6-Month Core Program

We offer a 6-month residential core program that includes evidence-based approaches such as; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, and Therapeutic Community.  In addition to core programs; we offer therapeutic activities such as Arts and Crafts, Yoga and Equine Assisted Therapy to round out our core program.

Counselling and life skills are tailored to each individual, their needs and life experiences.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized for its efficiency in treating a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and co-dependent relationships. CBT teaches individuals how to effectively manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The thought management component of CBT teaches individuals how to identify and manage their own thoughts that can cause destructive behaviour like self-medication as a means to manage to solve their personal problems and emotional upheaval they are experiencing.

As a resource-based model, Motivational Interviewing (MI) relies on three key concepts: collaboration, recognition, and respect for the individual’s self and personal autonomy. MI relies on a therapeutic relationship between the resident and the counsellor using a non-confrontational approach of realistic and direct communication and discussion. This special and unique therapeutic relationship gives priority to the ideas and life experiences of the resident while respecting their capacity to determine what is best for them as they problem solve. An important component of MI is for residents to learn and to understand their own inner strengths and competencies which they will then use to have better control over their lives.

Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT) as described by its title, uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques like “talk therapy”, videos, TED Talks, open discussions and handbooks to discuss and explore ways to identity high-risk situations.  Triggers and recognition of these life challenges are a fundamental part of RPT, and it is used very effectively with individuals who experience challenges with obsessive-compulsive behaviour, depression and substance abuse.

Dunham House is committed to cultivating a therapeutic community for its’ group-based program.  Our residents live with each other in double rooms, eat together and share in all residential activities including household chores.    Our residential community fosters respect of one’s individuality and of one’s differences in a collaborative and support environment of group therapy, group activities as well as self-work.   Our supportive community is guided by our exceptional clinical care team and dedicated residential staff that encourage and demonstrate respect, cooperation and community living.

Typical Day At Dunham House

Our weekly program is designed to emulate a regular 9-to-5-work week.  Although each day of the week offers different topic lectures and therapies and individual counselling sessions are scheduled throughout the week, a typical day at Dunham House looks a little bit like this!

  • To start the day, a continental breakfast is available between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Residents are encourages to start their day with a healthy, balanced breakfast.
  • 8:30 a.m.: Chore time begins. Residents are assigned household chores every week to teach fundamental life skills and promote good healthy lifelong habits.
  • 8:50 a.m.: Residents are required to be in their rooms, as room-to-room checks are performed daily at this time. Residents are required to make their bed each day and to ensure their room is clean and tidy. A clean and healthy living environment promotes a clean and healthy life; a fundamental goal for all our residential chores and a goal for their own personal life.
  • 9:00 a.m.: Our communal morning activity generally starts with a vigorous walk in the surrounding countryside. Fresh air and light exercise surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty helps to centre one’s self for the daily activities ahead.
  • 9:30 a.m.: A daily meeting is held in the dining hall to discuss each individual s agenda for the day. Staff will inform those who have appointments (location and time) and classroom lecture topics.
  • 10:00 a.m.: Our first workshop of the day begins. This is usually conducted by one of the members of our Clinical Team, although sometimes other activities (Arts, Music, etc.,) may be the first workshop of the day. Our workshops are usually held in our large lecture hall which boasts state-of-the-art video technology including a 100+ inch projection screen that enables our staff to show videos, presentations, etc. to help our residents follow more easily our topic discussions.
  • 11:00 a.m.: Break time for those needing to use the washroom, smoke a cigarette (outside only) and just take a mental break from the morning instruction.
  • 11:15 a.m.: Morning workshop resumes.

  • 12:00 p.m.: Lunch is served in our main floor dining room; prepared by our professional cooks and served by the residents who were assigned the table service chore. Those on duty who were assigned the dishes chore are tasked with washing the dishes and putting them away.
  • 1:00 p.m.:  On most days, our 2nd workshop/lecture begins and is held in our main Lecture Hall.
  • 2:00 p.m.:  Break time.
  • 2:15 p.m.:  Afternoon workshop resumes.
  • 3:00 pm.: Free Time * Until Dinner at 6:00 pm

  • 6:00 pm.: Dinner is served in our main floor dining room; prepared by our professional cooks and those on “lunch duty” perform the same chores at dinner such as clearing the tables and washing up.
  • 7:00 pm.: Miscellaneous activities including local AA Meetings (Wednesday, Sunday), local shopping (Tuesday) and Movie Night (Friday, Saturday). Although optional, we encourage everyone to attend.
  • 11:00 pm.: Residents must retire to their rooms and prepare for bed.
  • 11:30 pm.: Lights Out

*Free Time is a time that is meant for reflection and for renewal. This can mean reading, listening to music, journaling, socializing or “shooting baskets” with other residents.  Residents need to learn healthy ways to manage their free time so they can continue to use those newly learned skills when they leave Dunham House.

Individual Counselling

Individual Counselling Sessions are held at least once a week as part of our 6 Month Core Program and more frequently in our 30 -Day Intensive Program.  Residents meet one-on-one with their assigned counsellor to review their progress as well as to discuss roadblocks and challenges should they occur.  Counsellors are there to oversee the integrity of our therapeutic program, offer individual counselling and can always be seen on an as-needed basis should a crisis occur.

Our counselling team is comprised of 5 fully licensed and qualified clinical staff; with over 30 years of professional experience, helping our residents find their own personal road map to recovery.

Professional, compassionate and caring, our Dunham House team offers our residents the best chance of success.

Meet Our Counselling Team