When people look for the right substance abuse treatment program, they often examine the various medical aspects. However, one of the most important pieces is staffing. With a caring staff, clients can get even further with their recovery than they may have ever expected.
What Does it Mean to Have a Caring Staff?
One of the hardest parts of running a successful recovery program is finding caring staff. Considering the fact that there is an abundance of qualified medical professionals, the question is not always about qualifications. In fact, even with all the proper qualifications, it is important that individuals care about their job and the clients in their care.
Properly Staffing Outpatient Programs
With all of this in mind, what are the qualifications that make someone a great staff member? Some qualities may include:
- Patience
- Compassion
- Good listening skills
- Strong communication skills
- Able to put patients at ease
When a staff member has these skills, it can make the difference between a decent program and a program that changes people’s worldviews.
Some treatment programs employ others in recovery and even former clients as part of their staff. This has the effect of bringing in someone who is not only qualified but who clients can relate to directly. People want to be able to talk to people who have been in the same position. That means that staff members who have been through treatment will have relevant experience that others may not.
Caring Staff and Their Interactions With Clients
Now that we have looked at what is expected of the staff, it is important to look at what it looks like when staff and clients actually interact.
Individual Therapy
When a client enters into the one-on-one situation of individual therapy, there must be a level of trust. This may not be established immediately as people may be reticent to share personal information with a stranger. However, when a staff member is able to show that they are caring and trustworthy, the client is more likely to open up.
As these sessions progress, the client will be asked to share more information, delve into their own trauma, and confront their demons. They will also be asked to listen to advice, take criticism, and allow someone else to take the reigns of their care. It is a delicate situation that can be seriously impacted at any point should the trust be broken. A caring staff member will be able to recognize when things are getting to be too much, when sessions have achieved their goals, and when clients are ready to proceed to the next steps.
Group Therapy
The relationship between staff and client takes on a different feeling in a group therapy setting. In this setting, clients are put together to hash out a number of issues as a group rather than one-on-one with a counselor. Due to this change, the role of the staff member changes as well. No longer are they the confidante. Now they are the facilitators of a conversation between clients.
The goal of group therapy is to have clients feel comfortable speaking about their issues with others. At the same time, they need to be able to learn how to accept constructive criticism and advice. In some ways, the best staff members are the ones who can step back and watch the socialization play itself out. They will jump in as needed and even steer the conversation. However, in the end, they are there to observe and make sure that each person gets the chance to speak and be heard by the group.
Non-Traditional Therapy
One thing that staff understands about their clients is the need for a different type of therapy. That is why West Coast Recovery offers a variety of non-traditional therapy options for clients. These options allow staff to tackle a completely different side of their client’s psyche. Through activities such as yoga and meditation, staff leads clients through a more introspective aspect of their care.
For this to work, staff must be able to create an environment not just of safety but of caring and knowledge. They must be able to put clients’ minds at ease and guide them through a journey that, much like other aspects of recovery, may be different and a bit frightening.
How West Coast Recovery Centers Makes Sure to Employ Caring Staff
West Coast Recovery Centers understands that each client requires personalized care. That is why the staff is ready to help each person that comes through the program. Our staff is made up of a variety of professionals with years of experience who want only the best for those in their charge.
When inquiring about attending outpatient treatment at West Coast Recovery Centers, potential clients can always feel secure knowing that the people they speak with are representative of the rest of the staff. The program is poised to offer not just the care that people want but also the care they need at all stages of the recovery process.
Although treatment programs follow similar paths, there are some key differences. One of these is staffing. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we are proud to say that our staff is one of the best in the country. For them, our clients are the first and last priority of their day, and their interactions show it. Often, people look just at what types of therapy are being offered. However, the people running these programs are equally as important. At West Coast Recovery Centers, our staff has the background and training to help you or your loved one prepare for post-treatment life. To learn more about our program, call us today at (760) 492-6509.