Sponsored Facility
The Ohana Addiction Treatment Center
75-5915 Walua Road, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, 96740
What we believe about addiction and addiction recovery treatment:
-We believe that most addiction stems from trauma and that getting to the root cause or, the “why,” leads to healing.
-We believe that addiction is a complex disorder and is most effectively treated by professionals through a biopsychosocial approach which takes into consideration biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors.
-We believe that setting and environment play an important role in an individual’s healing. By removing triggers and taking the time to reconnect to nature in beautiful Hawaii, we optimize the individual’s ability to heal.
-We believe that individuals need a program that provides them with structured recovery support while also allowing them to practice personal accountability and stay connected to the outside world.
-We believe that one of the major issues of addiction is isolation which can be overcome through healing work that re-establishes our ability to connect and create Ohana.
Facility Highlights
- Dolphin/Equine Therapy
- Dolphin and Whale Sea Adventure
- Snorkeling
- Kona Hiking Trails
- Zipline Canopy Tour
Specialization
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
We begin CBT with an initial assessment to get a sense of the client’s problem areas and create solutions to achieve the client’s goals. We then identify the client’s automatic thoughts, core negative beliefs, and cognitive distortions. We explore why the client thinks they way they do and begin the process of cognitive restructuring. As we identify new ways of thinking, we apply these new thinking patterns to new behaviors. The client learns how to manage sensations of anger, anxiety, and depression and learns how to interrupt negative thought patterns.Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based practice that has been shown to aid the patient in achieving emotional regulation within their life. DBT recognizes that many of our emotional disturbances occur because we are emotionally dysregulated; we experience emotions intensely and they take over. A major component of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is the concept that two opposing ideas can be present at the same time. In relation to an individual dealing with a substance use disorder, the two thoughts may be, “I want to see my life without the use of drugs,” and “I want to continue getting comfort and relief in the most dependable way I know.” This type of thinking allows us to recognize what is and choose to feed energy into a path that leads to wellness.Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy looks at ages, stages, and the family system. In other words, we look at what stage a client is in their lives, what is their chronological age of development, and what role does their family play in their present life. Psychodynamic therapy looks at how various dynamics interrupted, “normal development,” for the client.Yoga
With this practice we will help clients connect mind-body-spirit through intentional movement and breath. Clients will learn various flows and techniques that promote relaxation, healing, and most importantly, an ability to be in the present moment. They will learn how to become grounded in an often fast-paced world. They will experience listening to their bodies; learning when to push, or when to pull back. This is a great practice that helps clients successfully deal with potential triggers and cravings as they transition back into their day-to-day lives.Mindfulness therapy
Mindfulness therapy is something our clients will use throughout most of their time at The Ohana. Our beautiful location immerses clients into the natural surroundings of Hawaii, creating unique opportunities for clients to really dive into their mindfulness practice. From group sessions, one-on-one sessions, yoga, meditation, and adventures on The Island, clients can expect to be practicing mindfulness throughout their daily schedule. They will learn how to achieve an in-the-moment, non-judgemental state of being that will help them deal with past traumas and future worries. They will be challenged to see things through a different perspective, and carry this perspective home to implement it in their daily lives.Ecopsychology
Ecopsychology is a relatively new therapy that treats people by connecting them to nature in order to improve their overall wellbeing. According to this modality, the human race has been stripped of connecting with nature and therefore the human mind, body, spirit, and community have suffered a great deal. Ecopsychology gets people back to nature - reducing mental and physical stressors, and increasing overall well-being for the individuals, and the community as a whole.Adventure Therapy
At The Ohana, our main goal with adventure therapy is to help clients develop healthy relationships with their peers. We believe that one of the major issues of addiction is isolation which can be overcome through healing work that re-establishes our ability to connect and create Ohana. By participating in sober activities and challenging themselves to conquer fears, clients practice skills and establish relationships that will help them maintain and create ohana as they transition back to daily life.
Facility Settings
- Beach Community
- Executive
- Luxury
- Oceanfront
- Residential Neighborhood
- Resort
- Wilderness
Meet the Staff
- Peter ShortsClinical Director / Lead TherapistPeter Shorts is a seasoned clinician who has practiced in the mental health and addiction recovery landscape for 25+ years. As an integrated practitioner, Peter utilizes cognitive and dialectical models, neuroscience, complex trauma, and spirituality to create an authentic healing approach. As a member of both the American Psychological Association and National Association of Social Workers, Peter continues to provide evidenced-based, trauma-informed, individual and family therapy. Peter brings a compassionate approach to The Ohana; striving to meet all clients where they are at.
- Lee FriendHolistic Services DirectorLee Jason Friend is a mindfulness practitioner and motivational speaker who has shared his message of sobriety through mindfulness and self-acceptance around the world. He is the author of New Thought, New Action, New Life which is a consciousness coaching tool that has been used by recovery and treatment centers to help clients have a better understanding of their connection to their spiritual selves. He is the creator of a life transforming workshop and The Ohana Tree, which has helped so many on their path of recovery and self-discovery. Lee’s gentle and spiritual approach to recovery helps those seeking personal transformation discover their connection to personal freedom and opportunities.
- Elliott SmithCEOElliott Michael Smith opened his first business at the age of 18 and by 21, had over 300 employees working at his agency. From a young age, he gained a lot of experience in leadership and management. Elliott produced over a dozen major motion pictures, but working in the industry did not come without its pitfalls. Having struggled with a substance use disorder on and off from the age of 17, Elliott found himself constantly retriggered. After various attempts at sobriety and treatment, Elliott attained long-term recovery after an intensive outpatient program helped him get to the root cause of his addiction. Elliott sees a need and a unique way to reshape the addiction treatment industry by providing extended care and removing the hurdle of having to leave everything behind to attain it. At The Ohana, Elliott is accountable for creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization’s mission, vision, and values. His tasks include operational management, program development supervision, strategic planning, and more.
- Chad K CampbellYoga InstructorChad Campbell is a lifelong surfer and Yoga lover from the Big Island of Hawaii. After a major surf injury, Yoga was the movement that helped him heal. Chad is certified by Julie Rader (aka Sensei), and Linda Baffa of Mukti Yoga and has been teaching Yoga since 2010. His focus is on fun, alignment-based flow. Some of his influences are Aaron Duncan, Julie Rader, Shane Dorian, Jack Kerouac, Tenzin Gyatsu, Jack Burton, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Ocean.
