For professionals
This page provides an overview of Brynawels therapeutic approach, assessment process and partnership model. It explains how we work with residents, families and referring professionals, to support effective, person-centred treatment and recovery.
Our therapeutic programme
Brynawel provides a structured residential programme for adults experiencing difficulties with alcohol or other drugs.
We recognise that substance use often sits alongside trauma, mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, neurodivergence, physical health needs and challenging social circumstances.
Our treatment considers the whole person. Residents are supported to understand the role substances have played in their lives, recognise triggers and patterns, manage difficult emotions, strengthen relationships and boundaries, and develop a sense of identity and purpose. They also build practical coping skills and plans for sustaining recovery.
What the programme includes
Individual psychotherapy and facilitated group therapy are central to the programme. These are supported by addiction education, approaches informed by cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy, trauma-informed practice, and relapse prevention. Residents can practise new skills through therapeutic community life, horticulture, creative activities, physical wellbeing and preparation for living in the community.
Therapeutic, medical, recovery, occupational and residential staff work together to support each resident.
A phased and individual approach
The opening phase focuses on safety, settling in, routine and an individual care and recovery plan. The middle phase offers deeper therapeutic work and opportunities to practise new ways of coping and relating. The later phase focuses on applying what has been learned, increasing independence and preparing for discharge.
Brynawel’s core residential programme is 16 weeks, allowing time to engage in therapy and practise and consolidate recovery skills. Other lengths of stay may be available according to assessed need and funding.
We adapt support to residents’ communication, learning, sensory, and cognitive needs wherever possible. This may include clear language, visual or practical learning, predictable structure, repetition, and time to process information. A diagnosis is not required for staff to consider supportive adjustments.
Assessment and partnership
Assessment considers substance use and risk alongside psychological and physical wellbeing, relationships, strengths, accommodation, support needs and recovery goals. Progress and risks are reviewed throughout the stay. With consent, we share relevant updates with funders, referrers and involved professionals.
We work with referring services and other agencies, before admission and during discharge planning, to support continuity of care. Professionals are welcome to contact us to discuss suitability, risks, adjustments, programme length, funding and aftercare. Every referral is considered individually against the person’s needs and Brynawel’s capacity to support them safely.
"This place saved my life!"
Simon - Brynawel Graduate
