Testimonials & Statements
“...at times it can be a bit of a nightmare trying to live with nine others although it has taught me a lot of practicalities, but above all, trust in others and myself.” — Dave M (on living in a community)
“...House Leader and Deputy House Leader both play important roles within the community, lending support to one another which requires healthy communication skills and respect for one another. The House Leaders learn to delegate leaving the Deputy House Leader with the responsibility of checking therapeutic duties and house security. Issues that arise range from powerlessness, anger and frustration.
Learning to confront members of the community is not always easy, it takes courage. The benefits of such actions are a much higher level of self worth and esteem and improving one’s ability to communicate with others and learning to let go of the outcome.” — Matt D (on being House Leader)
“...a form of exercise that also calms that spirit and grounds you, leaving clarity and peace.” — Mat D (Qigong)
“...great treat, it’s all therapy really, something about going to a classy place, it’s nice to forget where i’ve come from, anonymity with Jo public.” — Simon C (The Relaxation Centre)
“...unblocks the grey areas where one hides inside self, touching the soul, bringing one into the light.” — Matt D (Transformational speaking circles)
“...Shiatsu massage reaches the parts other massage techinques leave out. After my first treatment I experienced a release in my middle back that was more than just physical, it was an opening out and seemed to release emotional tension. I’m really looking forward to my next one.” — Steve H (Shiatsu)
“...it was difficult and emotional in parts, but i’ve found it an invaluable way of finding out much more about myself, my family and what influenced my addiction. Without this I may not have discovered the peace of mind and self understanding that I do today. It demands a lot of courage at times but i’m really pleased i’ve done it…three times now.” — Dave M (on Healing the Family Tree workshops)
“...money management has always been a major problem for me, but being Housekeeper has helped me no end with this. This involved me being responsible for the financial smooth running of the house.
I have always found the stress of supermarkets unbearable, but because of my commitments, I have had to deal with this, and I can deal with the situation better. For me going into a store and paying for the items instead of stealing them has helped me on two levels. Firstly it helped me to get over my compulsion to steal, and secondly it gave me some sense of self respect.
The trust involved in this particular role in the community is I feel particularly relevant to the transition in change of lifestyle.” — Mark S (On being Housekeeper)
“...prior to coming into treatment, in particular Chandos, my interest in martial art was in truth based on a negative motive. It serves as an apt analogy in relation to my new outlook on life that my interest in Shintaido is now based on a quest and desire for inner calm. Shintaido, I feel, could prove an ideal medium for these desires.” — Vern (Shintaido)
“...I’m in a group not knowing what to say, and it all seems to turn out all right, not always straight away, just by having a go, between us it gets sorted out. Sounds really simple and it is, but it’s tough, really tough I can’t put into words the amount i’ve changed.” — Simon C (Group)