An unsolicited treatment review by one of our clients – Lauren had been diagnosed with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD and body dysmorphia. After years of failed treatments, she had given up hope, until she found The Dawn.
This is one of many The Dawn Rehab Thailand reviews that show how treatment here can be life-changing.
The 29th January 2023 was the day my life changed forever… Why? That was day 1 of treatment for me at The Dawn.
I had suffered with an eating disorder for 12 years. Before arriving at The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab Thailand at 25, I can honestly say I genuinely believed I would not live to see 26.
I had suffered with different types of eating disorders. I was diagnosed with anorexia in 2012, though I had been struggling with this illness for about a year before that.
I have restricted, starved, and been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, OCD, and body dysmorphia. I had always thought: why me? I didn’t have any childhood trauma, I was not a bad person, I always had control. Was I normal? Why me?
I had so many questions about my own illness/addiction that I was led to believe I would never find the answer to… not until I started my treatment at The Dawn.
Back in Scotland, where I am from, I had tried to seek help in many different ways. I had been to therapy three times for six months, I had tried private therapy, private hypnosis, spent many times in hospital, and basically begged for more help from my GP and the Eating Disorder clinic where I was attending therapy. And the fact that I could not see myself living to 26 says exactly how that all went.
I can honestly say I was ready to give up, not only with myself but also with trying to get any help, as I genuinely believed there was no cure and no real recovery. I was convinced.
If it were not for the support of my family and friends back home, I would have given up years ago.
I believe that everything happens for a reason, and it gives me hope to think this way, as there must have been a reason I found ‘The Dawn’.
Why I Chose The Dawn Thailand for Treatment
Being away from home is something I would never have imagined doing, and nothing I had ever planned to do, especially for treatment or for any sort of mental health retreat. But before I get into talking about my experience at The Dawn, I just want to confirm it was the best decision I have ever made in my life, and I really believe I will say this for the rest of my life!
I was scared, anxious, nervous, and worried. I had absolutely no clue what to expect. I did not know anybody who had been to The Dawn or to a mental health retreat in Thailand. Yes, I had done as much research as I could before arrival, but at the end of the day the Internet can tell you what you want to hear.
Speaking to staff at The Dawn before arrival really helped me build up the courage to take the leap and commit to treatment. Their encouragement, kindness, and reassurance were something I had never experienced from any treatment center or medical professional.
From the very first phone call with my counselor, that’s when I knew I was making the right decision. Yes, I was absolutely petrified and talked myself out of coming to Thailand nearly every day. However, I knew it was either I try to get some help, or my family would have to plan a funeral. Sounds scary, I know, but I was that convinced there was no way out. This eating disorder was my life, the only way I knew how to live.
My main worries were not knowing what to expect, not knowing anyone who was going to be there, and mainly not knowing if I was going to be safe.
I always remember on the phone to my counselor before I arrived she said to me “Lauren there is a massive difference between being safe and feeling safe, you may not always feel safe but I promise you will be safe.”
I repeated this to myself about 10 times a day and also on my travels here, and I still tell myself this daily.
I am glad I believed her, especially considering she was a stranger to me at this point. In the 8 weeks of being in treatment, I can honestly say not once did I feel unsafe. Yes, some times were scarier than others, but I always knew I was safe.
Arriving at the airport in Chiang Mai was the only time I did feel uncertain, as I had absolutely no clue what was going on.
I was picked up by a support staff member who was so kind and welcoming. Even her manners kept me calm and reassured. I arrived late Sunday evening, so there were not many people around. I had to go to the medical station to get some basic tests done and fill out forms. This was probably the scariest part of all treatment for me. However, looking back I realize it was not bad at all. It was just because I had no clue what was happening at the time.
My Experience at The Dawn Thailand (An Honest Review)
I could sit here and write about all the tools and strategies I learned during treatment at The Dawn, but that would take forever. I learned more in a single one-hour session on certain topics at The Dawn than I did in 11 years of treatment in Scotland.
Every day, I had the chance to speak in group sessions about issues, concerns, personal problems, and worries — sharing openly with people who truly understood and were going through similar things. At times, that was lifesaving.
I also attended psychoeducation classes on many different topics, all of which were extremely helpful. Some of the areas I learned about included the window of tolerance, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, 12-step meetings, SMART Recovery, vulnerability, healthy communication, introduction to CBT, stress, the drama triangle, boundaries, relapse prevention, emotional regulation (DBT), and the ABC model.
In addition to the classes and groups, there was also a more relaxing and fun side to treatment, which was very therapeutic.
Every day I attended morning yoga and fitness classes such as Zumba, TRE, aerobic dance, Fit Ball, and Muay Thai, as well as mindful meditation, sound bath meditation, candlelight meditation, and music therapy.
I made the most of these opportunities, attending as many sessions as possible, and I am so grateful I did. They helped me both mentally and physically.
Treatment Programmes at The Dawn Thailand
I believe there are two main types of programmes at the Dawn: the original and the bespoke. I did a bespoke programme for six weeks, then moved to the normal programme for the last two weeks on the advice of my counselor. I truly believe this combination was the most beneficial treatment plan for me.
In the bespoke programme, I had four counseling sessions per week (compared to two in the normal programme). I also had two private holistic sessions per week, which I really enjoyed. These could include art therapy, music therapy, one-to-one meditation, craft therapy, or any other type of holistic work, tailored specifically to the individual. Another part of the bespoke programme was the option to pre-order meals instead of going to the buffet, with guidance from a private nutritionist if needed. The entire treatment plan was detailed and highly personalized.
As I was there for my eating disorder, meal times were the most difficult part of treatment. My plan began with having all meals prepared for me — a wide variety, all designed by my nutritionist. I also had a “watcher” with me during meals and for an hour afterward.
If someone had told me beforehand this would happen, I would have been terrified, but once I started treatment I knew deep down it was exactly what I needed. I can honestly say it saved my life.
Over time, as I grew stronger and more confident, I eased into more independence. I could always discuss with my counselor when I was ready for the next step or goal, and I always felt fully supported.
During my eight weeks of treatment, I attended 96 group therapy sessions and 28 private counseling sessions, gave a personal presentation to my peers, had four Zoom appointments with a doctor/psychiatrist who was very professional and supportive, and eight Zoom sessions with my nutritionist, who was knowledgeable, encouraging, helpful, and reassuring.
I also went to the hospital for regular checkups to monitor my blood work.
Everything was carefully monitored and very well communicated among all the relevant teams. I always felt reassured and safe with any medical issues.
How My Life Changed After My Time at The Dawn Thailand
Being at The Dawn, I learned a massive amount of knowledge and developed many new skills. But some of the most important lessons were that I can start to love myself again, be honest, speak openly, feel free, and, most importantly, see myself having a future.
Every staff member at The Dawn made me feel welcome and safe: the counselors, the medical staff, the support staff, and even the kitchen staff. Not once in my eight weeks did I feel like a burden to anyone, even on my “not so good days.”
The other clients I met have become friends for life. The support we gave one another is something I had never experienced before.
Before discharge, I created and presented a recovery plan that was realistic, manageable, and approved by my counselor. This helped ease my fear of going back home and made me feel less anxious, knowing I had a plan in place and something to work toward.
I am also able to attend an aftercare meeting every Saturday with other clients who have been through treatment at The Dawn, and I plan to continue attending this for the rest of my life.
I truly believe The Dawn saved my life, and I know it can save many more.
But just know: Anyone could have the best therapist in the world and all the help available, but if you are not willing to give your ALL to recovery, nothing will work.
Find Other Dawn Rehab Thailand Reviews
Lauren’s story is just one of many. You can read more about clients who came to The Dawn for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Each shares their journey, the tools they learned, and how life has changed since treatment: