Michael

Review of Tranquil Shores

I went to Tranquil Shores for 90 days. First off t...

I went to Tranquil Shores for 90 days. First off the good. Most of the staff is nice and compassionate. Some of the counselors are very knowledgeable and helpful with any issues you may be struggling with as well as underlying issues related to your addiction. Chad, the owner is a good guy who really cares for the clients (although he isn't very involved in the actual program itself). There are lots of therapeutic & fun activities that mostly fill up your schedule. Each week has a different theme for a total of 13 themes.
Now, the bad. My counselor in particular, Donald Ford, though knowledgeable, had a very biased viewpoint on a multitude of things. It has been pointed out to me that perhaps he was projecting his own feelings about his upbringing onto me and other clients. He acts very prideful and as if he's better than you. I have heard this from two previous clients of his from when he worked at Manatee Glens also. He withheld church and sponsorship from me as a form of punishment and I got the impression that he's against religion which I dont believe is his place in the recovery of his clients. Apart from him, for $22,000 a month (Yes, 22k/month. Not a typo) you don't get much of a say of anything in regards to your stay there. Whether there's an issue with your roommate, or you perhaps you don't get along with your counselor there's nothing you can do about it. There are also bugs in the apartments which was pretty gross.