All of our recreational and leisure programs have different benefits for the community as a whole in how they help to prepare Pacifica’s clientele for dealing with the realities of addiction and abstinence.

Drumming Out Drugs

Drumming out drugs came about as its inceptor, Neith, studied drum work under African masters and vibrational healing over the last five years. She developed a simplified rhythmic program that works with natural rhythms of a beating heart and breathing as well as traditional world beat rhythms. This program which has been taken over by another highly trained drummer, Jason, is designed to focus on connecting participants with the world around them to bring about a change in feelings of isolation and helplessness. 92% of the participants involved would recommend this program to others.

Vision of Recovery

Clients organize their vision of recovery artistically through workshops utilizing images resulting in a collage, which is presented to the class at the end of the graduation.

Poetry and Writing Workshops

Poetry and writing allows for another medium to access feelings and develop coping skills. Journal writing provides an outlet to deal with the past in a positive manner while allowing the clients to stand back from their own life and view it as a third party might.

Art Therapy

A 1.5 hour workshop is offered by art therapist Sarah Peacock, B.A., D.V.A.T.I. Sarah uses art therapy to facilitate creative expression in the Pacifica community. Sarah believes that art can be an easier and more approachable way to express feelings and inner struggles. It is the process of creating the art, reflecting upon it, and having it witnessed by the therapist/group that creates a safe and healing space for the client. Simple art materials are used, and no art experience is necessary. Work is made in a non-judgmental, confidential, and person-centered way and is always treated with respect. Art-making is largely spontaneous and is always in the control of the client (with guidance from the art therapist).

Daily Exerise/Outings

These small trips off site allow clients to avoid the anxiety associated with cabin fever resulting from being in one environment for a number of weeks. These outings also help clients to begin their transition to the outside world and include swimming, walks, shopping, fitness training, skating, and visits to the library. Daily exercise can also be incorporated in the form of soccer, yoga, tai chi, medicine ball, and working out either at our local community centre or in our gender specific exercise/leisure rooms.

Integrated Healing

Pacifica has secured a partnership with the Langara College Integrative Healing Program which allows our clients regular access to holistic therapies. The Healing program is offered to current clients, alumni and volunteers twice a month for three sessions. This program has been a very successful addition to our programming with clients reporting decreased anxiety and better sleep patterns as a direct result of being involved in the program.

Yoga

One of the fastest growing disciplines worldwide, yoga mixed physical and spiritual practices which produces many positive benefits including calmness, increased energy, flexibility and lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons. Other benefits include massaging of all the organs of the body, complete detoxification and excellent toning for the muscles.

Laughter Yoga

Offered once a month, laughter yoga is a series of movement and breathing exercises designed to stimulate laughter and clutivate an inner spirit of joy. It is a technique that invites laughter without using jokes or humour. Laughter yoga is a blend of yoga based deep breathing, gentle stretching, simulated laughter exercises and playful games and activities. 

Mindfulness Practice

Here at Pacifica we offer Mindulness practice because of all the benefits it provides for staff and clients alike. Mindfulness practice cultivates concentraion, calmness, clarity of mind, awareness of body sensations and feelings, and self-understanding. It also helps to reduce anxiety and promotoes relaxation and physical well-being. A guided Mindfulness class is offered by a Mindfulness practitioner, Deedee Poyner B.R. Ed., R.P.C

Deedee has been leading workshops in meditation, yoga, therapeutic touch, energy healing work for over 30 years. Along with becoming a registered professional counsellor, this informs her work with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), working with anxiety, depression, and addiction. In the mindfulness class, Deedee draws upon her rich background and incorporated breath work and various meditation techniques to support client's self-awareness. Deedee provides practical exercises to apply to daily living and assists in developing a compassionate and non-judgemental mindset.

Sports, Fitness and Meditation

Our staff have begun developing a new sports, fitness and meditation component to our program.

 When weather permits, our CCW supervisor, Alain leads a vigorous game of soccer at nearby Trout Lake with the emphasis on team-building and fun. During the rest of the year he is developing an indoor aerobic "boot camp" program that is designed to meet a variety of fitness levels -- gentle enough for beginners but challenging and rewarding for the more experienced.

We have been integrating grounding, meditation and calming exercises throughout our program, but recently have been offering daily morning meditation sessions, and are beginning to develop other meditation sessions focusing on either relaxing or energizing elements.