Success In Rehab
I’m happy to say we do have many success stories here at our Malibu rehab center, and we make a concerted effort to follow up with people on a long term basis, as well as in the short term. We’ve had so many wonderful successes, and it’s thrilling when we get calls or follow-up feedback. Well, one in particular that stands out to me is a very successful businessman that had been in rehab—I want to say at least ten times before.
This last time was absolutely pivotal for him. He has been sober and straight, and has felt really, really positive for several months now. It’s just wonderful to see him blossoming—and his marriage is more intact now. His relationships with his children are also blossoming once again. That’s the success story that stands out to me the most right now.
Treatment Philosophy
The recovery philosophy here at Seasons seems to be very congruent with my own personal philosophy, and that is “Patients are first.” We believe in the power of treatment. We believe in healing and a shame-free environment, a very positive psychology approach. The power of each individual person to reclaim who they truly are at heart—that’s what we endeavor to do at our luxury rehab center.
Effective Addiction Treatment
I believe that our most effective resources and programs here, things that really stand out for the patients, are: number one, the art therapy program. Whether you’re artistically inclined or not, we find that art gets you in touch with that joyful infant we all once were, and you’re able to explore your own creativity, which naturally leads to healing. I’ve rarely seen that fail.
I personally offer hypnosis, which is another great tool that is a natural, simple way for getting in touch with the subconscious patterns that we are endeavoring to change here, so we bring them into our conscious awareness to make healthier choices.
Between the other wonderful programs there is the free time. The residents get to choose what they do in their free time at a Malibu recovery center. We have all sorts of programs where they get to go out in the community. They do fun things. They do miniature golf. They work out. They play tennis. They go surfing. They have all sorts of recreational activities, which, of course, are naturally healing. We have them sometimes go to the zoo to explore all other facets of nature, which is naturally healing for all of us.
The one-on-one therapy is also critical for healing, as is the family therapy. We all believe in a family systemic method here, so exploring all of that in conjunction with all of these other activities and programs is imperative. Every person’s package is different, shall we say, and they sort of self-design theirs, if you will, which leads to their path of healing.
Staff Profile – Dr. Nancy B. Irwin Psy.
I’m Dr. Nancy Irwin, and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I’m also a certified hypnotherapist. I use hypnotherapy for therapeutic purposes only. I’m not trained in stage hypnosis, even though I do have a background as a professional stand-up comic.
I’m not from here originally. I moved here because Hollywood needed more blondes. I made a re-invention into mental health because, as I always say, the road from comedy to mental health is very short indeed. I had a volunteer job in the community, and I absolutely fell in love with it. It waked up the healer in me, and that prompted me to go back, re-invent, and I couldn’t be happier with my career.
Path of Recovery
I think the most valuable tool that patients leave Seasons in Malibu with is the absolute awareness of the path that brought them here. We go for cause, rather than just treating symptoms. We have found, when we’ve done so, that our residents are empowered to stay on their path without being dependent on us or any other professionals in the future.
