The Estate News & Blog

The journey of recovery is challenging in itself, but for many men, the weight of abandonment and betrayal can feel like an additional anchor, that holds you back from fully embracing a life of sobriety. These emotions can resurface when least expected, often triggering negative thought patterns and self-doubt. Yet, addressing and overcoming these feelings is crucial to truly moving forward on your path to healing and long-term sobriety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like a dark cloud that lingers long after a traumatic experience, affecting one’s ability to function or find joy in life. Yet, there is a powerful and lesser-known possibility beyond PTSD: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is the positive psychological change that occurs as a result of struggling with traumatic experiences. It’s the ability to find new strength, purpose, and appreciation for life. One transformative tool for guiding people on this journey is equine-assisted coaching, where horses play an extraordinary role in the healing process. Soberman's Estate has horses on site and the clients participate in three Equine Therapy sessions per week.

As World Labyrinth Day approaches, all of us at Soberman's Estate are reminded of the powerful role our labyrinth plays in the journey of recovery. It’s a day that beckons us to reflect on the intricate paths, both literal and metaphorical, that shape our journeys. Created around an iconic Saguaro cactus within the serene grounds of our men's residential treatment center, the labyrinth is more than just a path; it's a tool for transformation and healing. The design of our labyrinth is inspirational and absolutely a stunning sight to see.

A few weeks ago, we held an incredible open house for our professional community. A day that was filled with learning about what makes Soberman’s Estate such an incredible place for professional men to heal. We were able to share our clinical and therapeutic expertise as well as our different holistic modalities with everyone who attended, and hand out some incredible prizes as well! I was honored once again, to meet with one of those professional individuals that attended, when he came to pick up the prize he had won.

Recovery from addiction is often a challenging journey that requires commitment, strength, and resilience. Seasonal changes can often affect those on the path of sobriety, making it essential to prioritize not only physical health but also mental well-being during this process. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall offers a beautiful backdrop for those in recovery to focus on their mental health. We hope to inspire you with a few ideas for some fun fall activities that can boost your overall wellbeing.

Every year on November 19, the world celebrates International Men's Day (IMD). It's a day that serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges and triumphs men face in today's world. It's a day dedicated to celebrating men's achievements and contributions to society, family, marriage, and childcare, while also highlighting the importance of men's health and well-being.

Lately, I’ve been hearing recurring comments among clients, friends, and family members. They all seem to be focused on thoughts and feelings that their lives no longer have meaning or purpose. They feel stuck, unsure of the next direction they want to take.

Have you ever felt stuck, like you've taken a tumble in life that you just can't recover from? Or perhaps you're one of those who can easily rise, dust off the debris, and push forward without looking back. This resilience—or lack thereof—shapes not only our experiences but also our journey toward recovery.

Imagine, for a moment, navigating the ups and downs of life as a young horse embarking on his first adventure out from the safety of a fenced arena. Take Dreamer, my young colt that was about 18-months old at the time, for example. On his inaugural trail ride, he faced an array of obstacles—a few daunting logs, a challenging incline, and even a shallow stream to cross. He accomplished each task impressively, gaining confidence despite the gusty winds that can unsettle even mature horses. Dreamer was handling the ride with confidence, grace and ease.

As my husband and I were riding back towards home, we were discussing how impressively Dreamer had performed. As the ride neared its end, however, Dreamer stumbled. Falling forward onto his knees and right shoulder, he nearly toppled over entirely. Yet, he managed to compose himself quickly. With just a subtle lift of the reins from me, Dreamer found his balance and returned to a stand. As if nothing happened, he resumed walking, carrying me safely back home. Upon arrival, the remark was made, "I'm glad you both survived the fall." A simple yet profound observation that prompted my reflection on resilience and recovery.

Hello, I'm Janice, part of the dedicated team at Soberman’s Estate specializing in Equine Therapy and Mindfulness Coaching. I’ve been sharing thoughts and insights through our blog for a year now, and today’s post is particularly close to my heart. September marks National Suicide Awareness Month, and I'm compelled to share a deeply personal perspective, rather than statistics or data points.

The intricate, winding path of addiction is often accompanied by the heavy weights of shame, guilt and regret. Making the transition from addiction to sobriety can be as much about healing our inner world as it is about breaking free from the physical and mental bonds of substance use. Below are some insights and steps that may help in releasing these burdens and embracing the new chance at life that recovery offers.