Family Program at Defining Wellness

Nurturing Recovery: Empowering Families for Healing and Growth at Defining Wellness

Understanding, compassion, wellness and balance are what we strive to give our clients while they are in treatment at Defining Wellness. The Family Program at Defining Wellness is designed to help family members and loved ones understand addiction and mental health issues and bring about hope and change. Addiction is a powerful force that has brought about disappointment, anger, hurt, shame and fear, not only for the client in treatment, but also for their loved ones. Family members need and deserve an opportunity to begin the healing process, as well as feel more confident and be able to support their loved one as they move along in the treatment process. The program allows loved ones and the client to begin to learn effective communication and ways to support one another and a healthy family dynamic.

Components of the Family Program

Psycho-education: Gaining knowledge about addiction, mental health disorders, trauma, family systems and healthy communication.

Interactive Communication skills: Participants are taught to use healthy communication skills and language.

Experiential Groups and Activities: Using a family therapy framework, the participants are able to begin to share concerns, boundaries, and hopes for the future. The client and families begin to internalize new ways of interacting and this process brings about motivation for change and ultimately hope and healing.

Family Group Process: A group composed of different families normalizes the struggles of families with addiction and mood disorders. Participants can learn from each other and be able to share their feelings and hopes for the future.

Individual attention: Family sessions and aftercare for the family are set up as needed to facilitate their loved one’s return to their home environment.

Family Program Schedule

The Family Program Workshop is Scheduled Once a Month and is a 2-Day Event.

Thursday – 6:00pm-9:00pm (Ridgeland Campus) Snacks Provided

Friday – 8:30am-5:00pm (Brandon Campus) Lunch Provided (Please dress comfortably and wear shoes to accommodate outdoor activity if weather permits)

Please note that attendance on all days is required to promote continuity and cohesion for the group. If you are experiencing any fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or other illness symptoms, please notify facilitator immediately. Directions & Hotel recommendations will be listed on the registration form. A link to registration will be provided by treatment staff of Defining Wellness. There is no charge for the workshop and is part of the treatment for your loved one at Defining Wellness.

FAQ

Are children permitted to attend Family Program Workshop?

While we have plans to include a children’s portion of the program, that is not a current option. At this time, persons 18 years old and up will be permitted to participate in the program. Teenagers under 18 years old but near the cutoff will be considered on a case by case basis. There are developmentally appropriate resources available for children whose loved ones have been in active addiction and are seeking recovery. Inquire with staff for such resources.

What if my family can come for only part of the weekend?

Due to the therapeutic nature and in order to keep continuity and cohesion, we ask that family members only participate in the workshop if they can be in attendance the entire workshop. It is a disruption to the group if people leave early. In addition, we start projects on Thursday night that we finish on Friday.

What if I’m interested but not ready yet?

Not everyone is in a place in their journey to start family therapy and that is okay. Remember, clients who meet criteria (see “Family Program Workshop Criteria for Participation” and “Rules for Participation”), can participate in the workshop at any level of care except detox. Some people prefer to wait until they are in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) level of care.

How much does it cost?

The cost is included in treatment. There is no additional charge. We believe that family therapy, with its systemic lens, is an important part of the holistic recovery process.

How do I register?

Once criteria has been met (see “Family Program Workshop Criteria for Participation” and “Rules for Participation”), staff will send an EventBrite link which will be how registration occurs.

What can I expect?

Participants can expect an educational and experiential workshop that allows DWC’s clients and family members the opportunity to foster hope and healing for all involved. Some components will focus on communication enhancement, boundary setting, addiction/trauma and the brain, family systems dynamics, and resource management. While we do not send out itineraries, more can be learned by viewing our website, reading through the EventBrite link once approval has been given, or talking to one of our staff members.

What do I need to wear?

Please dress comfortably and wear closed toe/closed heel shoes on Friday to accommodate outdoor activity if weather permits.

May I bring my loved one personal items?

Yes. Any packages brought must be pre-approved by the primary therapist and meet the package policy criteria. This is to ensure the safety of our clients.

Am I allowed to tour the campus and see where my loved one lives in treatment?

While you will get to see much of campus during the workshop, we ask that you do not go into your loved one’s room and instead, only stay in the designated workshop areas. We strive to keep a safe environment and maintain the integrity of the space for clients not participating in the workshop.

What are your COVID-19 Policies?

Our housekeeping staff sanitize our facilities each and every day. If you should experience any fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or other illness symptoms, please notify the facilitator immediately.

Please Note*

We reserve the right to edit this information at any time.

Family Workshop Criteria for Participation:

Client is in good standing (eg. there are no major, unresolved behavioral issues, client participates appropriately in treatment process such as gives and receives feedback appropriately and demonstrates adequate emotional control).
Client has been recommended for participation by primary therapist and Treatment Team.
Client consents to participation in Family Workshop.
Client and family members agree to follow Family Workshop rules.

Rules for Participation:

Participants must not be under the influence or intoxicated.
Participants will not be physically or verbally aggressive.
Participants agree to adhere to the confidentiality policy.
Participants must attend the entire workshop (both Thursday evening 6:00-9:00 pm and all day Friday 8:30am-5:00pm) unless released by Program Facilitator.
Participants may not bring in any bag, backpack, purse, etc. If a participant must retrieve a personal item (such as feminine product, etc.), they must notify staff. All items must be left in vehicle prior to meeting. Notebooks, pens, and workshop packets will be provided.
All cellphones must be left in vehicles.
Clients may not enter or go near visitors’ vehicles.
Any packages brought must be pre-approved by primary therapist and meet the package policy criteria (see criteria).
Visitors must follow vape policy having only vapes that are non-refillable, sealed, nicotine only (NO THC), disposable vapes, preferably Elf, Hyde, Lost Mary, and Geek Bar brand of vapes. Visitors may not share vapes with clients.

*Staff reserves the right to edit criteria and rules at any time.