London: The Causeway Retreat, an addiction treatment and mental health clinic based on Osea, a private island just 40 miles from London off the coast of Essex, is integrating three methods of mental health and addiction therapy for the first time in the UK. The Retreat will bring together CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Therapeutic Community style treatment and support it with traditional medication to create a more holistic approach to recovery for their clients.
People staying at The Causeway Retreat will be encouraged to get involved in the rearing of animals, fishing and planting and harvesting organic vegetables, as well as creating meals from the produce. The horticultural element of the clients treatment is part of the overall holistic approach to therapy at the retreat.
Marlon Bonas, the organic farmer recently employed to lead the organic movement will also be working with two new CBT specialists as part of the new holistic approach. Together with the support of the other therapists and Dr Mike McPhillips, Medical Director at the retreat, they are creating a more nurturing environment for clients to recover and develop at their own pace. This approach compliments other treatments on offer at the retreat and will be in addition to the standard clinical approach to mental health and addiction problems.
The Causeway Retreat aims to become a fully organic island rearing pigs and pheasants and producing organic meat and vegetables by September 2010, when their target is to become fully approved by the Soil Association. Once approved, the on-island chefs will use the produce to create a new menu and will again encourage clients to get involved in preparing the food they have been a part of growing. Its hoped that the nutritional benefits along with therapeutic points of horticulture will enhance clients recovery from the mental health problems they may have.
Brendan Quinn, CEO at The Causeway Retreat says We believe the islands tranquil surroundings have always helped our clients reach a more relaxed and rapid recovery but the new plans to go organic and become more self sufficient should really enhance this. We all know how good we feel from fresh produce and being at one with nature but were really excited to see how it impacts on the development of our clients. This teamed with the other treatments creates the perfect environment for a full recovery.
www.thecausewayretreat.com
