I recently completed a 60 day program at Breathe. As it was my first time at a treatment facility, I didn’t have much in the way of expectations (knowing that what I saw in TV and movies was probably not accurate).

I knew just from the phone call that I was dealing with someplace different. Compared to the other place that I contacted, the Breathe staff member I spoke to was caring, passionate and interested in my story. I didn’t feel like a number at all. Once I decided to tour the facility, that impression continued. I was treated with respect, courtesy and understanding.

The campus where we ate, slept and attended non-clinical events is in a lovely setting. Waking up to Lauren Canyon mornings, misty and eucalyptus and rosemary scented, is a great way to start a day. Accommodations were appropriate; neither elegant nor dorm room-like. At the end of my stay, I had made my way to the property highest on the hill — the serenity and beauty there a nice “reward” for the work that I had done for myself. Food varied from cafeteria grub at the wrong temperature to tasty fare that you’d expect at a very good restaurant — apparently dependent on the number and type of guests in residence. No fault to the staff; the residential kitchen they use to create the meals isn’t up to the task at hand.

I think it’s important for me to stress the people at Breathe. I came to understand, from speaking to the other clients there with me who had been to other facilities, that this place was different due to them. From the Clinical Director down to the mentors on campus – most, if not all, in recovery themselves; I never experienced any treatment less than respectful and courteous. My personal therapist was outstanding. Group sessions were well thought out and executed. Psycho-drama therapy with the Clinical Director was (as my husband referred to it during our time at Family Week) — a “game changer.” None of this was “easy”, but I was here to recover, not have a spa trip. Each session with Parashakti, whether Soul Sundays on the deck overlooking the Canyon Sunday mornings, Tuesday nights of Reiki, Kundalini Yoga or Fire Breathing, one-on-one card sessions…was memorable, unique and completely inspiring.