As Psychologist and author Noah Shpancer said, “Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” Each part of the journey is important. And each small step matters whether it’s getting up in the morning, talking to a friend, or even reaching out for help. As the team in Milestone Health and Wellness Center (a rehab center in Baguio City) believes, these are milestones. They deserve to be acknowledged and is a huge part of one’s healing journey. No matter how small the step, it’s a step towards a new life.
The Beginnings of Milestone Health and Wellness Center Baguio
A passion for helping people and hope to give others a second chance and an opportunity to turn their life around—that is where Milestone Health and Wellness Center all began. It is the brainchild of Leila Ramos and the late John Nassr who shared the same yearning and vision. Along with their dedicated family and team, they began turning their vision into reality.
Among many things, a huge part of that process was creating a suitable space for the people they want to help. And it wasn’t easy at all. To turn Milestone Health and Wellness Center into what it is now, the team worked from scratch to transform a dilapidated old house covered in dirt and grime. As told by his relatives, Nassr frequently worked on the renovations with his own hands. They found him sweating over getting the grime off the floorboards. He was always out and about getting materials. And he even dedicated a portion of his time to make one of the tables. Unfortunately, he passed away before the center was opened. But his legacy lives on.
Milestone Health and Wellness Center Today
Now, the Milestone Health and Wellness Center is a perfect haven with just the right touch of Baguio in it. It’s a warm, inviting, and peaceful home to those who need it. Comfortably nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the center is far from the bustle and noise of the city. On its grounds are lush green plants that provide pleasant views of nature to the residents. And it has plenty of beautiful facilities that cater to the different treatments and activities for the residents.
One of the facilities they have is a bright and airy fitness room where patients can do yoga, meditation, and other fitness activities. On the other side of the yoga room, the center has a charming work and coffee bar where residents can do some work, fill out journals, or simply enjoy their coffee with the view. Right next to it is the homely living area where residents can mingle and relax on the comfy couches or warm themselves up by lighting up the fireplace. The center also has a luxurious kitchen and minimalist dining area where chefs are prepared to serve meals to their residents.
Upstairs, residents can spend their time in the entertainment center amongst its large couches, cable tv, or Netflix. It also opens up to a great balcony where residents can enjoy the views and the fresh air, especially in the not-so-rainy months. In total, the center has six warm and spacious rooms. Residents have the option of staying in standard rooms which are made for sharing and fit with two single beds or deluxe rooms made for single occupancies.
One Step At A Time
Milestone Health and Wellness Center Baguio offers individually tailored programs focused on substance and process addictions. These include addiction to drugs, gaming, alcohol, gambling, and other issues. They also offer outpatient services for other psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and the like. Milestone’s program combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other holistic practices for helping residents develop better awareness between their minds and bodies.
This treatment program has five stages to it. The first two parts include consultation and detox. As such, not everyone is the same and the duration of these stages, particularly the detox, varies and can last up to two weeks. If the patient requires a medical detox, Milestone has partner facilities that can provide that type of care.
The third stage is Milestone’s main treatment program called the “Turning Point.” While undergoing recovery, Milestone will provide a safe haven away from any stress or triggers. They also introduce other types of coping mechanisms such as yoga, art, fitness, meditation, massage, and socialization techniques. This would help them put themselves on a path of long-time recovery by identifying their triggers, coping with their cravings, and finding healthier alternatives. Part of the treatment includes involving the patient’s loved ones so they could have a deeper understanding of the illness, the treatment, and offer the support the patient needs during and after the treatment. Essentially, this stage prepares them for reincorporating themselves to society.
After the Turning Point, patients will be going through step-down reintegration. Small step by small step, they’ll be reintroducing themselves to society. An individualized program will be created for them to continue attending sessions. The sessions would be gradually decreased to help the patient achieve greater self-management.
The last and final stage is the End Goal Recovery which extends the care beyond the walls of Milestone. Part of this after-care stage is the online groups, support calls, one-on-one therapy, and even overseas liaison.
Providing Second Chances That Last Lifetimes
There are three things through which Milestone Health and Wellness Center works—genuine service, healing, and guidance. Through those things, Milestone helps their patients recognize that each step they’ve taken is an achievement, a milestone in their life, no matter how small it is. And through those three things, they make sure that they give second chances that they hope could last a lifetime. One day at a time, step by step, they help people return to a better life filled with new hope.