Amanda’s Amazing Journey to Mental Health Freedom

Last Updated on March 10, 2026 by Diane Ridaeus

I came here as a very scared, undernourished, exhausted, mentally wounded person. I came here with a plan. When I surrendered to your plan it made my body so much healthier. Thank you for loving me despite it. Also for all your wisdom with what I am about to embark on.

The Magic in ATMC is the people, not the place. It is not this beautiful place with gorgeous trees and crystal clear fountains that make beautiful music as the water trickles down over the rocks. It is not the amazing peaceful and serene place with its fish in the pond, colorful art on the walls, the detox shop with the saunas, the cold showers i have come to love. It is not the wonderful smoothies, the reiki, the sound healing, the massages and reflexology, it is not the magnesium foot baths, the clay masks, and the calming music with the breathtaking nature scenes being played. It’s not the workout room or the yoga classes.

It is not the DBT, CODA, Authentic Relating, Music Therapy, Movie Nights, or even Karaoke. It is not supplements or nature walks. It is not the downright incredible therapy. The list could go on and on. The common denominator in all of these amazing things are the people that are here. ATMC is healing because of the people that either give their lives to this work or come here to find healing. Miracles happen here everyday, if even for just a moment. If you pay attention, you will see the miracles and they are worth every bit of hard work to see them.

I came here as a very scared, undernourished, exhausted, mentally wounded person. I came here with a plan. I was determined to finish what I came to start. What I have learned is sometimes life will throw us curveballs to help us learn the next life lesson we need to adjust to and maybe even embrace or at least accept. Acceptance for me is so very difficult and one I fought with every ounce of my being. I questioned myself and others constantly. I am driven and terribly competitive, so to have to reverse and alter course was really and still is extremely difficult. The acceptance of my situation and facing surgery has been one I did not expect. I am thankful I listened to myself and got some help and found the cause and came back to one place in the world I believe actually cared for me, could get me in working order and love me through. This place is one of safety and security, but most of all, it is full of passionate and loving individuals who have a common goal to see everyone get well. Everyone’s journey is different and their time table is different. What works for one may not work for another and here they know that. I needed a place I could come and finally fully deal with many of my wounds of life. Guess what, even being here I have had to work through things that have come up. Wow, what an amazing place. I am glad I took a second chance and came here. The first time I ended up somewhere else, but God’s timing was perfect. Every place I have been over the last 8 months has taught me more than I could have imagined. Now does this mean I am all healed? I am not and I have a journey ahead, but isn’t that what life is about. Life is a journey with some highs and some lows. And the journey is not straight. It is curvy, rocky, smooth, and mountainous. Life is a lot sometimes, but it is so worth it.

Today as I graduate this program with a different care plan than the original, I want to say how freakin’ blessed I feel to know and have been blessed by each and everyone of you.

My goal is to not leave anyone out. Please pass this one to everyone who is not here, because each and everyone brought joy and substance to my life. This place is truly a bubble and the people you talk with, share stories together and lean on is special but sadly it is fleeting. Someone mentioned it once that it is regrettable why this does not happen as much in life as it does here. That is what many of us clients I know are craving to be seen and heard and to feel safe to be ourselves. Many of us have people we can have that at home, but sometimes, especially in my case, it can feel like I am too much or not enough. What I have learned here is I am enough and the staff have all helped to foster that acceptance of self. With that, I will say my thanks.

To the Detox Shoppe staff, Renee, Kie, Sarah, Sarah, Jess, Kate, Luz. The TLC and comfort each of you brought to my healing is so beyond amazing. I will treasure you all in my heart.

Lotus and Dr. Daniella — this place is one of the most healing places on the planet. I am healthier because of all of you. I know Lotus and Dr Daniela I probably drove crazy with all my questions and questioning! Also I am so grateful I listened to you guys about the meat. When I surrendered to your plan it has made my body so much healthier. Thank you for loving me despite it. Also for all your wisdom with what I am about to embark on.

Amanda S. March 7, 2026

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