Clinical Approach
Our Clinical Model Genuine Recovery Windhorse
Program Scenarios
Genuine Recovery
Restoring personal and social meaning
The process of recovery from
mental disorder, or from any life-disrupting situation, can
naturally develop if the optimal environmental and interpersonal conditions
are
provided. Our human body/mind systems are intrinsically oriented
toward health and balance, but it is impossible to predict the extent
of someone's
future recovery of health. Any successful treatment begins
and ends with the caregiver's hopeful attitude about the person's potential
for significant recovery. This attitude communicates a sense
of trust
to the person that his or her experience is valued, can be
understood, and can be worked with. The art of basic attendance is
to skillfully
be with the person with maximal attentiveness and flexibility
through the stages of recovery. Experience shows that at some point
the person
simply begins to respond positively to the healthy environment
of the Windhorse team. At Windhorse Community Services, we place a
high value
on such a positive attitude of hope and workability.
Often the most painful aspect of mental disorder is the person's
sense of loneliness and alienation. One's basic connection to self
and others is in doubt and one ceases to recognize and trust oneself.
When a person who is suffering in this way is in an environment that
combines attentive care with the companionship of engaging people,
that person can begin to relax and be curious about his or her experience.
He or she can then begin to reconnect with a realistic confidence
in his or her mind and actions, which naturally carries over into
relating properly to the surroundings. This process can lead to a
renewed appreciation for what one has been through and even forgiveness
of oneself. These gains, combined with abatement of symptoms, are
the elements of genuine recovery. Reengagement with a meaningful
life is then within reach, which is the ultimate goal of every Windhorse
treatment.
______________________________
My son was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was visiting
Boulder during his first psychotic break and ended up in Ft.
Logan. I contacted Windhorse when it was apparent he would not be released
from the hospital in the anticipated six week period. We both
needed
an advocate to guide us through the maze of politics and personalities
in the various agencies that make up the mental health system
in Colorado. During this time of crisis and confusion, Windhorse proved
invaluable
in their knowledge and support.
They visited him in the hospital,
conferred with the doctors and mental health workers, did attendance
at the half way house
and extended a much needed long distance life line to me. We
have been working closely with them for a year during which
time they have
been
a great source of strength and encouragement to me as well
as to my son in his process towards recovery. They also provided
a house mate
for him for six weeks which allowed me to leave for an extended
business trip and allowed him the luxury of hanging out with
a grad student from Naropa. My son actually
improved during this time in part due to the fact that he was
totally accepted by a peer who included him in many of his
own activities. Windhorse has helped us to create a nurturing environment
with
a solid
ground for life's long work of healing.
– Mother of a current client
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