About Us

Starfish Recovery & Wellness is the leading recovery organization for the use of holistic wellness as a tool to improve recovery outcomes. Starfish Recovery & Wellness' unique approach is designed to increase the likelihood of long term recovery via its "whole person" approach: addressing the emotional, mental, social, physical, and educational needs of our residents. These five areas are represented by the five arms of a Starfish.


We implement a diverse set of evidence based wellness practices in addition to traditional recovery pathways. What are those practices? CrossFit, yoga, sound healing, storywork, breathwork, and mindfulness practices. All of these modalities are available to all residents at all stages of recovery, and are facilitated by licensed or credentialed practitioners for each field. Each of these modalities was chosen because one or more studies indicate their efficacy for improvement of recovery outcomes. We also encourage the residents to practice the recovery pathway that resonates with them, whether that be 12-step, SMART Recovery, Faith Based, Dharma, or other recognized pathways. Our staff has included people following each of these pathways, which allows for modeling of each of their benefits and outcomes.

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Five Pronged Approach

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Emotional

Identifying and managing your emotions, or "choosing how you feel" is a crucial skill for those in early recovery. Our mindfulness program provides our residents with training in focusing on the present moment without judgement. Over time, they develop a set of tools that allow them to bring their best selves to each moment and each day, regardless of the life challenges that arise. Our partnership with the InnerWork Center allows us to offer weekly mindfulness classes.

Physical

Exercise releases natural chemicals in the brain that increases focus, mood, and energy. In relation to addiction and recovery, studies show that CrossFit, specifically, creates a socially supportive environment, increases preference for and tolerance to exercise, and decreases depression and anxiety. The social support, the sense of community and belonging, and the teamwork CrossFit fosters are all keys to expediting our brain's healing process. We team with Shockoe Bottom Performance to offer CrossFit to all of our participants every week.

Mental

Addiction is a brain disorder. In order to change addictive behavior, one must develop new patterns of thinking that support a healthy lifestyle. At Starfish Recovery & Wellness, our residents' mental health is prioritized. We offer yoga, breathwork, and other wellness activities to help develop new ways of coping with mental stress. We also work with clinical partners, creating a team approach to addressing the disease of addiction.

Social

Isolation and loneliness is considered an indicator, driver, or trigger for substance use disorder. Our program is designed to strengthen social relationships and promote community. We do this via promoting both internal and external togetherness. Shared experiences, especially those that teach a new skill or create a sense of team building and accomplishment, for example our yoga, CrossFit, or creative arts activities, promote camaraderie and encourage the development and maintenance of deep, long-lasting bonds. These bonds can prevent the isolation that often leads to substance use.

Educational

We have developed a curriculum that is aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL's) for Health to empower and educate our residents not just about the disease of addiction, but with science driven coping and life management skills. Using a standard educational lesson plan model, this curriculum guides students to examine the root of their addiction and invites students to delve into practical strategies to further their personal recovery goals. Our goal is for our residents to further their lifelong pursuit of recovery, health, and wholeness by providing a solid educational foundation and the associated tools for wellness.

Five Pronged Approach

A+

Emotional

Identifying and managing your emotions, or "choosing how you feel" is a crucial skill for those in early recovery. Our mindfulness program provides our residents with training in focusing on the present moment without judgement. Over time, they develop a set of tools that allow them to bring their best selves to each moment and each day, regardless of the life challenges that arise. Our partnership with the InnerWork Center allows us to offer weekly mindfulness classes.

Physical

Exercise releases natural chemicals in the brain that increases focus, mood, and energy. In relation to addiction and recovery, studies show that CrossFit, specifically, creates a socially supportive environment, increases preference for and tolerance to exercise, and decreases depression and anxiety. The social support, the sense of community and belonging, and the teamwork CrossFit fosters are all keys to expediting our brain's healing process. We team with Shockoe Bottom Performance to offer CrossFit to all of our participants every week.

Mental

Addiction is a brain disorder. In order to change addictive behavior, one must develop new patterns of thinking that support a healthy lifestyle. At Starfish Recovery & Wellness, our residents' mental health is prioritized. We offer yoga, breathwork, and other wellness activities to help develop new ways of coping with mental stress. We also work with clinical partners, creating a team approach to addressing the disease of addiction.

Social

Isolation and loneliness is considered an indicator, driver, or trigger for substance use disorder. Our program is designed to strengthen social relationships and promote community. We do this via promoting both internal and external togetherness. Shared experiences, especially those that teach a new skill or create a sense of team building and accomplishment, for example our yoga, CrossFit, or creative arts activities, promote camaraderie and encourage the development and maintenance of deep, long-lasting bonds. These bonds can prevent the isolation that often leads to substance use.

Educational

We have developed a curriculum that is aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL's) for Health to empower and educate our residents not just about the disease of addiction, but with science driven coping and life management skills. Using a standard educational lesson plan model, this curriculum guides students to examine the root of their addiction and invites students to delve into practical strategies to further their personal recovery goals. Our goal is for our residents to further their lifelong pursuit of recovery, health, and wholeness by providing a solid educational foundation and the associated tools for wellness.