Testimonials
"Three years ago I suffered a tragically all-too-common experience among young women: I was raped. Shocked, ashamed, and confused, I was unable to tell anyone what had happened. I was constantly pushing the terrifying thoughts away-- vivid memories of being helpless, overpowered, alone…I instantly lost trust in others. I had trouble sleeping and concentrating. The smallest stressor sent me into physiological panic. I became very depressed.
Suicidal thoughts were always at hand.
Keeping silent about the trauma helped me to pretend it had never happened. In trying to keep a secret from my own self, I began to feel as if I didn't really exist. I felt vacant, empty, detached from myself, and certainly detached from others. When emotions came to me, they were in tumultuous waves that were too strong for me to handle. I reacted impulsively in dangerous self-harm to these painful feelings of being overwhelmed. My life was in shambles. I knew I needed help.
At PCH, I found patient, non-judgmental staff whose consistent helpful counsel and kindness gave me reason to begin to trust and open up to them my deep wounds I myself was terrified to see. In the safe, supportive environment at PCH, I was finally able to address my problems. Through the gentle emotion regulation training in my DBT group, I learned how to hang into the present when I was distressed and to be aware of my emotions and even to exercise control over my responses. Through my process group therapy, I grew in awareness of my own needs and others’, and I found myself making meaningful relationships with other clients and restoring my relationships with friends and family. And through my individual therapy sessions, I was for the first time able to address my trauma, at my own safe pace, and I began to see tremendous release and relief of fear, detachment, and shame.
Because of PCH, I feel alive and hopeful. Since recovery is a process, PCH helped me find long-term follow-up care; from the solid foundation I gained at PCH, I'm enthusiastic about the journey."
"The PCH Psychiatrist made me feel very relaxed, and I love the approach that medication is not the answer"
"I think PCH is a superb center. Everything is the best quality. The Treatment team is excellent and I loved my individual therapist. I would absolutely recommend PCH to any struggling friend and I will be sending a note to the doctor and social workers that referred me to PCH to thank them. Thanks!!"
"A very professional and great staff. A great start for the rough road ahead. I enjoyed my stay very much and got so much from PCH. Thank you!"
"PCH Treatment Center provided me with a safe environment for personal exploration and insight. Their balanced approach gave me the tools and skills that are so necessary in everyday life. There is more here than psychological and emotional basic training. I felt there was a custom effort to meet my personal needs."
"The PCH therapists were wonderful. I felt well taken care of so I could focus on my work and the reason I came here. This was the last house on the block for me. If this didn't work I would have had a life of misery and despair, suicide was next. Techniques I learned to carry with me home are yoga, breathing, mindfulness, how to throw a frisbee better, confidence, and boundaries. Stillness is a good thing that needs to be practiced, walking, enjoying any day. I can be an artist in my own way."
"Thank you so much for taking such good care of me. I felt so loved and cared for. The staff is excellent, professional, and extremely caring. I feel like PCH saved my life."
"Before I came to PCH I was completely out of hope and ready for it to end. When I found out about PCH, though, I figured I would try anything with hopes it would help me. After being here for 3 months I am confident I have the skills and tools and hope that I need to be able to live again."
"When I stepped in to Dr. Ball’s office three moths ago I was convinced I had gone down so far in my black hole nobody could lift me out. In just weeks I found I was being proved wrong with the resources of the highly qualified staff and admissions team provided me. Especially with the help of Dave Burston and Seth Kadish, who have taught me skills to work on outside of therapy, which I practice everyday. As I grew “better” it was easier to put in the work, and I worked hard, and I got so much out of it! My whole entire life has changed due to all I’ve learned at PCH. I have every reason to believe that I can finally be a functioning member of society, and I owe it all to PCH."
