Our veterans deserve the best care and support available given their sacrifices to our country. Williamsville Wellness recognizes the unique and complex needs of veterans and we are aware of the limitations of traditional treatment. We developed a comprehensive military/veteran’s program that includes our high level of one-to-one therapy and modalities that address the specific presenting issues of veterans we have been serving for several years. We have veterans on staff who provide peer counseling and therapy.
The veterans’ treatment program at Williamsville Wellness includes the following components:
- Five to six weeks of residential treatment in a beautiful and historic home-like setting on a 400-acre wooded campus
- Focus on alcohol / substance use, gambling disorder or primary mental health (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anger, isolation, distress, conflict)
- Phase 1 (week 1-2): Addiction and mental health education, 10-15 individual sessions per week, full psychiatric evaluation, veterans’ group, holistic and mindfulness groups, nutrition/wellness, coping skills and stabilization
- Phase 2 (week 3-4): Family sessions, CBT and DBT skills, 15+ individual sessions per week, veterans’ group, trauma skills, career assessment, cognitive and psychological assessment, interpersonal groups, psychiatric follow-ups
- Phase 3 (week 5-6): Life skills, family sessions, CBT/DBT/schema therapy, 15+ individual sessions per week, veterans’ group, trauma skills, aftercare planning, physical fitness, interpersonal skills, psychiatric follow-ups
Some patients enter our veterans’ treatment program after being referred by a health care professional who, familiar with their situation and prior treatments, will suggest a treatment program as the next best step. Others come to us because they have tried other programs or approaches that did not work for them, and they are now ready to dedicate themselves to a new level of therapy. Sometimes, people just know that they are ready.
Our Addiction Treatment Modalities
Williamsville Wellness offers addiction treatment based on individual needs, focusing on the body, mind and spirit. Our therapy modalities include:
Therapists at Williamsville Wellness implement multiple approaches based on individual needs to address addiction and mental health problems. Therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Informed approaches
- Schema Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Group therapy is a commonly used treatment modality for individuals suffering from addiction. Our group sessions tend to focus on interpersonal processing, skills building, and psychoeducational material to promote recovery.
On-site*, telephonic, or video conference sessions with family is critical for optimal for long-term recovery and wellness and is consistent with our treatment model. Patients are expected to engage in family session(s) with the clinical staff. Through family therapy, loved ones will be educated on addiction and learn how the entire family can support the patient. Family therapy can consist of half day on-site visits* or online sessions and include meetings with psychologists, therapists, and peer counselors to address areas such as recovery planning, rebuilding trust, parenting, and establishing emotional safety.
Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a present focus on our thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and surrounding environments without creating judgment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. This is particularly helpful for addicts who have difficulty tolerating emotional experiences. Patients will have plenty of opportunities to practice mindfulness meditations in therapy with our mindfulness coach.
Work with a therapist to address issues surrounding the expression of anger. Learn and practice techniques for calming down and responding to feelings of anger effectively and assertively. Anger management is based on the premise that anger is a normal emotion when expressed appropriately.
Confidential testing identifies strengths and weaknesses of our patients, including an analysis of their personality characteristics and cognitive capacity. Testing is just one tool we use to help the patient understand the core issues leading to their addictive behavior.
Seeing others who have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction and have been able to live successfully in recovery provides hope and inspiration for those still trapped by addiction. Support and guidance from others in recovery becomes a powerful motivator and a beacon of hope for our patients.
Our peer counselors help patients understand the 12-Step philosophy and facilitate step-work with patients. Patients attend on- and off-site* 12-Step meetings each week while in our program. In addition, the 12-Step philosophy can be integrated into individual sessions.
For patients who are ambivalent about 12-step philosophy, Williamsville Wellness also offers a 12-step alternative program: SMART principles for recovery. The SMART series focuses on applying scientific knowledge and reason to achieve recovery from addiction, with less emphasis on spirituality. Patients attend on- and off-site* SMART Recovery meetings each week while in our program.
Our patients have access to an onsite gym to work out as part of a healthy lifestyle. Also, balanced and nutritious meals are provided by our award-winning chef and can be tailored to dietary preferences.
Patients will learn life skills, such as cooking and meal planning that will help support a holistic recovery. Patients work with our chef once a week in this group experience.
*Subject to change due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols
Aftercare Expectations
We believe that long-term recovery and wellness is gained through ongoing treatment and support. Our Team works closely with the patient to develop an individualized aftercare plan, including transition to outpatient supports, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), individual therapy, and psychiatric/medical follow-up. For program completion, patients are expected to schedule outpatient therapy and IOP.
