Main House
This first phase is a structured 90-day program. Upon entry, each client is assigned a counselor and works with her to develop the recovery goals and action steps that will guide her recovery. Women participate at least three hours each day of educational and process groups. Led by Casa Serena staff and other community members, the groups help the participants focus on seeing a broader reality, overcoming denial and gaining greater acceptance of personal responsibility. Women learn about their disease and related factors, are oriented to 12-Step philosophy and recovery groups, participate in recreation and sober activities and experience the power of yoga and meditation. Individual counseling sessions are used for reviewing progress, updating treatment plan goals and discussing issues that may be too sensitive to be dealt with in a group setting.
After the first two weeks of intensive recovery counseling, women are expected to seek employment and begin the process of becoming self- supporting. Their self-esteem will be enhanced as they become less dependent on "the system" and begin to feel empowered by their efforts. Clients' real life experiences, and the feelings that are triggered while job hunting, working, going to school or volunteering keep the group sessions lively, immediate and relevant.
At Main House, special classes such as family therapy, parenting education, art therapy, career counseling and self defense are also offered. Main House provides Drug and Alcohol, H.I.V. and Hepatitis C testing and education. If needed, Main House counselors coordinate case management meetings with Social Services, Probation and Parole Officers.
With a capacity of 18 residents, Main House provides a structured, nurturing environment for 100 women struggling with the diseases of addiction every year.
