities may include, but not be limited to, beading, ribbon skirts, moccasins, wampum belts, drum making, rattles.