The Meadows Model The Meadows Model A proven plan for lasting change. Paving the Way The Meadows Model is based on the pioneering work of Meadows Senior Fellow Pia Mellody. This groundbreaking approach is at the core of all Meadows Behavioral Healthcare treatment programs, including Spero Center. A Proprietary Treatment Model Leads to a Legacy of Healing One of the preeminent authorities in the fields of addiction and relationships, Pia Mellody created The Meadows Model based on her Developmental Model of Immaturity. In the 1970s while working at The Meadows, Mellody found that she was encountering an increasing number of patients who identified less-than-nurturing family systems in their childhood, which led to adulthood behaviors of codependency. The codependency patterns translated into addictions, mood disorders, and physical illness. Mellody’s continued work with patients led to the conclusion that the trauma at the root of these codependency issues needed to be addressed in order to achieve lasting recovery. Thus, the Meadows Model was born. Today, her groundbreaking Meadows Model is still incorporated into every Meadows Behavioral Healthcare treatment program, from week-long workshops and inpatient treatment to intensive outpatient options. It’s also woven throughout our work here at Spero Center. View Diagram There is an authentic self. We are born with it … Rediscovery of the authentic self is what recovery is all about. — Pia Mellody A Model for Recovery Developmental History A patient’s developmental history is used to track emotional development. Emotional State The therapist assesses whether a patient’s emotional state is less than optimal. Patient Actions The therapist identifies patient actions that create unmanageability and relational problems. Younger Ego Patients learn to identify when they are “activated” or “triggered” into younger ego states. Residual Energy Patients learn that in the present they experience “residual energy” from the past. Born Valuable Patients learn that everyone is born valuable, vulnerable, imperfect, dependent, spontaneous, and open. Gain Tools Patients gain tools to track progress and develop the vocabulary to describe emotions. Increased Resiliency Increased resiliency allows for availability in relationships, living in the here and now, exploring options, understanding choices, and creating stability. Why it Matters Today, we continue to see unresolved trauma and other issues from childhood that result in behaviors of codependency as they grow up. This past pain impacts present-day happiness, and these issues translate into addictions, mood disorders, and physical illness. By addressing the trauma at the root, those in our program are able to achieve not just temporary relief but lasting recovery. Reach Out to Us If you’ve tried other options before but didn’t get the results you wanted, we’re here to help. Hope and healing are possible. Learn More
