About the Day Care Programme
At Charter Day Care we treat all addictive conditions - i.e. alcohol and substance dependence/abuse, compulsive binging and starving, gambling - through a comprehensive programme that is based on the 12 step model but that also includes other mediums such as psychodrama, non verbal communications and art therapy.
We work on the premise of what can be known should be known, aiming to interpret feelings and events to enable a better understanding. This is a programme where we support a change in behaviour first.
Initially an alcoholic or drug addict uses to escape or alter their feelings; this becomes a habit and compulsive using follows with a subsequent loss of control.
At Charter Day Care we promote chemical abstinence and work with each client and their families wherever possible to establish and maintain healthy boundaries and personal progress.
On a weekly basis Charter Day Care offers:
- Assessment - to ensure appropriate care plan and attendance schedule
- Day care addiction programme
- Relapse prevention programme
- Group therapy
- One to one therapy
- Family therapy
- Relationship counselling
- Aftercare
- Refresher days
- Lectures and workshops
- Intervention (on/off site)
- Range of external resources (incl psychiatric, nutritional, residential and detox)
Aftercare
Charter is situated in one of the most convenient and well known locations in the country and is firmly established as a positive link and bridge to normal living for people in recovery from all forms of addiction, including drug dependence, alcohol abuse, eating disorders and compulsive behaviours.
Although referrals to our aftercare facility come from a variety of sources throughout the UK we continue to have a regular flow of people returning from Treatment Centres abroad. Not only is it necessary, but extremely beneficial for them to have ongoing support on their home territory.
In this context our weekly CHARTER AFTERCARE plays a vital role. This discreet service is always facilitated by either Anthony McLellan or Mandy Saligari and co-facilitated by Geraldine Wateridge. The progress of the client is carefully assessed and documented in line with their Continued Recovery Plans and Discharge Summaries.
Food plans are monitored for people with eating disorders and abstinence remains the name of the game for the chemically dependent. Group members are required to be active in their recovery rather than passive and regular attendance to Twelve Step meetings is a given. Temporary sponsors are accessible for those in early recovery.
Regular communication with referral sources is essential and our door is always open to treatment professionals who wish to be updated on the progress of their clients. If you have not yet referred to one of our Charter programmes and would like more information please telephone for details.
Family Groups
Addiction is a family condition affecting how the whole family interacts. It can also affect how each family member performs in their own lives and in the relationships they seek.
Thus family groups at Charter are regularly available, either as a unit or within a group to work with other families experiencing similar issues. These offer information, support and insight to the families and friends of those who may be in treatment for addiction anywhere in the world.
These sessions aim to provide an understanding of this condition and the effect it has on the family member while at the same time acting as a forum where feelings can be aired and heard. Families are supported through the ups and downs of the treatment process irrespective of the outcome.
Groups focussed upon families provide guidance in what constitutes appropriate behaviour both around and towards the recovering addict. Self protection and appropriate self interest is the way forward. If treatment is to be successful then change is inevitable and this in itself will present difficulties. Family groups help with that transition. To establish healthy relationships, people must learn to reject the overriding family myth that taking care of others is more important than taking care of themselves.
Although it is common for families to experience a strong sense of apprehension around joining the family support network, in our experience these groups are immensely rewarding and supportive.
One 2 One Counselling
One to one counselling provides an extraordinary forum for you to explore your thoughts and feelings in privacy with the benefit of an experienced counsellor. The aim is to gain insight and understanding of your condition or situation, thereby facilitating tolerance and change. A valuable part of many people's journey, one to one work is particularly useful for those suffering from conditions where there is a lack of confidence, confusion or a sense of shame.
Our philosophy is that feelings are what we have the most of and know the least about; handle them, or they will handle you.
Anthony McLellan and Mandy Saligari are available for one to one sessions around relationships, family issues and addictive disorders as well as heading up the treatment team at Charter Day Care.
One to one appointments are also available through this site and at 15 Harley Street, London W1 with John Stewart BSc. (Hons.) M.Sc. (Psych.) MBACP and addiction specialist Sarah Graham.
Adolescent Support and Intervention
With the use of illegal drugs such as Ecstasy, Cocaine and Skunk on the increase, the availability of legal highs such as Snow Blow, Peruvian Torch, Salvia, and Mushrooms and the teenage right of passage to cut loose on alcohol, our adolescent population is growing up in a culture that can easily lead to self harm, drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Education, early intervention and work around managing emotions and building self-esteem can make all the difference.
Well established within the independent schools sector through The Mclellan Practice’s educational programme, Charter Day Care welcomes the opportunity to provide brief counselling, intervention, one to one or group work for the adolescent. Whether the concern is as a result of their own addictive disorder, or through contact with a family member, we provide a forum for adolescents to access the support necessary to foster a more positive and sustainable way of coping and of personal development. Any adolescent programme of support will follow a more individualised timetable/programme agreed with each family, or school as appropriate.
