Psychology Treatments in Vida Libre

Vida Libre is a private residential alcohol rehab and burnout recovery retreat in Felanitx, Mallorca. Established in 2007, it operates as a personal, non-clinical recovery center with medical and nursing support. The retreat sits on a confidential finca, giving international patients a discreet setting. To ensure close attention, the program limits group size to a maximum of four guests at a time.

Personalized Alcohol Recovery and Addiction Therapy

The program focuses on alcohol dependence, withdrawal, and learning to live without alcohol. Specialists address personal drinking patterns and individual relapse risks through psychological support. Treatment uses intensive one-to-one coaching rather than group sessions. The medical team supports patients throughout their stay, especially those managing physical health issues after detox.

The retreat offers supervised medical support for alcohol withdrawal in suitable cases. Dr. Karolin Hundt, a physician with 25 years of experience, performs full medical assessments at the start of each stay. She conducts physical exams and adjusts medications when necessary. Rebecca Erb, the on-site nurse, monitors vital signs like blood pressure and pulse during early recovery.

Diagnostics at the center include:

• Alcohol risk questionnaires
• Full alcohol abuse examinations
• Consultations with drug therapists
• Extensive psychological assessments
• Complex diagnostics for drug addiction

Stays are intensive, with a recommended duration of two to three weeks. A minimum of 10 days is required for initial withdrawal or burnout recovery. After the residential stay, guests can access follow-up coaching sessions via Zoom.

Psychological Support and Stress Management

Julia McElheney, an American-Austrian psychologist, leads the psychological program. She specializes in clinical and addiction psychology and previously directed psychology at the Vienna Juvenile Justice Centre. Her approach builds personal stability and self-confidence to help guests manage severe stress. The team develops practical strategies for everyday situations where alcohol was previously used.

The program includes a structured daily routine to rebuild healthy habits. These activities are standard parts of recovery:

• Daily yoga and sports sessions
• Professional massage therapy by specialists with 25+ years of experience
• Equine-assisted sessions focused on body language and attention
• Groundwork with horses – no riding experience needed

These therapies help guests rediscover calm and restore a healthy work-life balance. Former guests can stay in touch with the team for continued advice after their stay.

International Patient Services and Amenities

Vida Libre offers a complete service package for international guests. The team communicates in English and Spanish, supporting visitors from many countries. Privacy is central to the finca experience, so guests recover in a quiet, secure residential setting.

Services for all guests include:

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Accommodation in a private bedroom
• Access to communal areas including lounge, terrace, and pool
• Daily breakfast and dinner prepared at the finca
• Weekly dinner at a local restaurant on Sundays
• Ongoing email and telephone support after the program

A small medical team of four clinicians provides consistent care. This setting ensures every guest receives personalized medical and psychological support from the same specialists throughout their stay.