Each client is assigned to a primary counselor. Weekly sessions allow the client to address underlying issues that interfere with ongoing sobriety. Together, the counselor and client investigate and explore subjects that may have led the client to turn to certain addictive behaviors. The counselor works with the client on identifying the underlying feelings that led to the behaviors, and helps him/her to replace the behavior with more healthy coping mechanisms.

Education groups are provided so that the client has a chance to learn about the origins of addiction, in addition to the physical, emotional, psychological consequences on the self. Groups focus on a different topic each week, providing clients with the opportunity to participate, share their experience, and ask questions. Topics incorporate a variety of subject matter related to chemical dependency, mental and physical health issues, nutrition and diet, physical fitness, as well as eating disorders.

Clients begin their day with a daily goals group, and end their day with a daily inventory and accountability of whether they reached their goals. Clients are provided daily opportunities in a group setting to evaluate and process past and present issues and receive support and feedback from trained therapists and their peers. They identify and challenge problematic thought patterns and develop effective problem solving techniques. Mental health issues that impact a client's ability to remain sober are explored.

Clients who have experienced trauma are provided the opportunity to process the events that occurred and recognize how they may relate to substance abuse, disordered eating, sexual impulsivity, mood disturbances, and other compulsive behaviors. If a client who has a history of trauma avoids processing the trauma while on the path to recovery, the result can be serious and lead to ongoing life complications, including higher risk of relapse. Barriers such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, feelings of betrayal, and trouble trusting and connecting in relationships hinder a client’s emotional recovery and impede on his or her ability to maintain physical sobriety or abstinence. We offer EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) in addition to group and individual therapy as a structured approach to resolving past, present, and future aspects of traumatic experiences, thereby increasing the client’s likelihood of success on his or her path to recovery.

With the help of the treatment team, clients will identify individual triggers. A trigger represents some form of experience that brings up uncomfortable feelings for the client, causing him/her to want to use substances or engage in behaviors to temporarily relieve the discomfort. Relapse prevention involves learning and practicing alternate, healthy coping mechanisms to use when faced with an uncomfortable situation.

Clients learn interpersonal and effective communication skills. Past and present relationship dynamics are fully explored. Family visits and sessions are highly encouraged to enhance family communication and learn conflict resolution. Phone sessions are also encouraged to keep families involved and expand the healing process. Addiction is a family disease, and often times each family member plays a part in the addictive cycle. Through participation in family therapy and individual therapy, clients are offered an excellent opportunity to heal and repair damaged relationships. Recovery is a journey that cannot be taken alone.

It is Ocean Recovery's goal to help clients discover that sobriety offers a whole new way of life and opportunity. Many times people in the grips of an addiction lose touch with their passions and stop participating in activities that once brought them joy. At Ocean Recovery, various outdoor and leisure activities are planned in order to reintegrate passion and enjoyment into residents' lives. Activities include surfing, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and other sports. As part of our program, clients participate in meditative physical exercise routines such as yoga, tai chi, kung fu, with an emphasis on healing and balance to clients to care for the whole self.