At first I was nervous because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had been diagnosed with clinical depression due to the insurmountable pressure from my personal life in 2020 and for the past few months before taking the leap with Kolonial House Bali rehab centre, I truly felt hopeless. My anxiety was at an all time high, up to the point where leaving my home to join the world, even for a slight moment, gave me intense anxiety. I knew something had to be done because my mental health was declining everyday and I was getting to the point where I was losing hope for my future. I was encouraged to try outside help, particularly in a rehab style facility that specializes in depression and generalized anxiety and I came across Kolonial House. I’ve been to Bali before so going back to Bali to find the healing that I so needed felt like the perfect fit for me.

My initial email to the team was nerve wrecking, but the timely response with the coordinator, and not to mention her immediate positive energy in wanting to help me helped in tremendously easing my anxiety. The initial conversation was warm and sincere, with every question I had being answered thoroughly, and that was when I decided to take the leap and go on this journey to self healing. My intake appointment with the clinical director was difficult because of my social phobia, but Vernon made me feel safe and I was able to open up to him and be honest about my struggles without feeling any judgment or contempt.

When I got to Kolonial House I was immediately welcomed by all of the staff. The staff made me feel at home immediately and there was an energy of genuine care and concern for my well-being. A schedule was created for me, and throughout my days I was well taken care of. My clinical team, which consisted of three magnificent therapists, were well aware of my issues and immediately had plans to help me with my recovery. It was not an easy process but I appreciate the sincerity of them wanting to help me and I greatly appreciated them not babying me in any way. In order to make positive changes in my life, I knew I had to put in the work and they encouraged me to do so in every way. I was given multiple readings and assignments and had to report back to the therapists and that helped in my realizing the changes that I needed to make in myself in order to regain control of my life.

Not only does Kolonial House focus on clinical practices but they also focused on other holistic practices such as acupuncture, Ayurvedic and yoga. I practiced yoga every morning at the Pono yoga studio and that helped tremendously in calming my inner sense of self and my overall mental state. The acupuncture was well needed as it helped with my anxiety levels and that overall was a magical experience.

Staying at the Kolonial house during my retreat was magnificent. It’s a quiet, beautiful home that had me felt safe and I was never alone. The staff were amazing in making sure I ate properly and were very caring. I made friends with them and it felt like being with family.

I will always be grateful for my experience at Kolonial House. I felt like I was given a second chance at life. I now understand that I am not a lost cause; the skills I’ve learned to gain more control of my emotional state and my overall life will be carried with me for a very long time, and I encourage anyone who is suffering from depression and anxiety to open up their hearts to this facility. I promise you that you will be in good hands and the experience and teachings are well worth it.