Wholeview Wellness has transformed--and possibly saved--my life. I began attending all of their intensive outpatient (IOP) groups in December and continued until I began my dream job as a science journalist in July. Now I attend their evening groups. I would not have been able to get back to the place where I am able to excel in my career without Wholeview.
When I came to Wholeview Wellness, I had lost nearly everything--my job, my health, some of my closest friendships, my dignity, and any sense of happiness. The two things I still had were my life and my apartment--but I was barely holding on to both of those. I had been to inpatient treatment 3 times, residential 2 times, and this was my 4th IOP. I had been to the ER more times than I could count, and I have had therapists and psychiatrists in 4 different states. I had also been attending AA with diligence for 1 year. I was working with an exceptional therapist and psychiatrist outside of Wholeview Wellness, but I needed more intensive support. My therapist told me that if I did not get sober, I was going to die. Compounding my addiction were the diagnoses of OCD, PTSD, and anorexia. One of the last things I lost was an excellent job, where I was the manager of 23 Ph.D. and M.D. level editors, but I just could not stay sober for longer than a month, despite trying everything I could think of.
But the last thing I lost was my hope. I went through an intense grieving period three years ago after the death of my father, and I had thought that there could be no worse feeling than grief. But the utter sense of hopelessness I felt I would never wish on anyone. I began making plans to end my life. That's when I came to Wholeview.
As someone who works in science and peer review, and as someone who has struggled with a severe and life-threatening addiction, I needed something that worked. I'm so glad that all of the methods here are evidence-based. I could be called a treatment veteran, and hands-down this is the most helpful and effective help/support/treatment I've ever received. All of the groups are incredibly goal-oriented, practical, and applicable. I learn something new every day, and I can apply what I've learned right away. I felt great being able to see my own progress.
All of the staff here is just wonderful, from Roger, the director of outreach who makes everyone smile, to all of the experienced doctoral psychologists. I'm grateful to Dr. Church, Dr. Smith, Dr. Colley, and Dr. Genece for all of their help, kindness, and talent. I also find that the other clients here are very smart and motivated, so the peer support is invaluable. The psychologists here are hands-down the best you will ever find.
As I attended groups here I found that all aspects of my life began to improve, and I found my hope again. The therapists held onto hope for me when I had none of my own. One thing I really appreciate about treatment here is that their goal is not just to help you overcome your addiction--they want to help you build such a fulfilling life that you no longer need your addiction. That is something I truly have today. I have never felt better, and I have never been able to achieve this much time in recovery before!
Like many, relapse has been a part of my recovery. The therapists at Wholeview helped me to see these as "slips" that didn't need to turn into full relapses, and help me to learn from the experiences new ways to cope and how to prevent this from happening again in the future. They were also compassionate and nonjudgmental, so I felt comfortable being honest, instead of ashamed as I have been in other treatment settings. As a result, I learned so much from these experiences. I had several of these slips in the beginning, but they helped me to get back on my feet, and I have been completely sober/abstinent for nearly 7 months now--and happier than I can ever remember! My depression has completely lifted.
Recently one of my closest friends told me that there was a new light in my eyes that she had never seen before. I am wearing the same clothes, but she said I look completely different today, because there is a genuine happiness about me.
The office is a beautiful, comfortable place. And the coffee and sparkling water are just delicious!
Thank you, Wholeview Wellness, for creating this incredible program that has made my life so much better! I can hardly recognize the person who first came here to where I am today. I couldn't have come this far without you. read more