At Soberman’s Estate, our commencement stone ceremonies mark the incredibly transformative journey of each of our clients. These ceremonies are more than just the end of treatment—they symbolize rebirth, newfound strength, and the beginning of a life rooted in sobriety and purpose.
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The Power of Commencement Ceremonies at Soberman’s Estate
Topics: Treatment, Recovery, Alumni, Soberman's Estate, Healthy, mindfulness
How Horses Support the Journey from PTSD to Post-Traumatic Growth
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like a dark cloud that lingers long after a traumatic experience, affecting one’s ability to function or find joy in life. Yet, there is a powerful and lesser-known possibility beyond PTSD: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is the positive psychological change that occurs as a result of struggling with traumatic experiences. It’s the ability to find new strength, purpose, and appreciation for life. One transformative tool for guiding people on this journey is equine-assisted coaching, where horses play an extraordinary role in the healing process. Soberman's Estate has horses on site and the clients participate in three Equine Therapy sessions per week.
Topics: Addiction, Treatment, Mental Health, Equine Therapy
Preparing for Life After Treatment: Building Confidence in Recovery
Completing residential treatment for substance use disorder is a significant milestone—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. As you leave behind the structured environment of a residential treatment program like Soberman’s Estate and return to daily responsibilities, it’s crucial to equip yourself with strategies to successfully transition back into work, relationships, and personal growth.
While it may feel overwhelming at times, this stage of recovery can also be deeply rewarding. Here’s how you can navigate this transition with confidence and resilience.
1. Establish a Support System
Sobriety is a journey best traveled with support. Before leaving treatment, make sure you have a solid network in place. This may include an alumni program like the one we have at Soberman’s Estate, a local or virtual 12-step group or similar recovery group, a therapist, or a mentor. A strong support system will be vital in moments of uncertainty, helping you stay accountable and grounded.
Action Steps:
- Join an alumni group for regular check-ins with others who have completed treatment.
- Find a local recovery meeting or consider virtual options if in-person is not feasible.
- Join a men’s group, or a church group.
- Consider establishing a relationship with a sober sponsor or mentor.
2. Develop a Daily Routine
One of the most effective ways to ease back into daily life is by creating a routine. In treatment, you likely experienced structure around your day-to-day activities, which provided stability. Keeping a similar routine post-treatment can help maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and encourage healthy habits.
Action Steps:
- Set a consistent wake-up time and include morning practices such as meditation, walking, or journaling to center yourself and become present.
- Plan meals, work hours, and recreational activities ahead of time.
- Schedule time for self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout.
3. Practice Healthy Communication
One of the biggest challenges after treatment is rebuilding relationships, whether at home, with friends, or in the workplace. Learning to communicate effectively—being open about your needs and boundaries—is essential to maintaining your sobriety while fostering healthy connections with others.
Action Steps:
- Have honest conversations with those close to you about your recovery journey and the type of support you need.
- Practice active listening and non-defensive communication to strengthen relationships.
- Establish clear boundaries, especially in situations that could trigger stress or relapse.
4. Return to Work Gradually
Returning to work is a significant step, but it's important to ease back into it. Prioritize your recovery first, and consider a gradual return to the workplace if possible. A phased return will allow you to balance work responsibilities with ongoing recovery efforts.
Action Steps:
- Discuss flexible hours or workload adjustments with your employer if needed.
- Set realistic expectations and avoid taking on more than you can handle initially.
- Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage workplace stress.
5. Continue Learning and Growing
Treatment provides you with tools for staying sober, but ongoing education and self-development are key to long-term recovery. Embrace opportunities to continue learning, whether through personal development courses, therapy, or spiritual growth.
Why Taking Time Off for Treatment Could Be the Best Decision of Your Career
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, success is often measured by productivity, ambition, and a relentless drive to achieve more. But what if the very qualities that propel you forward are the ones holding you back? For many professionals, the pressures of work can exacerbate underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, and substance use disorder. The idea of taking time off to address these issues might seem counterintuitive, but in reality, it could be the best decision you ever make for your career.
Topics: Treatment, Substance Abuse
Reprogramming the Brain: Understanding Early Childhood Conditioning
The Formative Years: Programming the Brain
The human brain is an extraordinary organ, constantly evolving and adapting to its environment. During the first seven years of life, the brain is particularly malleable. This period is often referred to as the "formative years" because the experiences and environments a child is exposed to during this time play a crucial role in shaping their future behaviors, beliefs, and habits. During these early years, the brain operates primarily in a state of theta brainwave activity. Theta waves are associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and suggestibility, making children highly receptive to external influences. It's during this time that foundational beliefs about the world, themselves, and others are imprinted in the subconscious mind. These beliefs can be empowering, but they can also be limiting, especially if they stem from negative experiences, trauma, or dysfunctional environments.
“During these formative years, individuals begin to build piece by piece the foundation of who they are. The direct and indirect messaging from care givers and environmental cues impact the stability of these traits by either confirming or denying these definitions, birthing confidence and safety in growth or fearfulness and insecurity.” – Jodi Stone MA, LPC – Clinical Director.
The Impact of Early Programming on Substance Use Disorder
As these early experiences form the bedrock of an individual's belief system, they also set the stage for how one copes with life's challenges. If a child's early programming includes messages of inadequacy, fear, or mistrust, they may grow up with a predisposition to seek out unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use, to manage these unresolved emotions.
For individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), understanding the connection between their early programming and their current behaviors can be a powerful step toward recovery. Many people with SUD find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage, driven by subconscious beliefs that they are unworthy of happiness, love, or success. These beliefs, often formed in early childhood, can create a perpetual state of inner turmoil, leading to the reliance on substances as a means of escape.
Reprogramming the Brain: It’s Never Too Late
The good news is that the brain's plasticity, its ability to change and adapt, doesn't end after childhood. While the early years are critical, the brain remains capable of reprogramming throughout life. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, means that with the right tools and support, individuals can replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones, effectively rewriting their mental scripts.
At Soberman's Estate, we focus on helping men identify and challenge these subconscious beliefs through various therapeutic modalities. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, along with other holistic practices are powerful tools in this process. These
methods help individuals become aware of their thoughts and behaviors, recognize the patterns rooted in early programming, and consciously choose new, healthier responses.
Steps Toward Reprogramming the Mind
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Awareness: The first step in reprogramming the brain is awareness. This involves recognizing the patterns of thought and behavior that are detrimental to one’s well-being. Journaling, therapy, and meditation are effective ways to become more aware of these patterns.
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Challenge the Beliefs: Once you identify a limiting belief, it's crucial to challenge its validity. Ask yourself, "Is this belief based on facts, or is it a product of past experiences?" This step often requires the guidance of a therapist or counselor to help navigate deep-seated beliefs.
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Replace with Empowering Beliefs: After challenging a limiting belief, consciously replace it with a positive, empowering one. For example, replace "I am not good enough" with "I am worthy of love and success." This new belief should be reinforced through daily affirmations and visualization.
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Consistent Practice: Reprogramming the brain is not a one-time event; it requires consistent practice. Incorporating daily routines that reinforce new beliefs, such as mindfulness exercises, positive affirmations, and regular therapy sessions, is essential for lasting change.
The Path Forward
While early childhood programming plays a significant role in shaping who we become, it does not have to define us. The journey to recovery and personal growth involves understanding and, when necessary, reprogramming the subconscious mind. At Soberman's Estate, we empower our clients to take control of their lives by helping them rewire their brains, replace limiting beliefs, and build a solid foundation for a future free from substance use.
“As an adult, if the messages and environment cues feel untrue, unhealthy or simply unwanted, doing the work to reframe and restructure these thoughts and messages is not only possible, but the magic ingredients needed release pain from the past and pursue happiness.” Jodi Stone MA, LPC
By taking the time to understand the origins of our behaviors and making a conscious effort to change, we can all create a life that aligns with our true potential.
Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.
If you or someone you know are struggling and wondering about the next step for receiving help, please call our Admissions Director for a complimentary consultation at 480.571.9742, or email info@SobermansEstate.com.
Topics: Addiction, Treatment, Soberman's Estate
Why Is It So Hard to Forgive Ourselves or Others?
Forgiveness is often seen as a noble gesture, a sign of strength and compassion. Yet, when it comes to forgiving ourselves or others, we frequently find it to be one of the most challenging tasks. Why is forgiveness so hard, especially for those navigating the delicate path of recovery from substance use disorder? At Soberman's Estate, we encounter this question regularly, and we believe understanding the barriers to forgiveness is a crucial step toward healing.
Celebrating Five Years of Excellence at Soberman's Estate
Just a few weeks ago, we marked a significant milestone at Soberman’s Estate, our 5-year anniversary! This special day was not just a celebration of our history, but also a showcase of the comprehensive and unique modalities we offer. We opened our doors to many local professionals, giving them a firsthand experience of the tranquil and healing environment of the Estate.
Topics: Professional, Treatment, Soberman's Estate, Event
Celebrating Soberman's Estate: 5 Years of Hope, Healing, and Transformation
This year marks a significant milestone for Soberman's Estate Men's Residential Treatment Center – our 5-year anniversary. In these five years, we've witnessed incredible transformations, shared countless moments of triumph, and built a community grounded in hope and healing. As we reflect on our journey, we want to celebrate the successes, acknowledge the challenges overcome, and look forward to a future filled with even more opportunities to help men in their recovery and personal growth.
Topics: Addiction, Treatment, Recovery, Soberman's Estate
Navigating the Journey Back to Work After Residential Treatment
Transitioning back to the workplace after spending time in a residential treatment center can be a journey filled with mixed emotions: hope, anxiety, and determination. It's a significant step in your recovery process, signaling progress and the start of a new chapter. Here are a few tips to guide you through this transition, offering practical advice and supportive strategies to help you reintegrate into your work life smoothly and confidently.
Welcoming Charlie, The Newest Member of our Equine Therapy Team
What qualities are required to be a therapy horse? Inspired by our recent addition, Charlie, I thought maybe we’d take a look into what makes a horse suitable for this important role. Born on June 28, 2003, Charlie, a very handsome buckskin quarter horse, quickly proved his natural aptitude for therapy work during his very first session. His journey offers insights into what it takes for a horse to become a partner during the process of therapeutic work.
Topics: Addiction, Treatment, Equine Therapy