Comprehensive Residential Subacute& Holistic Wellness Center

I don’t even know where to begin, but I guess I can start with, Highlands in Bloom changed my life! I am a 41 year old wife, and mother of four beautiful daughters. I once was a very active, outgoing, social person, with such a thrive for life. Over the years I developed quite a few different autoimmune diseases. As the years passed, my chronic pain had become such a big part of my life. I started going out and socializing less and less, I was becoming quite depressed and anxious because of it. I wasn’t able to enjoy the things I once loved, and had very little motivation to do much. As I isolated, memories of my past seemed to haunt me more and more. I had very triggering PTSD, trauma I had never dealt with from my past, living in constant fight or flight, and started realizing how much it was affecting me physically every day. For those of you that don’t know, stress can be a trigger and can be an exasperating factor for autoimmune diseases. Research suggests there is a link between trauma and the development of autoimmune diseases. Trauma, including both physical and psychological, can trigger changes in the immune system, potentially leading to inflammation and an increased risk of autoimmune conditions. After seeing numerous specialists, spending so much money on doctors and medication, (and more on all the side effects those were causing). All that was doing was putting a bandaid on the symptoms, rather than getting to the root of the problem. After being fed up with little to no change, it was time for something new. Lance found the change…Highlands in Bloom! A place that I felt was completely God sent, a place that had just opened in March, a place for someone just like me! For those of you that were unaware, I spent a little over a month here, in beautiful Augora Hills. This place was beautiful, peaceful, MAGICAL! Instantly, I felt at home and surrounded by the most amazing group of people and specialists. Not, the specialists I was so used to seeing, but therapists specializing in EMDR , trauma, Eco-Therapy, healers who’s focus on energy work, sound baths, breath work and meditation a Traditional Chinese Medicine Chef who cooked every meal for us, yoga instructors, personal trainers specializing in somatic workouts! They recommended. Gonstead Chiropractor https://www.drdiehlchiropractic.com who was incredible, amazing staff as well ! They had every type of device to assist with inflammation and pain in the body, ran guided meditations, weekly massages, the list goes on and on! I like to think of it as a “bootcamp”for mental, physical and emotional health. I was surrounded by the most incredible people. People who didn’t just treat you like another insurance policy, but people who genuinely were invested and cared about your well-being. I will be forever, grateful for Highlands in Bloom, what seemed like eternity being away from my family, was a life-changing experience in a little over a month! For anyone who may feel “stuck”, or for those of you who are ready for a REAL change…I can’t say enough about Highlands in Bloom! I have gotten off most of my medications, have had very little IBS attacks, feel stronger and better than ever, my pain has subsided, and I’m more at peace and less stressed than I’ve ever been. I’ve brought my knowledge home with me, and implementing the tools I’ve learned every day. This healing journey has been incredible, I am learning to love myself more and more, and most importantly, I have a new outlook on life!

HIGHLANDS IN BLOOM - A SANCTUARY OF HOPE Last August, I had a life-changing and healing experience. The clinicians at the PHP that I was attending recommended that I undergo residential treatment. Besides being hopeless, I was also skeptical, as the treatments I’ve tried barely alleviated my symptoms. Among three facilities, I chose Highlands in Bloom because of its location. Agoura Hills is a quiet little city nestled between the San Fernando Valley and Thousand Oaks. The expansive property itself is surrounded by ranches and walking trails, allowing for a space to breathe, contemplate, and appreciate nature. What sets Highlands in Bloom apart is its phenomenal staff! The psychiatrist and the therapists are brilliant, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. They were adept at identifying my negative thoughts and reframing them. The facilitators are compassionate, professional, accommodating, and focused on the well-being of their clients. I consider the staff to be the “jewel” of Highlands. All in all, the facility is well-equipped, making it an ideal setting for healing. The house is immaculate, well-appointed, and has good-sized rooms. There’s an additional room for the complementary modalities equipment. Outside, there’s a wide patio which is also used for groups, a pool, an infrared sauna, and a cold plunge. The house is encircled by a lush garden. Finally, there’s the barn, the focal point of the property and the center of treatment. It’s where most of the groups are held, including the somatic activities such as yoga, strength training, meditation, and sound bath. It’s a quiet and relaxing space. On hot days, yoga or resistance training is done in the pool. To ensure that clients are properly nourished, the facility employs the services of a professional chef who prepares most meals in accordance with Autoimmune Protocols to promote and sustain a healthy gut. After all, they call the gut our “second brain”. Weekdays begin with an ecotherapy walk, a great way to ground and connect with nature in the company of a therapist who checks in with each client. It clears and sets the mind and body for the day ahead. Typically, it’s a trip to the beach, hitting the trails, or the farmers' market on weekends. Family and friends are welcome to visit on Sunday afternoons. The overall environment is structured yet not rigid. The policies in place are designed to help clients maximize the benefits of the treatment and ensure their safety. The path to true healing is a two-way street. You get out what you put in. I actively participated in all the groups, exerted myself in the somatic activities, and consistently used the complementary modalities, including the sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, PEMF, and the vibration board. I also established my own morning routine to maximize my stay, which included a three-mile walk within the property. Most of all, I kept an open mind. What did I gain from everything? I lost 16 pounds and regained my flexibility and mobility. More importantly, I felt stronger mentally and physically, and I came out hopeful, something that I’ve always struggled with. My healing is within reach. Ultimately, my skepticism gave way to belief and commitment. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am eternally grateful for this gift of healing and to the wonderful people at Highlands in Bloom. If I am to encapsulate the essence of Highlands in one word, it would be HOPE.

For the past three years, I’ve dedicated myself to serving the FOY community, where I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound and positive effects on hundreds of individuals. FOY has proven to be an invaluable resource in guiding people toward a deeper understanding of themselves, laying a sturdy foundation for their journey through life. I am thrilled to continue this impactful work as a member of Highlands in Bloom, knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to extend these benefits to even more individuals.

Having worked in various mental health facilities, I can confidently say that FOY stands out for its remarkable positive impact on countless lives. Joining the team a year ago, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible support system it provides. I’m thrilled to embark on the next chapter of my journey with Highlands in Bloom and eager to continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Since joining FOY Life in 2019, I've been aligned with Deanna's vision for community healing. FOY, crafted as a comforting sanctuary, houses a collective of skilled healers and teachers. Despite global challenges, we've fostered a safe haven for connection, healing, and holistic wellness. As a mindfulness coach and holistic healer, finding spaces that resonate with my values and work quality is rare. FOY embodies this alignment, and I'm confident Highlands in Bloom will mirror this success, continuing our journey of healing and growth.

Launching Highlands in Bloom in Agoura Hills with Deanna, Melissa, Lisa, and Rachel fills me with deep gratitude. Their dedication has inspired a shared commitment to enriching lives and nurturing the human spirit. This sanctuary symbolizes our collective expertise and passion for healing, offering a space where miracles are nurtured. More than a professional milestone, this venture embodies my life's purpose, joy, and a deep-seated passion for healing, community, and connection with nature. As we embark on this journey, I anticipate the transformative impact Highlands in Bloom will have on our community, marking a new chapter of growth and healing.