• Chris Spencer – Head Addiction Therapist

Chris came into recovery in 1995 after experiencing his own problems with addiction. Working alongside psychiatrists, psychologists and doctors he has gained an in depth extensive knowledge of the illness associated with addiction and the effects this can have on family life.
Chris is a qualified recovery dynamic counsellor who specialises in the 12 step programme of recovery. Over the past 16 years he has worked within the alcohol and drug addiction field using this tried and tested method.

Although the 12 step programme is by far the most effective treatment for addiction Chris also believes there are often many other issues that surround the illness of addiction and these issues can be addressed by our extended team if required (see below Extended Medical Team).
On a personal note, Chris strongly believes that recovery needs to be “enjoyed not endured” and this is reflected in how Chris approaches life and in the message he passes on to those seeking help. The testimonials on our website are all recent and show the value of the work we do here. (Click Here)

• Anita Cragen – House Manager and Key Care Worker

Anita is the House Manager and Key Care Worker at Serenity House Treatment Centre and has been in recovery herself for over six years.  She has extensive knowledge of the difficulties that can arise in early recovery for women with young children and young adults, having three children herself.

After being given days to live and being placed on a life support machine for five days, Anita survived and has worked within the addiction field carrying her experience and strength to those in need.  Anita believes that not everyone has to go to the lengths she endured to find recovery. Early recovery is possible once you admit you have a problem. Anita has extensive experience of the problems and the solution associated with addiction.

• Local Medical Team

Every individual case is different and each person requires a customized plan to see them through the process in a way which is both safe and effective and sympathetic to their needs.  We have an association with the local medical centre.  They can, where needed provide medication, and support that can be used to assist the affects of slight withdrawals if needed.

• Extended Medical Team *

Marbella Highcare
For those who may suffer severe withdrawals from alcohol or drugs we use the Highcare Medical Centre in Marbella. We will oversee the admission process and will work with our Doctor who specialises in Alcohol and Drug Addiction who has nearly 30 years experience in the field of treating addiction. 

• Doctor Specialising in Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Qualified at Westminster Hospital, London in 1982 our Doctor (MBBS) who specialises in Alcohol and Drug Addiction moved to Spain 1985 to start work in general practice, and helped build a practice to its current level of service of five general practitioners, nine specialists and numerous other healthcare professionals.

In 1988 he started voluntary work as a doctor assisting drug addicts to detoxify. This progressed to helping alcoholics and in particular the 12 step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous. From 1991 to 2001 he was the director for the local government’s drug dependency programme, which included outpatient and inpatient programmes as well as a methadone programme.

• Psychiatric Doctor

For those who may require psychological assessment we use our psychiatrist to assess their needs while in rehabilitation at Serenity House Treatment Centre. Dr Marta Pol Ramon obtained her medical degree in 1999 from the University of Barcelona.

Dr Pol Ramon decided to go to the United Kingdom for the next 6 years to practice in the field of Psychiatry. Her experience includes several sub-specialties in Mental Health namely General Adult Psychiatry, Drug Misuse, Old Age Psychiatry, Rehabilitation Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.

With her continued interest in the efficacy and simplicity of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, she completed an “Extended Training Course in CBT” approved by “The Association for Psychological Therapies”. Part of her training also involved attending clinical sessions in Cognitive Analytical Therapy, Family Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. Dr Pol Ramon also has a continued personal interest in “Consciousness training” which led to her completion of the Avatar Course in the U.S.A in 2007.