Introduction
Cherrywood House is a rehabilitation facility for persons suffering from substance abuse disorders and process disorders. It is located in the tranquil, semi-rural environs of Constantia Cape Town and provides a safe, comfortable, and restorative environment for residents to build upon and solidify their sobriety.
Our objective has been to create an environment that is beautiful and relaxing with high standards for catering and accommodation, but which is also conducive to structure, and imposes the rules and routine that must necessarily facilitate the journey back from the chaos and destruction of an addictive lifestyle.
The offering is therapeutic in nature and is based on a daily program, implemented by experienced counseling staff and coordinated by a practicing psychologist with over 30 years of experience treating addiction in both institutional and private settings. Cherrywood House provides ongoing support to departing residents through aftercare support services and other community meetings. Aftercare support services are provided free of charge for 12 months following residential treatment. The aim is to offer membership in a community that supports an individual’s recovery through the difficult months that follow the initial intervention.
Treatment Philosophy
We employ a flexible approach in our residential addiction treatment, placing the individual and their specific needs and capacities at the center of the individual treatment plan.
Cognitive and mindfulness-based therapies are the preferred methods for individual work. We also incorporate elements derived from the Matrix Model and the 12 Steps.
Every effort is made to ensure that Cherrywood House provides an environment that is enjoyable, relaxing, and conducive to health and recovery. Patients can expect:
• Top quality meals prepared by our in-house chef according to a nutritionist-approved menu
• Accommodation in comfortable double rooms (there is also a double-volume single-occupancy option on request)
• A large and tranquil garden with facilities for swimming and exercising
Patients undertake meditation, physical fitness sessions, yoga, and other mindfulness-based activities as part of the formal programme.
Time is also reserved for pure recreation in which patients enjoy the unique natural experiences that Cape Town has to offer – including hiking in the mountains, beautiful beaches and guided foraging and foraged cooking sessions.
Core Team
Peter Powis
Peter has been a clinical psychologist for nearly four decades. For much of his career, he worked primarily with people in recovery from addictions and co-dependence. He currently also focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, and supporting people in their psycho-spiritual growth.
He co-founded and was Clinical Director of Stepping Stones Treatment Centre for 12 years, where he co-created a programme that at the time was internationally recognised for its excellence. For the last 10 years, he has been in private practice, where he works with people individually, in couples/families, and in groups. He has given and received extensive training in many areas of his field.
He has a particular interest in the interface between psychology and spirituality, as well as positive strength-building practices which enhance resilience and growth in individuals and human systems such as organisations.
He draws inspiration from his family, nature, exercise, and his own spiritual practice.
Damien Fynn
GENERAL MANAGER | BPSYCH
Damien’s journey through addiction has equipped him with a unique perspective into the world of addiction. These insights coupled with training at Cape Town’s established rehabilitation facilities has allowed him to develop an aptitude for assisting clients who are in crisis and in need of emotional support. He is passionate about his work in recovery and believes strongly that there is no such thing as a lost cause. He believes that recovery is possible for everyone.
Dr Allanah Wilson
PSYCHIATRIST | MBCHB FCPSYCH MMED PSYCH
Dr Allanah Wilson obtained her medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2008. Following community service, she worked as a medical officer for five years, initially in general medicine and then psychiatry. She completed her specialist training at the University of Cape Town, obtaining her master’s degree in Psychiatry. Areas of special interest include anxiety disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, cognitive disorders, adolescent psychiatry, and the provision of gender-affirming healthcare. Dr. Wilson believes in providing evidence-based mental health care, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach where necessary.
Ruby Weber
SENIOR COUNSELLOR | B.A. HONS (PSYCH.) M.PHIL (CRIMINOLOGY, LAW AND SOCIETY)
Ruby Weber holds degrees in psychology, education, and applied law. She has worked in the addictions field for over two decades and has held positions of clinical directorships at rehabilitation clinics in the private sector in South Africa, including at NGOs. Ruby has a keen interest in the intersection of a person’s lived experience within society and how trauma, both collective and individual, intersects with and may potentiate chemical and process addictions.
Contact
New Number: 079 714 1966
Email: k.steenkamp@cherrywoodhouse.com
Website address: http://www.cherrywoodhouse.com
