After an extensive psychological assessment, we will develop an individual course of action together with you. Our personalised addiction treatment is tailored to your individual needs, strengths and personal situation. This can help you make better use of your opportunities in life, regain a sense of choice, develop greater behavioural flexibility and gradually free yourself from the invisible bonds of addiction.

The signals from your body and your inner feelings can help you find solutions to personal challenges. Our approach is generally resource-oriented and builds on your abilities, strengths and life experience.

Important elements of our work include developing suitable strategies for everyday life, exploring your individual purpose and gaining a new awareness of yourself – without numbing or distracting yourself through work and/or alcohol.

Many people believe that life without alcohol must be bleak and boring: “I can no longer allow myself that pleasure.” They then try to be “sober and sensible” all the time and spend the rest of their lives avoiding “temptation”.

Life becomes much easier, however, when this so-called temptation gradually loses its importance and you learn to enjoy life without alcohol, to experience joy, grief and sorrow without numbing yourself, and to find fulfilment again.

Dr Colette Damm also lives without alcohol, not because she “has to”, but because she asks herself: “What do I need alcohol for?” Life can be just as enjoyable without it. Think back to childhood: were you less able to feel joy or to relax then? It is possible to rediscover some of that natural joie de vivre if you are willing to engage in the work we do together and discover what it can offer you.

“Withdrawal” is not only a physical process. It also involves emotional work and changing some of your beliefs and habits. Technical lectures and films can only do so much. We work with you personally and individually, helping you reconnect with yourself and make healthy decisions for your own life.

“Work is half of life,” as a German saying goes. Sometimes, however, it can gradually take over your entire life. If you love your work, you may be particularly vulnerable to this. Your world can become increasingly limited to planes, hotels, conference rooms and professional commitments without you noticing that you are gradually losing your sense of balance and that your effectiveness has already begun to decline.

Time away from work may start to feel empty and meaningless and can become difficult to enjoy. Some people then turn to alcohol as a remedy, take medication intended to lift their mood or make sure they are constantly busy.

The Japanese healing practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu reminds us that a person is not a “human doing” but a “human being”. Unfortunately, people often confuse being busy with feeling alive, and this is where inner exhaustion can begin.

If a major personal or professional problem arises in such a situation – for example, if a relationship is under threat or your efforts at work are no longer sufficiently appreciated – burnout may become increasingly apparent.

We are happy to help you rediscover the part of yourself that may have become lost along the way.

We have been supporting former guests by phone, WhatsApp and email for many years. While Skype was not always technically ideal, Zoom offers a reliable alternative and makes video calls easy and convenient.

An initial telephone consultation is free of charge. Each coaching session of one hour by phone or Zoom costs €80 plus VAT. We will agree on the frequency of the coaching sessions together.

To arrange an appointment, please email us at info@vida-libre.org.