Residential Treatment
An Education and Awareness five week program is provided for those clients that request short-term treatment. This program allows clients to increase their understanding of the disease concept and the impacts of addiction in all areas of their lives. Self Esteem, Decision making, Relapse Prevention I, Auricular Acupuncture are a few examples of the program content.
Stage II Recovery Programming
This concurrently running programming has been developed to enhance services provided in Residential Supportive Treatment Level I. Our goal is to support women in their continued efforts for personal growth. Each module presents a different theme in an educational format which facilitates opportunities for women to explore and develop and practice skills in a structured and supportive environment. The following modules have incorporated Best Practice and are delivered using a holistic approach, focusing on all aspects of recovery: emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. The information is provided in a facilitated-group format utilizing didactic presentations, videos and/or relevant materials or activities.
Relapse Prevention II
This module is designed to provide clients with increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of relapse. We provide opportunities in a group format in which women can present, review and receive feedback from peers and staff regarding their daily or weekly activities and schedules. The goal of these groups is to help women identify their “Budding” patterns for successful interventions on the relapse track.
Spirituality and Wellness
This module provides an introduction to the concepts of self-discovery and spirituality. It provides a foundation of understanding of how to address emotional and spiritual needs. The underlying premise is that women have typically used drugs and alcohol to “fill an emptiness inside” or to provide a release from their emotional pain. However, the release is only temporary and so they return time and time again to substance-abuse to provide relief. This pattern creates the cycle of recovery and relapse. In early recovery it can often feel like “one step forward and two steps back” as women begin to feel emotional pain but have not yet developed skills to manage their pain without using. This module introduces concepts and opportunities to explore the value of having a spiritual experience or a spiritual community.
Family Dynamics
We believe that women we serve are important members of their families and their communities. We are committed to providing program components that assist women to address family issues and family dynamics. Women are provided opportunities to develop and practice skills that will help them to nurture healthy relationships at home and in their communities.
Women and Anger
One important area of skill development in recovery from the use and/or abuse of substances is the ability to recognize and manage feelings in a healthier way. Anger has been identified as a feeling that women may have the most difficulty recognizing. Shame and guilt (resulting from expressing anger outwardly), self-harming behaviours and depression are some of the consequences that women are struggling with on a daily basis. In a series of facilitated groups women have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to express their anger in ways that are not destructive to themselves or others. Women are provided with the opportunity to practice their new skills such as delaying an angry response, conflict resolution and expressing themselves assertively.
Community-Based Continuing Care
Experience has taught us that though many individuals do well when in a structured and supportive environment, the risk of relapse increases greatly when they re-integrate into the community. It is essential to provide continuing support to clients as they take these next steps and struggle to maintain the skills they have developed during their residential stay. As part of their discharge planning, clients are encouraged to participate in the Continuing Care Phase. This group is provided one time per week on-site at Vesta Recovery Program for Women Inc.
Rent-Geared-to-Income Rooms
Vesta provides a private room for individuals who have completed all phases of programming but have not yet secured safe and independent housing in their communities. Women completing any other residential addiction program in Ontario may apply to access if they meet the criteria for this housing option.
Seeking Safety
This new program is based on empirically studied, integrative treatment approach developed specifically for PTSD and substance. This program has specific units addressing a range of different cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal domains assisting women to develop "safe coping skills"
The Tree House Project Launched 1 January 2011
Seylor Bella Place
Vesta has secured permanent housing in Blossom Park, Ottawa. This three bedroom bungalow provides affordable rent for women moving into the Stage Two Recovery Process. Each women is responsible for a utility which will allow them the opportunity to begin developing a credit rating. Each woman will have the opportunity to go back to school or to secure full or part-time employment.
Vesta Recovery Program Inc. has furnished the common areas and the residents will set up their individual bed rooms allowing them the opportunity to save money for future set-up of their own apartment. Vesta also has provided a land phone for general contact and safety.
The long term goal is to support women as they develop employment skills which are necessary to earn a reasonable wage. Once these skills have been achieved, the women will be able to fully support themselves and move into individual permanent housing.
