Think Switzerland and you're bound to envision ski days on the slopes and scenic views from your chalet. However, that isn't all the stunning Central European country can promise. Set against its snow-capped mountain range is Clinic Les Alpes, a facility that promises specialised, holistic care for substance and behavioural dependency as well as mental and emotional health issues. We spoke to Patrick Wilson, the founder of Clinic Les Alpes on the unique positioning of Clinic Les Alpes and its necessity in this modern era.
NDTV Swirlster: Why do you believe Clinic Les Alpes is the need of the hour?
Patrick Wilson: In today's fast-paced world, the prevalence of substance and behavioural dependency as well as mental and emotional health issues is on the rise; necessitating specialised care and a holistic approach to treatment. Clinic Les Alpes stands out as a sanctuary for healing, offering a comprehensive personalised treatment plan that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes of these problems. Its emphasis on integrating mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health is what makes it a timely solution for individuals seeking deep and lasting recovery.
NDTV Swirlster: Which addictions are treated here which are not commonly addressed?
Patrick Wilson: Clinic Les Alpes distinguishes itself by addressing a wide range of substance and behavioural dependencies, including those less commonly treated at other facilities, such as internet, gaming, shopping, and work dependencies, alongside traditional substance use disorders.
NDTV Swirlster: What methods are used to treat the respective addictions?
Patrick Wilson: Patients will undergo complete medical assessment upon their admission, including physiological screenings and full gut health testing. This enables our team to start our treatment with a full understanding of their physical health before working on their psychological health. Each patient attending our clinic is assigned their own personal therapist, who is hand-picked based on the patient's reasons for treatment and their unique goals. Traditional behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural therapy are often used, as well as other techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Existential Therapy, and Gestalt and Narrative Therapy. We also offer holistic therapies such as art and music therapy, equine assisted therapy and outdoor adventure therapy, recognising the power of creative expression and connection with nature in the healing process.
NDTV Swirlster: How does its location enhance the patient experience?
Patrick Wilson: Set against the serene backdrop of the Swiss Alps, our location is integral to our treatment philosophy. The tranquil and majestic natural surroundings offer a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life, promoting deep reflection and a sense of connectedness to nature. This environment is conducive to healing, enabling patients to focus on their recovery journey within a calm and restorative setting. In addition, our location offers a level of privacy and seclusion that is perfect for clients seeking assurance that their recovery journey can start in complete confidentiality.
NDTV Swirlster: What sets it apart from similar treatment facilities?
Patrick Wilson: We are a fully medically licensed clinic, with round-the-clock medical care and our own in-house pharmacy. We take a one-to-one treatment approach, enabled by our exceptionally high staff to patient ratio. We always aim to provide patients with the best care possible and provide a service that treats them as a whole person, not merely an illness waiting to be 'cured'. Our dedication to individualised care coupled with our comprehensive range of in-house services mean that patients can feel secure and safe within our luxury setting.
NDTV Swirlster: How can patients apply learnings to their daily lives?
Patrick Wilson: Patients leave Clinic Les Alpes equipped with a toolkit of strategies and skills for managing stress, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Through individual and optional group therapy, patients learn to build supportive relationships and communicate effectively, enabling them to apply these learnings in their daily lives to sustain their recovery journey. We also provide our patients with individualised aftercare plans, ensuring the tools and techniques they adopted during their early recovery stay with them in the long term.