Treatment Model

Kamira provides an abstinence based residential treatment service for women who are experiencing problematic alcohol or drug use. The residential program ranges from 5 to 7 months. Women, 18 years and older, with dependent children, pregnant women and women without children in their care can seek treatment at Kamira.

Kamira has a multifactor, person centered approach to understanding and treating problematic drug and alcohol use. 

A multifactor approach means looking at the physical, emotional and social reasons that have led to a woman’s alcohol and drug use problems. 

Taking a person-centered approach means working collaboratively with each woman to identify her values. These values are used as a base to develop her own program and set her own goals. We support women to address medical, legal, financial, housing and family and relationship issues. Every woman completing the program devises her own recovery plan and is supported to develop the skills that will help her succeed. 

Kamira’s program content and structure is developed from a trauma informed perspective. This means all aspects of the program focus on developing skills in mood management to promote clear thinking and good decision making. Specific evidence based therapies used in individual counselling and groups include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT], Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [ACT], Dialectical Behaviour Therapy [DBT], Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics [NMT] and Attachment Theory. 

In addition, women are provided with comprehensive services to improve their physical health and well-being through an on-site gym, yoga classes and fitness instruction provided by a personal trainer.

Kamira’s clinical staff are qualified and experienced allied health professionals. All staff are involved in ongoing professional development and training. 

Kamira offers a warm, homely and safe environment. It is child and family friendly. There are gardens and outdoor areas for rest and relaxation. Healthy food is prepared by a cook, and the building is cleaned by professional cleaners.

Children at Kamira

Kamira’s attachment based approach uses therapies and programs that have been demonstrated to build positive and secure attachment relationships between mothers and children. Parent specific interventions include Circle of Security group, attachment therapy, parenting skills training and infant massage.  

Transition and Aftercare 

​Women transition from Kamira back to the community at the pace of their own recovery plan. This plan includes referrals to support services. Kamira’s Aftercare program offers women telephone support and the opportunity to participate in the group program and see clinical staff.