About Peniel - Treatment

Orientation

The first step is a thorough intake process to collect important data that will determine the specific needs of each client and the approach that will ultimately work best for him/her. This initial orientation phase lasts approximately 30 days - since the client has stopped the use of drugs and is becoming acclimated to their new environment, this first month is a critical period of transition for the client.

Phase One

After the initial 30-day orientation period the client reaches Phase One. During Phase One clients are assigned a primary counselor and begin meeting with him/ her on a weekly basis. The role of the primary counselor is one of the most vital played in the client’s treatment process. Clients present problems so that the counselor can create an effective plan of action. Counselors take on the task of motivating and directing their counselee to work toward positive goals. The counselor teaches the client to work through their problems so that he/ she will take responsibility for their actions and learn to face adversity head on. Once the client grasps this concept then and only then can real change begin to take place.

Phase Two

In this phase the client continues identifying areas that are a hazard to his/ her sobriety and utilize practical methods by demonstrating the objectives he/ she is learning and receiving additional responsibilities.

Additionally, in this phase the client is expected to demonstrate some of the objectives he/she has learned by accepting additional responsibilities that are assigned by their counselor and/or other staff members.

Specifically, in this phase the client is assigned Big Brother/Sister duties. In this role, the client is asked to take on the duty of mentoring a new client who is entering the Orientation phase. The tenured client is tasked with helping the new client become acclimated with Peniel Policy and comfortable with residential living at Peniel.

Phase Three

During this phase, the client is expected to continue demonstrating what he/ she is being taught by indicating positive behavior with integrity. To help accompany this goal the following are introduced:

Group Leadership Training begins. This training prepares the client to take on an active leadership role, under the direct guidance of staff, to develop Christian character and personal integrity; to develop leadership skills, to provide opportunities for the client to learn and to become a servant leader; to inform staff of problem areas within the dorm area and among other residents and to be attentive and supportive of others needs. Group Leaders relate to others the ultimate goal of sobriety and influences his/ her peers to do what is right.

In addition, a home pass is incorporated into the client’s treatment with the purpose of allowing the client and counselor an opportunity to evaluate his/ her treatment progress thus far by placing him/ her in a different, yet safe setting. This allows the client to recognize new triggers that had not been previously addressed. Clients are eligible only after they have been in treatment for a minimum of seven months and have reached Phase Three. Clients are required to pre-submit to their counselor a detailed itinerary identifying what he/ she will be doing, where they will be going, and people they plan to come in contact with. Itineraries are to be carefully developed and strictly adhered to; disciplinary action will ensue if clients do not follow to their designed plan.

Phase Four

This phase serves a dual purpose. The first purpose of Phase Four is to teach the client valid and effective means of Relapse Prevention. Relapse Prevention gives the client the tools he/ she will need to stay sober upon completing Peniel. With additional group therapy and individual counseling geared towards preventing relapse, clients will be prepared to re-enter society and live sober and productive lives.

Second, the client is assigned a preceptor position. This is a tool used to train clients to effectively re-enter the work force. By providing an opportunity for him/ her to demonstrate the ability to be on time and learn new skills, clients are ready to perform job applications and exemplify positive work behavior. Each preceptor is monitored by staff and is expected to fulfill their duties as a Group Leader and other responsibilities he/ she may have in the dormitory. The preceptor position offers the client a balance so that he/ she can learn how to effectively manage work, home, and self.