HOPE AND INSPIRATION
"The following pages comprise of a few testimonials that we have received that we thought you may like to  to read, written by others who have gone through the intensive 12 Step Training Program here at Serenity House.

"We are proud of our reputation that we have built and humbled by their kind words and thoughts of strength, hope and comfort."
 Serenity House

TESTIMONIAL      
July 2010 - A Program of Enlightenment
During my 28 day stay at the house I received expert tuition and advice guiding me through the tried and tested 12 step programmes. Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Andalucian countryside conducive to the recovering alcoholic, I took part in what can only be described as a “revelation”.

Chris, Anita and the team delivered a meaningfully structured approach within a caring and personal environment. In particular, each step was explained in a concise and understandable way which made each day a joy, not a chore. I personally am looking forward to a new life of sobriety, fulfillment and happiness.
Thanks again to everyone!

Stephen T
Cheshire,
England.
NB.  Also the home cooked food is great!

TESTIMONIAL
July 2010 - Fearful, anxious, lonely, depressed and desperate enough to change my life, I was able to surf the internet to find a place where I could recover from alcoholism. Luckily I found Serenity House which offers a 28 day program based on the twelve steps of alcoholic anonymous. I didn’t know then what this meant but I took a chance. With a university degree in psychology I knew what I would face in a large rehab center based on medication and psychological sessions and I was scared. Serenity House has at most six clients and a very kind, caring, personalized and professional approach to the illness. The staffs are all recovering alcoholics and understand exactly what the illness is all about. 

If you have discovered this web page and are reading this, PLEASE, do yourself a favor and call them now.  You will go through the 12 steps in a very coherent and thorough manner which will help you to control your illness.  You will have a new outlook on what the A.A. fellowship is all about (probably very different to what you think right now) and as an added benefit in four weeks you will learn how to relate to people with a new mind set.

Situated in Puerto Serrano, the center is an oasis of tranquility. Two times a week they take you to A.A. meetings outside the center where you become familiar with the format of meetings so you can continue the program when you go home.

Everyone arrives here at a different stage in the illness, but everyone arrives here because alcohol has destroyed their life.  There is a solution if you really want it. Make the commitment and go to Serenity House.
M.C.

TESTIMONIAL
July 2010 - Woke up this morning at 6.00am feeling pretty good, went out onto the terrace for the usual smoke and coffee and said goodbye to those that were up.
Today was to be my last day at serenity house, am I going to miss it and the people in it??
 
 I can honestly say this past month has been the most productive month of my life, I've learnt so much about myself. I can’t put into the words the gratitude I have inside of me. Thanks to the serenity house team I now have a programme that can not only help keep me clean and sober but can give me a life beyond my wildest dreams, clean, sober and growing on a daily basis.

I am aware that the real world is a lot different, and I know challenges will be thrown my way. However after expert guidance from Chris, Anita and all those present during my stay, I feel I have a fantastic chance at maintaining what I have today. Sanity, serenity and a life I never thought possible for a hopeless addict like me. Listen intensively to Chris, Anita and the rest of the team. They have a genuine passion to help and give you what they and I now have. I am no expert, I’m merely starting out.
S.Sh
28 years old
A grateful addict

TESTIMONIAL
June 2010
Serenity House is a unique haven for those who want recovery from addiction.  Located in the village of Puerto Serrano, in the mountains near Ronda, surrounded by orange, lemon and olive groves, it offers exactly what is says: peace and serenity, and the opportunity to change your life. 

Chris and Anita, lead the team, all of whom are in recovery and as a result, completely understands the problems you are trying to overcome.  Each weekday begins with a meditation session and the chance to exchange thoughts and feelings, followed by ‘lectures’ and films designed to stimulate further discussion.  The recovery process is based on the 12 step programme, and time is set aside for reading and individual counselling.  The weekends are less structured, allowing time for individual activity or visits from family and friends.  Being part of the ‘family’ at Serenity is important, and each evening after Anita’s excellent ‘home-cooked’ dinner together, everyone will gather on the terrace to chat or play cards or chess.

The team provide an educational approach, based on working with small groups of only six at a time.  This ensures that everyone is treated as an individual, which is important as the addiction experience and accompanying problems of each person are different.  Anyone can, if they wish, go with the group based at Serenity House, to attend various AA meetings in the region.

The residents at Serenity House start the programme from the beginning.  They learn about themselves and develop the ability to control their lives, in sobriety, and free from the devastating and soul destroying affects of addiction.   The tranquillity of the location of Serenity House is part of the healing process.  Located away from the bustle of the coast, and the distractions and stress of everyday life, residents are able to focus on what is important: themselves and their recovery. 

This article has been written by a recent resident of Serenity House, who has become, not just one of the many recovering alcoholics that have been helped by Chris and Anita and their team, but also a friend of those with whom he shared his experience. 
Alan M
Estepona
 
TESTIMONIAL
I arrived at Serenity House feeling overwhelmed by fear.  I couldn't imagine a life of sobriety, but I was desperate to have my life back.  I had been in denial for over 20 years and my life was completely unmanageable. It was difficult to accept that I was powerless, because I spent my life in a constant struggle of "control" and for me, the idea of having to accept GOD was totally out of the question!

After a few days, I decided to give myself the chance to recover.  But HOW?  Honesty, Open-mindedness & Willingness.  That's all I needed to do.  Sounded simple enough.  It was a roller-coaster of emotions, to say the least.  I was not only flooded with emotions, but also information.  I was given the tools to create a new design for living.

Ride this roller-coaster, Yes, its a frightening ride...BUT then the ride is over and you'll smile, breathe deeply and step into life with a new pair of glasses.
Thank you to all the staff at Serenity House, I'll miss you, but we'll be connected forever on this life journey.
Love T


TESTIMONIAL
It's the best thing I've done in my whole life coming here to Serenity House, I mean that from the bottom of my heart, for anyone who reads this, if you're scared don't be, you will feel like a different person, happy, at peace and a lot more that I can't describe, it’s brilliant!
Big thanks to all the staff at Serenity House for helping me find myself when I was so lost.
Thanks, Alex

TESTIMONIAL
"My heartfelt thanks to you all - I now leave Serenity House with a new life ahead of me, I've made a lot of changes to my way of thinking and the way I lead my life in the future.  The knowledge I have gained is immeasurable, thank you all from the bottom of my heart"
P.S  May everyday be a brighter day to you all, Lots of Love J


TESTIMONIAL
"When I first came to Serenity House I really did not know what to expect, I was mentally down, shaking and feeling terrible guilt.

I had always thought that with God's help I could deal with issues myself.  Then I realized that this was not possible.  This course has taught me that you cannot do it on your own.  I was surprised at how much studying was involved and at what depth everything was gone into, the past, present and most of all future.

Going through Step by Step was to me a revelation and helped me understand how the mind works.  It also aided me in becoming closer to my faith, and that is a wonderful feeling.

So I am leaving with all the information and determination"


TESTIMONIAL
"Serenity House has truly turned my life around and I'm starting to recognise myself!"  ...."I'm so glad I picked up the phone and called you.  What you have given me is truly priceless" You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.  Love you guys, eternally thankful – V


TESTIMONIAL

When I came to Serenity House I was an utter mess, I didn't want to be the person I was, but I didn't know how to change.  But when you are taught properly, the devastation of your life that happens to not only you but your friends and family, you suddenly realise that there is a better way of life.  I always thought beforehand, non-one is like me, I don't want to listen to other peoples problems, they don't understand, far from it, and these people are exactly the same. 
The 12 Step Program and the tools that have been handed to me have completely changed my attitude.....I can't thank Serenity House and all the staff enough for the support they have given me and the in depth knowledge I have gained about my problems.....All I have to do is to follow the programme and think of the guidance that was given to me.
S.L  South East England

TESTIMONIAL
I kept thinking that I should be able to deal with my issues alone.  I found excuses in time, cost, career, that it was self indulgent and that I should be stronger.  I had no idea what to expect, the reality was friendly people, a beautiful setting and decor that's tasteful and relaxing. 
In fact combined with a roaring fire and comfy sofas I seemed to get rather too relaxed sometimes!  (I don't think I snored)  I can't say that there is an easy answer to why one arrives at the point they do in their lives, but what I gained, combined with an education into the physical and emotional reasons, with the Steps showing you how to deal with life free from stress and addiction in the outside world.  A daily program to support you.  It's incredible how much we all think about the external, be that physical, material, financial etc and yet neglect the important, ourselves.

The food is excellent, personally my favorite was the curry but the steak pie was a pretty close second!  Also if you like horses, there is an excellent riding facility across the valley, which in these surroundings is fabulous.  As I head back into the real world with a clearer head, more knowledge and support, I hope that I can put it all into practice - one day at a time eh!


TESTIMONIAL
"Words can't thank you enough for being there.  I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for your support, understanding and help"  Love you loads - KJ