Meditation Groups

For many people who struggle with mental health issues and addiction, feeling powerless in the face of overwhelming emotions is a concern. Overthinking takes people to dark places in their mind, and meditation is a highly effective way of breaking that cycle. There are practically unlimited ways to meditate, and our friendly team can help you find what works for you.

Learning how to meditate often begins with mindfulness. That means learning to stay in the present moment and put space between your feelings and your actions — which is easier said than done, but entirely possible with guidance and support.

Another way we can help you learn how to stay grounded and self-soothe in the face of overwhelming feelings is through breath work. When emotions run high, it’s common for people to hyperventilate or take short, shallow breaths. By learning how to regulate your breathing, you can gain more control over your thoughts and feelings.   

Life Skills Groups

Mental illness and addiction are the result of a complex mixture of genes, experiences and social influences. While it’s not always the case, lots of people with these problems struggle with life skills. Luckily, it’s possible to reconfigure your mind by learning skills and filling in the blanks from your upbringing.

The way we think about and speak to ourselves and others plays a key role in our experiences and the reactions we get. Plus, not understanding or having the words to describe how you feel or what you need can be extremely frustrating — and you probably won’t even know why you’re so frustrated. 

Process Groups

Process groups are indispensable in the therapeutic process because they teach valuable, actionable skills and help therapists understand your requirements. When you work through issues in the presence of others, you learn from them and discover the power of speaking your truth. Hearing about other people’s struggles can be eye-opening, helping you understand yourself from a different perspective and develop empathic skills.

Another style of process group we oversee is psychoeducational classes. Learning about the processes and mechanisms in your brain and body that influence mental illness and substance use disorders helps you take a step back. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone — your symptoms are the result of dysfunction, and there are plenty of ways to help yourself heal.

Health and Wellness

Lifestyle plays a defining role in how we experience the world. Of course, a consistent routine, proper nutrition, regular exercise and positive attitude can’t cure mental illness and substance abuse issues, but they can help you manage your symptoms and feel better. Highly processed food and sugar are harmful to mental health when consumed in excess, and exercise is one of the best ways to develop physical and mental resilience.

One of the best things about our programs is that we teach you how to add structure to your life without being rigid or restrictive.

Group Therapy

Support groups are safe spaces where you can learn about addiction, mental illness and yourself, as well as sharing your story and learning from others. Opening up and being honest about your experiences and how you feel isn’t easy, and it’s a learning process. At Alta Loma, group therapy is a nonjudgmental space where you can learn about yourself and your peers and gain insight into what drives people to behave in certain ways.

Outside of Group Therapy, residents can choose between NAMI connection and 12-step groups, and other peer support groups.

Individual Therapy

Last but by no means least is individual therapy, overseen by our skilled and experienced team of qualified professionals. Every week, residents have at least two one-on-one therapy sessions with their primary therapist, plus at least one psychiatric session.

During these sessions, you talk about your upbringing, life experiences and goals. Together with a mental health professional, you identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to help you manage and move through difficulties.