In the peaceful Piney Woods of East Texas, Cypress Lake Recovery provides a sanctuary for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Led by Executive Director Joani Burchett, the facility offers a holistic and individualized approach to care, utilizing both traditional and experiential therapies to promote lasting recovery.
Joani’s path to her role at Cypress Lake is rooted in personal experience and passion. “I’m a childhood trauma survivor turned thriver,” Joani shares. Years ago, she sought treatment for her own mental health challenges and found profound inspiration in the healing process. Formerly a music teacher, Joani felt a calling to shift careers, pursuing degrees in psychology and professional counseling. “Addiction has impacted both sides of my family,” she says. “It has taken many of my loved ones. That loss and pain fuel my passion to help others.”
Joani’s dedication and leadership have been pivotal in shaping Cypress Lake’s vision. Having risen from part-time counselor to executive director, she emphasizes the importance of truly meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey. “We provide concurrent treatment for both substance use and mental health disorders. Our individualized care plans ensure that clients find the path that works for them, whether that’s through traditional 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, or trauma-informed care,” she explains.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
Cypress Lake’s treatment model integrates multiple modalities to address the complexities of recovery. For Joani, sobriety is the first essential step. “You’ve got to get sober before you can work on trauma,” she emphasizes. Beyond achieving sobriety, the program focuses heavily on emotional regulation, helping clients prepare for deeper trauma work when appropriate.
Experiential therapy plays a major role in this process. “I believe that when clients experience something new, it opens the door for them to walk into a new way of life,” Joani says. Cypress Lake offers activities such as art therapy, nature walks, journaling, and even kayak races on the property’s serene lake. “These activities prompt emotional breakthroughs, helping clients access thoughts and feelings they might not have reached otherwise.”
The healing power of nature is a cornerstone of the Cypress Lake experience. Situated on 40 acres of tranquil land, the facility offers an environment that encourages clients to slow down and connect with themselves. “One of the first things we teach is how to rest,” Joani explains. “We remove clients from the chaos and noise of their daily lives and invite them to simply breathe and be present.” For many clients, this immersion in nature becomes a life-changing experience. Joani adds, “Clients who’ve never fished before learn to fish here, and they walk away with a new hobby for life.”
The Importance of Community and Accountability
Another key element of Cypress Lake’s success is its focus on group dynamics and accountability. “We challenge our clients with honesty, respect, and compassion,” Joani says. “Our staff works to observe and understand each client’s unique needs, providing the support necessary to break through resistance and foster growth.”
Joani is particularly proud of the facility’s emphasis on family involvement. Cypress Lake offers comprehensive family therapy sessions, where loved ones participate in workshops on topics such as trauma, communication, and codependency. “Family engagement is crucial for long-term sobriety,” Joani asserts. “When families are part of the process, clients feel more supported and motivated to sustain their recovery.”
A Place for Those Who Haven’t Found Success Elsewhere
Cypress Lake is often a haven for individuals who have struggled to succeed in other treatment settings. Joani describes the ideal client as someone who may be resistant to traditional treatment methods but is open to exploring new paths. “We do a great job of holding space for people, listening deeply, and developing recovery plans tailored to their needs,” she says.
This personalized approach, combined with the healing environment of Cypress Lake, sets the program apart from others in Texas. “We’re a safe place,” Joani affirms. “Not just safe in the physical sense, but emotionally and spiritually. We challenge our clients with care, and we don’t cookie-cutter anyone’s treatment. Every staff member here genuinely cares.”
An Invitation to Heal
When asked what message she would share with families considering Cypress Lake, Joani’s response is heartfelt and clear. “If I had a family member who needed help, I would want them to come here. There’s safety, honesty, and compassion. We meet people where they are and walk with them toward healing.”
Under Joani’s leadership, Cypress Lake Recovery continues to provide a transformative experience for clients seeking a new beginning. The combination of individualized care, experiential therapy, and a tranquil natural setting offers a powerful path to recovery, empowering clients to build strong, healthy lives beyond addiction.
About Cypress Lake Recovery
Cypress Lake Recovery is a leading addiction treatment center dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Located in a serene, natural setting, Cypress Lake Recovery offers a range of personalized programs, including detox, residential treatment, and aftercare support.
Our experienced team of clinicians utilizes a holistic approach, integrating proven therapeutic modalities with innovative techniques to address the root causes of addiction and empower clients to achieve lasting recovery. Learn more about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs and begin your journey to recovery today.
