Zen Recovery Path

I hate to be the dissenting voice amongst a bunch of 5-​star raters but no place is perfect. I attended Zen Recovery path back in 2014. They were still adjusting as one of the new kids on the block, so out of fairness, some of my complaints could have been attended to since then.
I did not complete the program because I relapsed while I was there. Part of the problem was that I required more hands-​on attention than was offered at zen– true to its name, the ‘structure’ (if you can call it that) of the program was extremely loose. From the first day, I was given no orientation and basically sat around waiting for something to happen. This repeated each day. The most powerful element was their offering of tai chi as well as the small-​group communal feeling. This place is not an institution, which is absolutely to its benefit. But it’s a trade-​off. I would not recommend this place to anyone who has not already done a lot of the very difficult foundation work, like detox or becoming oriented with the world of recovery. Zen Recovery is a better fit for folks who are seasoned addicts who know the lingo and are truly ready for a change and not in need of too much structure.
I was one of those people, however one of my needs was structure and this program not only doesn’t offer much by way of a regimen, at the time I was there it didn’t provide substantial living quarters… Which could be blamed on California’s laws against IOPs maintaining residential facilities for clients… But the thing is, that law is in place for a reason. Many IOPs use loopholes in an effort to jury-​rig an in-​between – inpatient and outpatient. This is useful if you don’t quite want inpatient, or you don’t qualify (another legal snafu) but if you wind up in a situation like me: while at zen, being transferred – from a sober living home amongst non-​zen, 12-​steppers who were not in an IOP program and insensitive to my needs as an in-​betweener– to a hotel, where two-​doors-​down a band of hard-​core junkies was checking in the very same day that I was– you might be screwed. As I was.
Matthew, the originator of Zen is truly a kind and caring individual. He went out of his way to put me up in the hotel, knowing that the accommodations situation was less than ideal. The problem was that a hotel was an even worse idea. I chalk this poor decision making process to (obviously my own addiction, but also) Matthew’s lack of personal knowledge of addiction, which puts him in a tight spot when it comes to running an addictions business. There’s already a tone of ‘rackets being run,’ that is rampant amongst Cali rehab centers. I don’t think Matthew is one of those, just in it for the money, but some of the questionable processes I witnessed definitely has him at risk, IMHO.
Keeping in mind the hands-​off lack of structure approach I witnessed, this next reveal has me quite bitter against the folks at zen (also keep in mind that I was extremely vocal about my needs)… While I was relapsing at the hotel, I noticed someone sitting at the top of the stairs across the balcony, looking into my room for a prolonged period. I finally became paranoid enough that I approached her. It was another zen client, an extremely ‘integrated’ youngster named Becky who presumably had been sent by the program to spy. I can absolutely empathize with their desire to know the extent of my decent but given the lax quality of the care, it seemed like a slap in the face. They weren’t involved enough to help keep me out of trouble but to send another client to watch me relapse in order to make a case against my stay, (an unnecessary case seeing as how I had no intentions of staying after the relapse because it became clear to me that I required more care), that just seemed really low. It’s not like they made ANY attempts to intervene. They simply watched and waited for me to make a fool of myself and leave. Needless to say, the ensuing departure scene was dramatic and embarrassing but what’s most notable to me, again, was their hands-​off approach. I never received any follow ups to check on my recovery. They seemed to be more concerned with their own liability than my recovery. A concern that probably should have been in place from the get-​go, not as I’m making a rapid dissolve.
The good news is that I found my own way and am approaching a year sober. There was one therapist at Zen, Ryan, whose words from our limited meetings have stuck with me. He’s a talented guy. Props for him.

I have commenced from 3 treatments centers. 2 of which where 12 step based. A mentor at my 1^st said that it is essential to explore other methods of recovery. I found Zen. I went in with 100% honesty towards myself and an open mind. Zen helped me rebuild my true self to what it was before addiction. And most importantly gave me the tools to grow in my life forward. Through the things they taught me I believe in myself and at 8 months and 8 days I AM the person I always wanted to be and growing forward. Zen catapulted my recovery. Zen can restore your life. Their is no other place or team of therapist in the country that is as good.

I don’t even know where to begin to express the true gratitude I have for Zen Recovery. First off a little backstory: I found this place while I was living in Chicago, and in a very dark place in my life. My mother had been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer and I was drinking heavily. When I moved back to California I knew I had to do something about the way I drank, so I finally agreed to come to Zen. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.
When I initially met Matt (Sifu) his warmth and compassion for what he does radiated through him, and I knew I was in the right place. His staff is equally amazing; Ryan, Erin, Alyssa and Jessica will always hold a place in my heart.
A month into coming to Zen, my mother passed away, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Matt sat me down, said he wanted to talk, made a few jokes in typical Matt style, and eventually told me the horrible news. I remember that I cried, but I also knew in my heart that I was going to be ok, and I remained calm. Zen Recovery was there for me during a pivotal point in my life, and for that I am eternally thankful. The daily things we did, whether it be tai chi, morning meditation, arts and crafts, a massage!, reiki therapy, or even regular one-​on-​one therapy, kept me centered, and gained love for myself that I hadn’t had in a while. I looked forward to going everyday.
Since leaving Zen, I try to practice the things I’ve learned in everyday life, and especially in my daily meditation. If I’m ever in town I always make it a point to stop by and say hi to some pretty important people to me, especially Kane (the best dog ever).
This place will change your life for the better!

This place literally changed my life! Before I found Zen I was at an extremely low point in my life. I was suffering from severe anxiety and depression and felt like I was living in a perpetual state of panic. Sifu Mathew and his entire staff were so welcoming, caring and nurturing that even though I was brought there kicking and screaming (lol) I knew I was finally in a safe place.
Through individual and group therapy, daily meditation, tai chi, yoga, reiki, martial arts, and art therapy Zen provided me with all of the tools I needed to become centered, grounded, and truly In tune with myself, giving me the capacity for happiness that I had seemed to have lost.
I could not recommend this place more!

There is no place out there that I have ever been that is like Zen Recovery. Just the environment itself is healing and positive. The staff is so supportive and loving, they have forever changed my life. I am so thankful for Matt and his staff for being there for me and teaching me how to live life again with a positive outlook and for giving me tools to deal with life on life’s terms. If you are looking for a positive change in your life Zen Recovery Path is a great place to get a solid foundation.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing staff at Zen. I was a shell of a person when I arrived, stuck in a deep depression, terrible anxiety, an attempted suicide, and using alcohol in an poor attempt to cope. I was drowning quickly. Zen saved my life. I was given the tools needed to triumph over my traumas, find peace within, and live the kind of life I’d only dreamed about. What I love most about this amazing place is their Buddhist philosophy, including yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, combined with art therapy, music therapy, lectures, etc. These tools enabled me to find my long-​lost spirituality as well as inner strength, peace, coping skills, and self care. I wouldn’t be here with thethe amazing staff and programs offered at Zen.

Amazing place, amazing program, and top notch people! A truly once in a lifetime blessing that I was able to attend this facility and program. They helped me to reconnect with myself and who I am and have since had no prescribed medication for anxiety or depression for 3 years now! Prior to this program I was in and out of the hospital for 6 – 7 yrs for major depression and anxiety. This program and place was a life changing experience for me as well as my loved ones! If I could move my family to CA I would visit this place often! Unforgettable! Thank you Sifu and all staff at ZRP

I am a long time member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have worked the 12 steps as a means of recovery and I have recovered. I cannot speak directly to the content of the program offered here because I did not go through the program here, however, I can absolutely speak about the owner and operator of this facility. Mathew is a warm, caring and truly enlightened being. He is compassionate and extremely dedicated. He is certainly one who I would want on my side when it comes to fighting any battle. For a holistic approach to an affliction, I believe there is no one more equipped than him. There is no one more educated, insightful and intuitive than him. He will work tirelessly, long and wearily, to help you find what you need. There’s no doubt in my mind that you will receive and be fed in this facility.

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful and life changing Zen Recovery Path is! My son attended Zen after many attempts at traditional 12 step programs failed him. Many programs claimed to have a dual-​diagnosis treatment program but always failed to treat our son’s depression alongside his drug addiction. Zen Recovery’s holistic approach to treatment and focus on dual diagnosis saved my son’s life. Matthew and Ryan are genuinely committed to the well being of all their clients and went above and beyond their call of duty or pay. Their devotion is unparalleled! They provided us with family counseling and gave me back my son. It was the first time my son was sad to leave a rehab facility. Zen Recovery Path was the answer to our prayers! I can’t recommend it enough!

This place is like no other treatment center I’ve been to. All the staff are super friendly and chill. Unlike AA and the 12 step program, this place helps you be a tune with your true self, the inner self, once again like we once were. They allow you to express your creativity by channeling your energy to art, music, yoga, and martial arts. They have many more classes but those are the ones that I chose personally. You can’t cure addiction with a program that has predetermine steps to take. Everyone deals with problems in their own way. So to battle addiction everyone needs to do it in their own way also in order for it to be effective. I think its just common sense or at least it makes more sense. Our addiction stems from an inbalance in our lives, like too much of or a lack of something. Zen recovery helped me get on the path to rediscover my true self and to live a more balanced life, which in turn helped with my urges to use drugs. All I can say is give them a try and you won’t regret that you did. Thanks to all the staff at Zen Recovery!!!

This is an amazing place. This is unconventional, and empowering, this place. There are fountains, hammocks, meditation spots, bamboo wind chimes blowing in the breeze and art made from various recycled items all over the place. There is a lovely outdoor lounge that catches a sweet breeze and a huge, gorgeous former barn that «feels» just excellent when inside… what’s not to love?
There is counseling — both group and one-​on-​one and a lot of laughter. Martial arts, yoga and Reiki are some of the things that fill in the less conventional approach. VERY holistic. It’s a place where one can take a nice, deep breath, and feel safe and supported getting healthy again.
Oh, and music! Bring your guitar, your flute, your sitar, your chimes… you’ll fit right in.
If conventional recovery hasn’t felt quite right for you, this may well be your place. If you need help and support to find your best self — this place is worth a call, a tour. Every person I met there was all about the individual and creating wholeness.
Namaste!