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Mindfulness based CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) interventions are now widely accepted, evidence based practices are used in many of the country’s best treatment centers.  These practices are often offered as a replacement to more traditional addiction therapies and placed in opposition to 12-step facilitated treatment.  Mindfulness need not be an alternative to 12-step treatment; we believe it is an effective and viable bridge to a sophisticated 12-step treatment protocol that meets the needs of diverse client populations.  At Jaywalker Lodge, the mindfulness curriculum is designed to support each client’s 12-step program and focuses on teaching clients skills in the following sections: meditation, loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, wisdom, skillful action, attention, and values.   In practical application, our program mirrors the wisdom of the 12-step traditions.  We start each day with a reading/lesson, reflection, prayer, meditation and intention setting session that lasts about 20 minutes.  Throughout the day, clients are asked to…

WHY HORSES “Horses have been an integral part of the human experience since their domestication more than 5,000 years ago. They have shouldered our burdens, shared our history and shaped our mythology. There is a long-standing connection between humans and horses and how they have impacted our lives.” ~Linda Kohanov, Eponaquest Founder and Author As an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist (EAP) and Equine Facilitated Learning instructor (EFL), I have been fortunate to bring my work and this amazing experiential process, to the men at Jaywalker Lodge. It has been a gift and privilege to witness how the power of the herd-and the authentic reflections they bring-impact the men we work with, who are healing from the ravages of alcoholism and addiction. As awareness surfaces within the equine experiential setting, the horses present opportunities for participants to work through unconscious patterns, metaphors and ways of relating; toward integration, personal growth and healing….

Jaywalker Lodge provides extensive modalities for a healthy lifestyle in recovery.   We divide our activities into 3 different categories, recreation, experiential, and service.  They have different applications and experiences for our clients.Recreation:  Our goal here is developing passion by exposure to new activities or things that their addiction took away from them and re-connect.  This is the easiest way to experience basic sober accomplishment.  How to learn to have fun in recovery with others with activities that become a part of lifestyle. Mt biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, skiing/snowboarding, rafting, rock climbing, ice climbing, paintball, Crossfit and yoga… anything our guys may want to try. Experiential:  Includes clinical expertise to explore connection with animals and art or music.  We see this as self-exploration.  Including a clinical aspect with these activities is crucial for perspective and guidance by processing the experience.  These activities are championed by a qualified clinical team. Equine Therapy,…

Jaywalker Lodge was fortunate to be a part of a collaboration made possible by Luna Living’s leadership team of Jane Mintz and Wendy Komac.  The gathering held at the Mayfield Country Club, was well attended with over 70 guests to discuss and learn treatment strategies from 8 nationally represented treatment programs.  This event was orchastrated by incredibly inspirational women from each program dedicated to helping others and working together, Jaywalker is grateful to be included.  Thank you to Luna Living, Elements, Lindner Center of Hope, The Manor, Milestones Malibu, Promises, and Origins Recovery Center for a great few days! -Pat Shaffer

Jaywalker CEO, Dirk Eldredge, was featured in an article reflecting on parts of his life story and spiritual journey in recovery.  Dirks personal experience is reflected daily in his humble dedication to helping other addicts and alcoholics in recovery.  Click on the article below to share the experience, strength, and hope in Dirk’s journey.He became an addict as a USC student, then God brought intervention