Alumni

Not only was the treatment for my addiction invaluable, I never believed it would be possible to learn so much about myself! Another huge thing for me was rediscovering my emotions, something I had suppressed for such a long time. It was by no means an easy ride, there were lots of tough moments where I felt down but the professionals and my peers helped me through it, and I feel the pain was most certainly worthwhile for my long term recovery.

The counsellors were superb, and the supportive and caring staff made it a very welcoming environment. I can't thank everyone there enough for what it has done for me. It has left me with a stable platform and the tools to have an amazing life as long as I stick with the recommended suggestions."

Anonymous

I would often sit there to do my writing assignments, have the weekly private counselling sessions, chat or just ease my mind. It was in the magical atmosphere of that place that I had my first glimpses of serenity.

I’m an alcoholic. I knew I had this incurable illness and that the only way to survive was to not ever drink again. But I didn’t know how to not drink. For years and years I had tried all kinds of self help therapies, but was only willing to do stuff that suited me, to no avail.

Following six and a half weeks in a primary care facility, on January 22nd 2009 I came to Montrose Place. There the therapy, the daily lectures, group sessions and weekly private counselling, during three months gently and gradually revealed to me a way that was simple and easy in itself, but required my willingness to submit to a lifetime program, no quick fixes, no more doing things my way. Bearing with me in this process is something I have the clinical staff and my fellow clients to thank for.

After three months it was time to go home. Gone was the tranquil therapeutic clinic environment. Gone was the company of fellow clients: boisterous, kind, noisy, funny, cantankerous, friendly, quirky, caring, irritating, helpful, aloof, sweet, obnoxious, quiet, puzzling, sympathetic, insightful, wonderful people seeking recovery. I was back on my own. After spending a couple of days in a daze I picked myself up and went out there to do what I had to do. “Follow ALL the advice!” they said. And so I did.

It is going well. On December 8th 2009 I’ll be one year sober. Time did NOT fly; it was and is hard work all the way, this being ‘willing to go to any lengths’ to remain sober. It’s like taking baby steps in barbed wire shoes. But I have faith in the promise that all is already well enough and will get better, something I would never have believed a year ago. Every now and then in my mind I drift away to that south terrace, that magical place, and all that came with it, where I started this eventful journey of discovering myself and serenity. And then I feel confident that all is going well the way it is."

Anonymous

I am a Dutch woman, 54 years of age, arriving at Montrose at the end of February 2010 in the middle of the night. A new adventure had started. The next morning I opened my eyes and I was completely overwhelmed by the grandiose view from my bedroom window. The landscape where Montrose is situated is more than fantastic. From each window in the building I had another marvellous view. My bed and bathroom was beautiful, luxurious and very clean. Every morning a housekeeper came to clean and tidy the room completely; a good beginning of my stay at Montrose. The place itself was beautiful and well equipped. The staffs were very kind, nice and very willing to help in each new situation. My program started after the second day. I met with, what I noticed later on, skilful and well trained counsellors.

During 5 days a week there was a strict program for all the clients and it kept us busy for the entire day. In the evenings we had to visit AA or NA meetings which were very meaning- and useful. The program followed the twelve steps according to the Minnesota Model. This model taught me how to live a more spiritual life. I learned a lot about myself and from the steps I got much more insights about myself and about my (wrong) way of living.

The weekends were gorgeous. We were off the program to visit Cape Town.

I learned to love the city and I even miss it from time to time since being back in Holland. I learned a lot from my counsellor about how to live with an addiction and even more important I learned that I had to deal with this throughout the rest of my life. As my counsellor was a co-dependent, she was completely aware of what an addict goes through and how this can ruin your life completely. I followed the whole 9 weeks program and stayed two week longer to practice in daily life and what I had learned. I had time of my own and took some beading lessons in town, to learn a part of the African tradition. These weeks were completely mine. A new me; starting a new life, being abroad and preparing to go home to a complete new situation. I spent two and a half months at Montrose and I had a fantastic time. I made friends from all over the world. I learned to change my feeling towards my inner person. I learned that I was ok to be the way I am; that I am worthy person who contributes to life and other people.

When I returned home my children hardly recognized me.
I could say at Montrose I learned after a long time who I really am and how to love myself.
I miss the people there, I miss Africa! Wish I could come back soon!
Thanks to all of the Montrose people
They gave me back my life."

Anonymous