Vicky Sahota, Therapist

Vicky started at The Causeway Retreat in mid-June 2009 on a three month placement to gain experience in the field of Health Psychology. She has a first-class undergraduate Psychology degree and a postgraduate masters in Health Psychology. In addition to qualifications, Vicky hopes to attain her Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology whilst working at the Causeway, which will ultimately allow her to charter as a Health Psychologist. A health psychologist's role is to intervene at the individual level to treat illnesses (such as addictions), to slow down and prevent disease progression. This is achieved through studying the social, cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors which affect addictions and other maladaptive health behaviours.

Vicky's role at The Causeway Retreat includes shadowing and co-facilitating therapy sessions such as group therapies during the free 12 month aftercare we offer to all of our clients. Included in this is writing up therapy notes. She identifies common themes that arise within the therapy sessions, so that this information may be used by the therapy team within the overall treatment program. In addition to this, she is utilising her psychology background to research empirical and efficacious data to design and implement workshops aimed at providing practical coping mechanisms to help the clients once they’ve left the retreat.

Her personal opinion of the Island is that:

The island itself is amazing and provides the perfect environment to aid well being; it fosters a feeling of calm and serenity which leaves you feeling as though you’re on holiday! The staff all provide great examples of how positive an impact the islands environment can have on you as they are always smiling and cheerful, and even more than that, they genuinely care about the clients which is a refreshing change.