What is Willow House?

Willow House for Women is a female-only treatment program for those struggling with intimacy or relationship issues in the areas of love and sex. We aim to support women in finding and treating the root cause of unwanted behaviors, usually stemming from developmental years or unresolved trauma. We provide specialized treatment to resolve core wounds and end unhealthy relationship patterns, whether they stem from love addiction, sexual compulsivity, sexual anorexia, or other resulting behaviors. At the same time, we address any co-occurring issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or other behavioral problems.

How do I know if I need treatment?

If you cannot manage or control your life because of your ineffective or compulsive behavior related to intimacy, relationships, love, or sex, you may need treatment. Problem behaviors persist even when the person is aware of the negative effects these challenges might have on their jobs, relationships, and health. When a person starts to struggle in areas of their life due to love, sex, or relationship patterns and challenges, it is best to contact a professional counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or addiction specialist who can better assess the situation.

What types of behaviors are considered problematic?

• Continuously falling for the wrong/unavailable/toxic person
• Unable to end a relationship even if it is abusive, toxic, or dangerous because you’d rather stay with them than be alone
• You feel panic, anxiety, depression, or fear when you don’t have someone to be romantically or sexually involved with
• You feel like you are living two different lives with regards to your romantic or sexual behaviors
• You keep secrets or hide your romantic or sexual behaviors
• Get a feeling of being high or getting a “hit” when dressing in a sexual or seductive way
• Feeling powerful when you believe you can control the attention of others with your seductive appearance
• Poor sexual or relationship boundaries, such as becoming romantically or sexually involved with an authority figure (your boss), a subordinate (your employee), or married person
• Frequently have guilt, confusion, or shame about your romantic or sexual behaviors
• Using other substances or behaviors to cope with difficult relationships/feelings/sexual behaviors (alcohol, drugs, shopping, binge/purge, etc.)
• Frequently having sex with someone sooner than you wanted to
• Belonging to, or becoming addicted to, multiple dating or hook-up sites/apps which you have not been able to control or stop
• Mistaking sex for love
• Mistaking Intensity for Intimacy
• Trading sex for money, drugs, or other gifts
• Consequences of failed relationships progressively get worse including thoughts of self-harm, homicide, or suicide
• Difficulty remaining faithful in a committed relationship
• Consequences at work, with family, with friends, legally, or financially due to your romantic or sexual behaviors/relationships
• One or more unplanned pregnancies or abortions due to your romantic or sexual behaviors

How long will I have to be in treatment?

Our general treatment course is set at 45 days, but we recognize that every woman is different and what fits one may not fit another. Programs are customized for each woman, allowing for the most effective treatment for the relationship or intimacy issues that they are struggling with. When you enter Willow House, it’s important to stay for the duration of the treatment. In some cases, detox may be included if you are addicted to substances or if you display compulsive behaviors.

Can I leave treatment once admitted?

To ensure that treatment is successful, most treatment facilities don’t allow patients to leave unless accompanied by staff. In most cases, facilities are unlocked, however, locked facilities do exist for patients who need to be secured (those who try to escape, become hostile, threaten the safety of staff or other patients, etc.).

What exactly is inpatient treatment?

Sometimes it is better to be taken out of your home environment in order to focus on healing and recovery. Inpatient treatment provides that care 24 hours a day. After an extensive evaluation, a group of therapists, counselors, and psychologists come up with a unique, personalized treatment plan. This plan is based on the patient’s diagnoses, interests, and personality, and usually consists of group meetings and trauma work along with specific therapies such as expressive arts or equine therapy.

Do you treat transgender women?

At Willow House at The Meadows, we offer a safe environment for female-identifying transgender people to explore their gender identity, address issues related to social transitioning and its impact on relationships, and work through mental health issues that may be unrelated to gender identity like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance misuse. We recognize that transgender people are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment due to the unfortunate pathologization of transgender identities in some treatment circles, and we endeavor to make our program a truly safe place

How do I know if I need an outpatient or inpatient rehab program?

If you have tried to change your patterns, choices, and outcomes on your own, or with the help of a therapist, yet continue to struggle with negative consequences due to intimacy or relationship issues around love or sex, you would benefit from inpatient treatment. If you aren’t showing any progress in an outpatient program, or if it becomes unsafe to be in outpatient care, you should be admitted to an inpatient facility. If you would benefit from a gender-specific program in order to focus solely on you, then Willow House would be in your best interest. If your addiction or issue is more severe, or if you need to undergo detox, it is also recommended that you be admitted to an inpatient program.

Should my family be involved in my treatment?

Family involvement is crucial for the recovery process. Most treatment facilities have a set period of time for the family to come visit and take part in workshops or lectures. Many times, ineffective behaviors stem from issues within the family, so it’s essential to understand family dynamics and provide a space for the family to communicate and heal. Not only does this heal the patient, but it brings freedom and peace for the rest of the family. For more info, visit our Family Program page

What is the goal of treatment at Willow House? Will I be “cured”?

Our goal is to help women become empowered, confident, and healthy with clarity about her value and worth. Our hope is that, by redefining core wounds and beliefs as well as gaining practical skills and tools, women will begin to live the life they never thought possible. Most disorders or addictions, no matter what kind, have no definite “cure” – only ongoing healing and recovery. At Willow House, we base our reputable success rate on three factors: the number of alumni who recommend our program to friends and relatives, the number of referrals we get from other treatment facilities, and the number of patients referred to us by therapists and other medical practitioners (especially those who have been working with The Meadows for nearly four decades).

What are Senior Fellows?

Our Senior Fellows are industry experts with decades of research and experience who help the executive team refine The Meadows Model of treatment and our unique treatment program at Willow House. The Senior Fellows also provide specialized education to staff members, health care professionals, clients, family members, and alumni through The Meadows’ workshops. Read more about our current Meadows Senior Fellows.

Is Willow House covered by my insurance?

As with any medical facility, it depends on your insurance plan. You can check with your insurance provider for information or our intake specialists can work with you to determine coverage. If your plan doesn’t cover the cost of our program, we will be happy to help arrange financing options. For more information, visit our Paying for Treatment page.