Our Services
All encompassing Treatment
The goal of Algarve Recovery is to help clients recover from a variety of addictions; from drugs and alcohol, co-dependency, social media/gaming, eating disorders (post-acute care), and smoking, as well as mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, personal disorder difficulties, trauma and family systems issues.
Our belief is that issues with addiction and mental health are strongly influenced by adverse life experiences. By focusing on these adverse experiences or traumas, not only do we address the most fundamental aspects of the person, but it also allows us to address a wide number of symptoms and disorders.
Simply put, if you’re struggling with mental health or addiction in any way, we have staff members trained to address your needs. In the event that we don’t feel we are the best facility for your needs, we will still complete an assessment for you at no charge and provide you with referrals from trusted treatment providers whom we’ve worked closely with.
EMDR
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a highly effective and rapid method for healing the symptoms of trauma and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), as well as other emotional conditions.
When disturbing experiences occur, they are stored in the brain with the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany them. Painful emotions and the negative thoughts of the traumatic event are ‘trapped’ in the nervous system. EMDR therapy uses eye movement, sound and/or physical stimulation to activate both sides of the brain (bilateral stimulation). In doing this, it encourages the release of trapped emotions attached to each memory.
The EMDR technique carries out two important functions. Firstly, it ‘unlocks’ the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system and secondly, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
At Algarve Recovery, we work gently with the client, guiding them to revisit the traumatic incident. When the memory is brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced in a new way. EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their reactions. The EMDR therapy sessions continue until the traumatic memories and emotions are relieved.
Equine Therapy
What is Equine Therapy?
Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) brings horses and humans together. By studying the interaction between human and horse in a variety of activities, the psychotherapist can gather a great deal of information about how a client interacts with others.
This form of therapy is largely non-verbal and requires a great deal of emotional input from the client. It’s carried out in an experiential manner, which is highly effective for those who are unable to talk about their feelings and communicate with others. The horse will react to the client’s emotional state, offering insight and awareness for the psychotherapist to build on during rehabilitation.
Horses are prey animals. They have evolved to work together in a herd, and because of this, horses have learned to engage and bond with those around them. When you depend on a horse for practical purposes (i.e. survival), you are part of the herd – they depend on you to survive, and you depend on them. If one member of the herd is startled, the entire herd respond in the same way. For the animal, it’s a matter of life and death.
As a result, horses can respond to the emotional state of humans, without the need for verbal communication. They can sense fear, anxiety and respect, and they react accordingly without the preconceptions that exist with human interaction.
Because of this sensitivity, equine-assisted psychotherapy helps clients understand and cater for the needs of others, without thinking about themselves first. Oftentimes, people with addictions tend to consider and attempt to fulfil their own desires.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy helps people gain self-awareness and insight into how their actions might affect others. It helps them develop the skills they need to understand and interpret the non-verbal language of others.
12 Step Programme
What is the 12-step programme?
The 12-step program is a practical self-help programme established by a doctor and stock broker in the 1930s to treat alcohol addiction. They drew on various sources available to them at the time and developed a pragmatic, personal responsibility approach. It has since been adapted to treat other compulsive disorders, including emotions, mood-altering substances, gambling, sex, relationships, love, codependency, exercise, work, self-harm, online gaming and eating disorders. Alongside group therapy, it is widely accepted as the most universally effective treatment available over the last fifty years.
The 12-steps are a guiding framework through which a variety of therapeutic interventions can be woven depending on your needs. It works on the premise that individuals can help one another achieve and maintain long-term remission from obsessive and/or compulsive traits. Although the 12-step philosophy includes a spiritual foundation, it is not associated with any religion, which is one reason it is so universally accepted.
Relapse Prevention
What is relapse?
Relapse is a return to active addiction after a period of abstinence, is often stress-related and is devastating in its repercussions.
Unfortunately, the detoxification period is just the beginning. If the individual is to achieve any level of long-term sobriety they need to make significant life changes. Addiction, like many chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma, can be treated. However, failure to continue to manage the condition can result in a relapse of the illness and the case of addiction, a return to old behaviours.
Holistic and Wellness Programme
What is our holistic and wellness programme?
Our outstanding team is available to deliver a number of alternative strategies for balancing, channelling energy and self-care. We take a preventative approach to health and well-being. In our state of the art gym, you will have personal training, yoga classes on our glassed in platform with a view of the ocean, daily massages, and sound bath healing. Our aim is to help empower our clients on the journey to personal growth and emotional resilience.
Individual and Group Therapy
What is individual therapy?
We recognise that opening up to others about personal issues can be difficult, particularly if you have been raised in an environment where feelings are not discussed. By choosing to open up to a therapist you will probably find the process of introspection challenging, effective and ultimately rewarding.
Our aim is not to foster a long-term dependence on the therapeutic relationship nor to direct our clients in their lives. Our goal is to facilitate change in a respectful, non-judgemental manner. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, all require a level of willingness to progress.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a structured form of psychotherapy that brings together individuals with shared experiences or challenges, such as addiction, mental health issues, or trauma. Guided by a licensed therapist, participants engage in open discussions, role-playing, and activities designed to promote self-awareness, mutual support, and personal growth.
Benefits of Group Therapy:
Connection and Support: Group therapy fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation by connecting participants with others who understand their struggles.
Shared Insights: Hearing diverse perspectives can help individuals reframe challenges and discover new solutions.
Accountability: Group members often encourage one another to stay committed to their recovery goals.
Skill-Building: Sessions provide tools for coping, communication, and emotional regulation.
Empathy and Growth: Learning from others' experiences cultivates compassion and reinforces resilience.
Group therapy is a powerful complement to individual treatment, offering a supportive community for healing and change.
