ADFNSW-Kathleen York House

Testimonials

Anonymous 12.11.20

“My time in rehab has been a journey and a half. I have experienced excellent support and great counselling from the day and night staff.

Groups such as DBT were a little hard at first, but once I got my head around it. I really enjoyed this group a lot.

Skills group was great giving everyday life counselling to aid me in my life after rehab.

Pscyho ed was full on but necessary, so was the process group, challenging me to be assertive and to encourage my communication skills in honesty, empathy and compassion in these groups. It taught me a great deal on how to handle people on the outside world.

The rules that were set for rehab were challenging but I soon realised they were there for my safety and the safety of my peers.

All aspects of the rehab were explained clearly to me by staff at all times.

Issues I had with the house were handled well with staff and the CEO, were accepted at all rimwa, allowing me to make the right choices while here in rehab.

My peers had a great influence on me in being honest, having compassion, empathy and having trust amongst us.

My journal was hard but worth it, it has a great impact on my life making me stronger, confident and I have self esteem that I lacked greatly when I first arrived here.

I hate to imagine where I would be today without the support of rehab.

I’m coming up to 12 months clean with support and counselling with my traumas that I have suffered in my younger days.

I reflect without rehab, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

So thanks to the great staff and excellent program in this rehab from the bottom of my heart.

You have awoken a new woman who is very happy.

So thanks again”

-Anon 30.11.18

“I completed the 6 month residential drug and alcohol program at Kathleen York House for my substance abuse issues. The program was a highly structured and intense wholistic program that provided a safe and supportive space for remaining abstinent and being able to work on personal and emotional issues related to substance use. I always felt safe and support by caring and professional staff.

The program implemented a 12 step approach and taught skills to better manage emotions, day to day healthy living, interpersonal relationships and living a drug free life. The program included yoga, DBT, skills, psychoeducation, health promotions and counselling.

I established a close relationship with my case manager who managed my individual needs.

Kathleen York House has been the best decision I have made. It has truly helped me turn my life around, table my addiction and learn practical skills I apply in everyday life.

I would recommend KYH for anyone struggling with substance abuse issues and emotional issues.”

Anon 5.12.18

When I began studying a ‘Diploma of Community Services’ at Ultimo TAFE, I soon became very passionate about pursuing a placement at Kathleen York House in Glebe.

Having heard only the most wonderful reviews about the program there, I had a burning desire to be chosen by Kathleen York to develop my skills and professionalism in such a specialised area of drug and alcohol treatment.  

Having now done work placement there, I have found the program has lived up to all my expectations and more. 

The Rehabilitation program is like nothing I’ve ever observed before professionally or personally.

I was impressed to observe the love and care that each staff member showed to every client and their treatment of each individual based on that client’s unique life experience.

The program employs a full variety of group processes, which really cuts through to each client’s core issues and helps them discover and uncover the reasons why they have made the choices they have made.

When comparing the Kathleen York House program to other programs I’ve been involved in, what stands out is their practical and organised approach within a group setting that helps build up each individual’s confidence, whilst providing tools and processes to live a life without the use of drugs and alcohol.  

During my work placement I experienced the house to be a safe, caring and loving environment for the women and children. I found the staff to be highly professional, being able to highlight not only treatment around addiction and behaviour patterns but also sensitive to issues of trauma and mental illness. 

The program educates the women on the health benefits of eating balanced, wholesome cooked food and also adopting a sugar free and smoke free lifestyle. 

Furthermore, it incorporates exercise such as yoga, gym resistance training and regular walks into the timetable. This helps the women to feel a lot stronger and more confident whilst providing resources for each client to become the best version of themselves they can possibly be.

In my opinion the Kathleen York program really offers a mind, body and spirit approach to recovery. 

I’m truly grateful for all I have learnt and continue to learn at Kathleen York. I believe I’ve really developed a wonderful understanding of the specialist care that is given there to help the women and their children on the journey to recovery. The women continue to inspire me each week as I watch them transform and grow. They truly are my biggest role models.

Emillie Beyer (Student)

My time as a placement student at KYH has been one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences of my social work journey. From my very first day, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported by the team, and quickly sensed that I had entered a learning environment grounded in compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to walking alongside women and their children in recovery. Stepping into a residential rehabilitation setting for the first time was both exciting and humbling, and I was eager to learn what trauma informed, relational, and holistic practice looked like in action.

What made my placement so impactful was the generosity, professionalism, and humanity of the multidisciplinary team. Staff consistently took the time to explain their reasoning, include me in discussions, and offer thoughtful feedback that supported my growth as a student. Their patience and willingness to share their knowledge helped me build confidence in case management, group facilitation and holistic assessment.

Working alongside the women in the program was something I found profoundly meaningful. Their resilience, honesty, and courage taught me lessons that simply cannot be learned in an educational institution. I am deeply grateful for the trust they placed in me, whether in everyday interactions or in moments where they chose to share their experiences. These interactions strengthened my belief in the power of relational practice and reminded me of the privilege social workers hold when invited into someone’s healing journey.

As I complete my placement, I leave KYH with a much richer understanding of trauma-informed and strength-based practice, as well as stronger sense of professional confidence. This experience has clarified the kind of practitioner I aspire to be- someone grounded in empathy, curiosity, and ethical decision making.

I carry forward immense gratitude for the staff who supported me, the women who inspired me, and the countless moments of learning that shaped my growth. The lessons from KYH will continue to influence my practice for many years to come, and I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to learn within such a meaningful and compassionate service.

With gratitude

Elycia (student)

My placement at Kathleen York House has been invaluable and transformative learning experience. During my time here, I developed a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, residential AOD support, and the complex challenges faced by women in recovery. I had the opportunity to observe and practice respectful, empathetic communication and learned how to create safe, empowering interactions with clients who have experienced trauma, family violence, and addiction.

Being part of the KYH community strengthened my skills group facilitation, conflict de-escalation, ethical decision making, and professional boundaries. Through supervision, reflective journaling, and ongoing guidance from staff, I became more confident in applying social work theories such as Trauma-Informed Care and Strength-Based Practice to real-life situations.

What I valued most about KYH was the incredibly supportive team and the respectful, client-centred environment they create. The staff were always welcoming, patient, and willing to share their knowledge, which made my learning experience both meaningful and encouraging. I felt included as part of the team and always supported in my professional development.

My experience at KYH has not only strengthened my practical skills but has also shaped my professional identity. I am leaving this placement with greater confidence, deeper self-awareness, and a stronger commitment to ethical, compassionate social work practice. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated and inspiring team, and I will carry the lessons from KYH with me throughout my career.

Thank you to the entire KYH team for providing such a positive, insightful, and empowering placement experience.

Kanika Mann