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What to Expect in Your First Week at CFHH

centres-for-health-and-healing-desk

The decision to begin treatment is a profoundly courageous step, a testament to your strength and resilience.

However, it’s also natural for you to feel uncertain and overwhelmed as you think about entering recovery, but remember, you are not alone.

It’s important to know that these feelings are all normal. Many others have felt the same way as they began their treatment journey.

You may also wonder what treatment in an inpatient facility is like, how you will settle in, and what you can expect during your first week or month as you navigate your unique recovery path.

If you are about to embark on a treatment program with us, whether you are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other emotional issues like trauma, rest assured the Centres for Health and Healing (CFHH) team is here to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

This article explores what you can expect in your first week at CFHH, including initial assessments, therapy sessions, and daily routines.

In the meantime, if you want additional help and support or are worried about your (or a loved one’s) mental health, contact our professional team in Ontario today, who will gladly help.

So, what can you expect in your first week at CFHH?

At CFHH, we take a unique, individualized approach to addiction and mental health recovery. We understand that healing is a profoundly personal journey, and no two paths are alike.

For instance, a typical treatment plan for someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder will be uniquely tailored to their symptoms and coping patterns, just as it will be for an individual who is in recovery for cocaine addiction or alcoholism.

Our adaptability ensures your unique needs are always met withย care, empathy, and compassion.

Whether you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder, depression, substance misuse, or a combination of emotional difficulties, we’re here to support you with a program tailored to your specific requirements and goals, and how you envision your recovery in the future.

In addition to the above, here’s what else you can expect during your first week with us.

We’re here to help.

Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals.

1. A warm, personalized welcome and a two-day assessment process

Young woman talking to therapist at session

Once you arrive at our centre, you will be warmly greeted by the CFHH team, who will gently guide you through a comprehensive orientation to help you feel more comfortable and settle in.

An essential part of recovery is getting used to a slower pace of life, particularly if you’ve been struggling with burnout, anxiety, or long-term substance abuse.

Our team takes a calm, balanced approach to your orientation, ensuring you have all you need before you begin treatment.

During your first two days, you will spend time with our intake coordinators, who will gently guide you through a comprehensive assessment.

This may include a detailed clinical, psychological, physical, and lifestyle evaluation, which allows us to develop a fully customized treatment plan that you’re comfortable and happy with.

At CFHH, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Each person will have entirely different goals and treatment requirements based on their symptoms, history, background, lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions, and our clinical team uses the intake process to begin mapping out the most effective therapeutic plan for you.

2. Tailored treatment programs

an discussing his problems with psychotherapist

Depending on the outcome of your initial assessment, your first week may involve developing a treatment plan that draws on various evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches.

This plan will help you explore and address the underlying causes of your mental health challenges and what may have brought you to treatment.

For instance, if you struggle with a substance use disorder, we will look at building a treatment plan that focuses on specific approaches like trauma-informed treatment, behavioural therapy, group support, and medical detox, which are highly effective in addressing these types of issues.

Among many things, this approach allows you to explore what may be driving your substance use.

For instance, you may find it helpful to know that a lot of research has found a strong connection between substance abuse and other addictions like compulsive gambling with traumatic experiences.

In fact, a recent report showed that around 50% of individuals with substance use disorders have experienced at least one trauma or adverse experience in their lifetime. (World Metrics, Trauma And Addiction Statistics, Alexander Eser, January 2025).

Our team will work with you to build a combination of therapeutic approaches into your program, such as behavioural therapy and trauma-focused work, to help you better understand the root cause of your addiction and learn how to manage any triggers or cravings that may arise during (and after) treatment.

Trauma treatment 

Trauma-informed treatment is a highly effective approach in helping individuals reprocess difficult memories and experiences from their past, allowing them to release any stored tension from the body.

Behavioural therapy

Behavioural therapies like CBT and DBT can help those in recovery explore and address any maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns that may cause or exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or substance use.

These approaches also look at unhelpful coping patterns that may no longer serve you, enabling you to develop healthier alternatives to managing stress and overwhelm.

Our multidisciplinary team works together across various disciplines to support your emotional, psychological, and physical recovery to ensure the best care and treatment outcome possible.

3. Daily routine and therapeutic structure

Senior Woman Sharing Mental Health Struggles with Psychologist

Structure and routine both play an integral role in recovery.

As you begin to adjust to life at CFHH, you’ll be gently introduced to your treatment plan and daily routine.

This may include a combination of the following:

Individual therapy

At CFHH, individual therapy typically involves meeting with one of our specialist counsellors in a one-to-one setting to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your mental health or treatment plan.

This can be a good way to start treatment as you can establish a set of therapeutic goals and agree on specific patterns or issues you would like to address as you build a relationship with your therapist or counsellor.

As you move through the therapeutic process, your therapist may ask you to discuss your symptoms and when they began. 

You may also explore specific coping mechanisms you can apply immediately and establish a plan to help you manage your symptoms and associated beliefs in the future.

Group therapy

people hugging smiling man with alcohol addiction during group therapy

These sessions are a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and share your experiences with those who may have walked a similar path.

Group therapy may seem daunting initially, and it may take a while to join in or feel comfortable enough to open up to strangers.

However, as time goes by and you begin to feel more at ease, these sessions can help you develop a sense of connection and belonging, both of which are essential to establishing a sense of safety and balance within yourself and the world around you.

Remember, addiction often begins in isolation, but healing occurs in connection, making group therapy and peer support an essential part of recovery.

Holistic practices

Yoga and meditation are significant approaches often used in our recovery programs at CFHH, and you can expect to be offered these practices as part of your treatment plan.

Many of our clients benefit from these practices, as they help them establish a sense of inner balance, presence, and connection to their bodies, which can be instrumental in recovery.

When practised regularly, yoga and meditation can be a nice way to anchor safety in the body while calmly observing your thoughts instead of judging them.

Recreational activities and wellness time

The first week in a new environment can be unsettling for many.

However, our treatment centre in Ontario offers a peaceful and private sanctuary where you can enjoy 110 acres of expansive green lawns, tranquil woodlands, and mature gardens. 

These elements help create a calming, natural environment that supports emotional and physical healing.

During their first week, many clients find relaxing in our stunning outdoor spaces between treatments helpful in getting used to the new structure and routines.

These include our shaded lakeside gazebo and a serene wooden jetty – both perfect spots for individuals to unwind and reflect on their healing journey so far.

With fresh air, gentle sunshine, and room to move the body, our natural surroundings encourage physical activity and well-being, enhancing the overall recovery experience.

Activities

For those who want to engage in more physical pursuits, we have onsite tennis courts, personal trainers, and a state-of-the-art gym for you to use between treatments.

These exercises can be a great way to release any stored tension in the body and help reset your nervous system, particularly after intense therapy sessions.

Reflection and rest

At CFHH, we believe reflection and deep rest are significant aspects of the recovery journey, no matter what challenges you might be experiencing.

Part of your initial assessment will be to look at specific lifestyle patterns, including sleep and nutrition, which will be incorporated into your program to ensure you get enough of both.

However, if you struggle with burnout or depression, getting used to a slower pace may seem strange or difficult at first.

This can be especially true if you’ve been living in the fast lane for a long time – it can take a while for your nervous system to feel safe enough to slow down, which is completely natural.

The same applies to individuals with anxiety disorder, where the nervous system is constantly “switched on” or in a protective state. This can make slowing down seem more disorienting or scary at first. 

Again, these are natural feelings to have.

Our team works with you and your comfort levels, encouraging you to take things at a pace that feels the most natural and safe.

Gradually, we will begin the process of gently moving you out of anxiety and disconnection into a more balanced state where you can get adequate rest and ample time to reflect on your recovery journey.

Remember, your path to wellness and recovery is about what works for you and what you’re comfortable with.

For instance, many clients often prefer to have their therapy sessions outside by the lake instead of inside the centre.

We strongly encourage you to do whatever feels most aligned with your treatment goals and whatever you think can help with your recovery. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.

4. Aftercare and support

medical professionals, counselors taking down notes for assessment

At CFHH, we believe that recovery doesn’t end when treatment does.

From your first day of treatment to the last, we work with you to lay the groundwork for lasting healing and wellness.

Our team will work with you throughout your program to develop a long-term relapse-prevention and aftercare plan that aligns with your needs and goals.

As part of our commitment to your long-term recovery, CFHH offers a comprehensive aftercare program, providing up to one year of support after your treatment ends.

This may include individual therapy sessions, check-ins, and access to various resources to help you remain grounded and stay on track with your recovery once you return to daily life.

Summary

Your first week at CFHH is about more than just beginning treatment; it’s about getting used to new surroundings, routines, and people, which can feel daunting for many.

However, once you begin getting accustomed to a slower way of life -more rest, time to reflect on and process your emotions and thoughts – you will start to feel more grounded and ready to begin your unique path to wellness and recovery, one rooted in empowerment, compassion, and lifelong healing.

A gift you owe to yourself.

To learn more about CFHH’s treatment programs, contact our professional team today for further support and information.

We are here and ready to help.

Your enquiries are treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect.

Take the first step toward healing with a private, no-obligation consultation. Our team is here to support you.