The Paëtzold Centre chapel
A group therapy session gets underway
Arts Therapy is an effective tool for many clients
Life at the Paëtzold Centre
When I first arrived at the Paëtzold Centre I was a broken man, mind, spirit, body and soul. Today I actually see a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' As I am sitting here writing, I have begun to feel tears rolling down my cheeks. Why? I'm healing and learning to feel. From the bottom of my heart, thank you a million times over." - Kenneth
The Expressive Arts Therapy program I have been attending for the past 8 weeks is by far the most unique process I have ever participated in. This program has allowed me to explore and discover the reasons why I run away from myself, my life, and my family to use drugs. I now believe and truly understand because of this program I am not a loser or a failure or a quitter, today I am responsible for change in my life. - Allen
Curious about life at the Paëtzold Centre? Here's what a typical day for Paëtzold Centre clients looks like: (TOP)
6:30 am |
The Paëtzold Centre day begins as clients rise and prepare for breakfast. |
7:00 am |
Breakfast in the dining room, followed by housekeeping chores in "group wings." |
8:15 am |
Clients present themselves for group therapy. This psycho-educational session with a counsellor focuses on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which addresses problematic beliefs and thought patterns. |
9:00am |
Clients have a 15-minute break. |
9:15am |
Group resumes. |
10:30am |
Clients have a 30-minute break and mid-morning snack. |
11:00am |
Clients attend a lecture session on CBT and Relapse Prevention with all other Centre inhabitants. |
12 noon |
Lunch is served in the dining room. |
1:00pm |
Clients attend one of a series of hour-long elective programs, selecting from the following: Relationship Issues; Childhood Trauma; or the ALPHA program, a Christian education series delivered via video and discussion. |
2:00pm |
30-minute break |
2:30pm |
Reconvene in groups |
3:20pm |
All clients enjoy free time until dinner. |
5:00pm |
Dinner in the dining room. |
After dinner |
Clients have the option of attending an in-house AA or NA meeting, playing pool, socializing or engaging in peer support in the recreation complex. Alternatively, they may take an evening pass into the nearby community of Mission. |
9:00pm |
Groups re-convene later in the evening for a wrap-up session and an evening snack. |
11:00pm |
Lights out. |
