Experiential Elements at Cirque Lodge
A number of different experiential elements are used as recovery tools at Cirque Lodge. In alcohol and drug rehab here in the mountains residents are not just told how to overcome their addictions and find recovery (though this is well covered); they experience it on a first hand basis. A lot of this is done through experiential activities. We get clients out of the group room and onto the mountains. They go on a hike, go biking, raft the river, and this time of year snow shoeing. With all these activities are lessons for recovery and chances for internal changes.
The most unique outdoor activity used in experiential therapy is the Cirque Lodge helicopter. Residents who are working their 3rd step of recovery have the opportunity to go on a private helicopter flight. Residents take to the air and get to witness this beautiful landscape from this vantage point. In the middle of this tour, the helicopter lands in a remote spot in the mountains. Residents are given this time to do some hiking, or just to find a quiet spot for some soul searching. It is amazing for those working their 3rd step (Turning over one’s will and problems to a higher power) to have this communion with nature.
Experiential activities are an influential piece to vital spiritual experiences. Such an experience can be the influencing factor in lasting sobriety. These experiences can come in so many ways. It isn’t always of experiential work; it can come from working closely with a counselor, or in an AA meeting. As a treatment facility, we want to afford our residents every opportunity to have such an experience while in treatment. This can be a foundation for continuing to work the recovery process after alcohol or drug rehabilitation is completed.
