What to Expect on Your First Day at Westwind

Author: Breanna Mills R.D.

Congratulations on taking the brave step towards residential treatment! We know that starting treatment and going to a new place can be overwhelming, so here is a bit of an idea of what you can expect on your first day at Westwind.

Sunday

Clients typically arrive to our program on a Sunday. After your arrival, you will be able to have a tour of the house, pick your room and meet other clients who are taking part in our residential program. The fridge and pantry are stocked for all of your meals and snacks. A dinner meal will be prepared by another client or support staff. Feel free to participate if you are comfortable, and if not, our support staff can help you to decide what an alternative option can be.

You will receive a binder with information about the program, as well as a schedule that outlines what your week will look like. You will likely have two free hours during the program day, and you can choose to use that time however you like.

Monday

9:00am

The first group of the day starts at 9:00am. Feel free to get up at whatever time you feel most comfortable. Some clients choose to have breakfast before group, or many clients choose to eat their breakfast in group. Groups are a great time to have breakfast or snacks since there is support from staff and other clients. Please bring your binder, a pen and paper/journal to morning group.

10:00am/1:00pm/2:00pm

On your first day, you will have an individual session with one of our Westwind dietitians where you will develop a food plan and structure for what you will eat during the week. Grocery shopping will be done on Tuesday and Friday morning, so feel free to add items to the list that you will need based on your food plan!

11:00am

Our next group of the day is at 11:00am in the living room where we plan dinner meals for the week with our dietitians. If you feel comfortable signing up to cook a meal in your first week, wonderful! But you are not obligated to do so.

12:00pm

After group, we have community lunch where we all eat together. Feel free to head into the kitchen to prepare something for your lunch. Every day, a staff member will eat with clients. If you need help preparing your meal or deciding what to have, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

10:00am/1:00pm/2:00pm

At some point during the day, depending on when your individual sessions are, you will have two free hours. Feel free to use them as you like. Take a nap, engage in a value-based activity, watch a show, hang out by the pool (in the summer months of course). This is your time to use; however you would like.

3:00pm

The final group of the day is at 3:00pm. This group gives you an opportunity to check in with how your day has gone and ask for any support heading into the evening. Each afternoon group also has a therapeutic topic, rotating each day. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you like during groups and we encourage participation.

4:00pm

Free time until dinner. Support staff arrive at 4:00pm and are available to help provide support for clients during dinner and for the rest of the evening.

6:00pm

Dinnertime! We all eat together in community at 6:00pm for dinner. If you are not comfortable eating the meal that is prepared, feel free to prepare something different for yourself or reach out to support staff for help.

7:00pm

The rest of the evening is your own time to spend as you choose. Many clients have their evening snack together in community at some point during the evening as well. Enjoy your evening and you are welcome to head to bed whenever you would like to.

You’ve completed your first day in residential treatment!