The IRP

The Individual Recovery Program (IRP)

Each individual’s experiences and needs are unique. Therefore, an Individual Recovery Program (IRP) is developed for each resident based upon their specific needs, psychological testing, personal history, age, physical health, etc. The IRP serves as the road map for each resident as they make their way through the three phases of the treatment program.When an individual begins their stay at Meadow Haven, several weeks are taken for the resident to get acclimated to the facility and staff. During this time the staff, together with the resident, begins to develop the IRP. The IRP includes a number of interrelated "tracks," which, in their totality, greatly enhance the resident's ability to live independently, free from the sociological or psychological bonds that previously restricted them. The MeadowHaven IRP tracks are briefly described below.

Practical Needs Track

Often people who leave high control, destructive groups struggle deeply to integrate into a world that is alien and confusing to them. The Practical Needs track affords residents the opportunity to pursue such things as a GED, higher education, learning how to set up a checking/bank account, establishing credit, health insurance, creating a resume, how to find employment, securing a driver’s license, financial management, finding relatives, better parenting, decision making, etc. Trained mentors and staff are available to assist the resident in developing an independent, productive lifestyle. Physical Needs Track
In some cases, basic education on physical needs may be necessary. This could include education on nutrition, personal care, and sleeping routine, among other subjects.

Social Skills Track

Most totalitarian groups have interpersonal relationships based on an unspoken ranking determined by the member's compliance with the group or its leadership. When a member begins to think independently, or questions the group, their relationships deteriorate and collapse. Consequently, such basic concepts as trust and friendship suddenly become hollow, meaningless words. The Social Skills track includes workshops in communication, conflict resolution, setting barriers, and interdependence.

Cognitive Skills Track

Intense thought reform environments are often difficult to understand and break away from. Good and bad experiences are usually mixed together in ways that are difficult to separate. Many former members simply jettison their whole experience as “evil.” However, the residual effects of a destructive group experience last for years. Thus, the Cognitive Skills track includes workshops, support groups, individual counseling, videos, and reading material that help the resident better understand the destructive elements of the thought reform process, and to validate their own experience.

Spiritual Dimension Track

Most high control, destructive groups have a spiritual component, particularly if it is a Bible-based or other religious group. Leaving a manipulative group with this component is not like leaving a club or other social group. Frequently, the belief system continues to dominate the individual’s psyche long after they have left. Abusive practices do not exist in a vacuum. Practices always arise out of some belief system. For the resident who wants to pursue this dimension, qualified staff will help them develop the tools necessary to personally work through this critical component of their recovery. When appropriate, clergy from the resident’s religious heritage (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, etc.) will be called upon to assist in the person’s spiritual understanding.

Trauma Recovery Track

Trauma impacts every aspect of life, and therefore trauma recovery undergirds the entire MeadowHaven program. The Trauma Recovery track is geared toward helping the resident understand and cope with the effects of trauma, specifically the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).