Our Philosophy
Since the birth of psychology, indeed, research has shown that healthy relationships are the foundation of health and well-being. We want to develop a healthy relationship with every client we have the honor of treating. The PCI philosophy: let’s build the healthiest relationships possible and use scientific principles accurately in treatment. We need, however, to use concept like “wellness” to guide our goals to live out our philosophy.
What is Wellness?
According to U.C. Davis,“Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.”
Many people enter into treatment for addiction or mental health issues thinking “I just need to stop using drugs” or “I just need to be less depressed.” The problem is, however, this is not how we work as humans. If you scan through the research on mental health, and addiction treatment outcomes, most people quickly relapse if they simply stop a problem behavior or gain short-term symptom relief. But why?
The cause of addiction and mental health issues are not just “biological.” Moreover, the cause is not some easy to identify thing like “My mom yelled at me as a kid so I’m depressed.” These kinds of incidents contribute to diagnosable issues, but are not the sole causes. Addiction and other mental illnesses, however, are born in a bio-psycho-social matrix of issues. Indeed, this is why we need a more complex approach to treatment.
7 Domains of Wellness
According to the research of Jak Panksepp, and many others, we have a fundamental need to play. Play is part of how we relax, learn useful social skills, and “let off steam” at every age…
We need connection to survive and thrive. Connection is the free flowing process of being close and “in tune” with people. This is similar to how two people stay in “sync” during a dance, or how members of an orchestra harmonize with one another. We need optimal connection, however, to have healthy relationships.
BioPsychoSocial
We seem to sit a lot nowadays; however, humans, like all other animals, are not supposed to sit all day. We have an inherent need to be up, active, and moving. Moreover, having a regular exercise routine, or regular engagement in sports, has been shown to be effective in helping regulate mood and decrease stress.
Rest and sleep seem similar, but the two concepts serve very different purposes. We need rest in the form of taking a break to go for a walk, listen to some music, maybe a quick nap, etc to let our brain unwind and get re-focused.
Sleep is a very important component in our physical, and mental, health. Believe it or not, sleep plays a role in regulating our mood, managing our metabolism, developing memories, and so many other vital body-mind “recharging” needs..
The last 40 years of research out of medical settings and university settings has been confirming what Eastern philosophy practitioners (i.e., Buddhists), however, have known for years: we need to be mindful in order to live a life “unfettered.” Having enough “time in,” or time to check in with oneself, is important for emotional stability.
Humans are complex emotional creatures, and humans need to have purpose to be healthy. One way to have “purpose” in one’s life is doing something productive, which can make you feel satisfied and accomplished. You can find purpose through having a job, building a career, volunteering, reading, or learning about a topic online. Part of optimal brain and, indeed, relationship functioning is having a designated period of time to focus on activities that provide purpose..
Who We Are and What We Do
Our Approach
The PCI approach is wellness-oriented. From the moment you first call until the time you finish your healing journey with us, you will interact with some of the most mindful, genuine, and focused people. We are all attuned to the patient’s recovery, and personal growth, needs. Because our treatment philosophy is relationship-driven, however, we believe that any interaction with a client or their family member is important.
Through mindfully compassionate relationships we at PCI believe we can help you, or your loved one(s), grow and recover–never rushing to “get someone sober,” because, on the contrary, sobriety is not the end goal. Sobriety, indeed, is a “side effect” of our end goal. Our end goal, however, at PCI is a lifestyle of wellness. This means having a balanced mind-body relationship that goes beyond abstinence, holding a job or other obvious ideas. Wellness, in the context of your unique life circumstances, includes healthily interdependent relationships, physical health maintenance, spiritual understanding, mindful living, honesty, integrity, and so many more important facets that make up our character or personhood. Moreover, we can help you fundamentally alter the way you see and participate in the world.
