It's time for us to share our decision to permanently retire the Residential aspect of The Clearing. We are intensely focusing our efforts on bringing the remarkable model of recovery The Clearing pioneered in our residential community to the online community. As many of you know, the new and innovative approach to providing treatment by working with Underlying Core Issues achieved astonishing success over our seven years of service.
We are excited to offer the same excellence and personal service in this new model, while being able to work with more people at a more affordable price point. Please continue to check back here for updates about our re-launch. In the meantime, we hope that content of this site will help you in making informed decisions about your care.
We are excited to offer the same excellence and personal service in this new model, while being able to work with more people at a more affordable price point. Please continue to check back here for updates about our re-launch. In the meantime, we hope that content of this site will help you in making informed decisions about your care.
Services
We started with a blank piece of paper and focused on creating a program that would provide the best opportunity for our Participants to heal the underlying core issues that were limiting their lives. There is literally not another program like this in the country. We were all too familiar, from personal experience, with the rehab industry and its weaknesses.
The Clearing is a 12-steps alternative program that treats those recovering from alcoholism, drug and substance abuse, and other disorders. We teach Spiritual Psychology counseling strategies which support Participants in healing core issues that underlie challenging behaviors. Some Participants may have co-occurring disorders, for example substance addiction coupled with depression.
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a controlled substance in which the user consumes the drug in amounts or with methods neither approved nor advised by medical professionals. Detox is first and may or may not be a step you need to take. This depends on your personal level of dependency and a medical assessment is usually required.
Alcohol addiction can be overwhelming. Even after you or someone you love identifies a possible problem, it can be difficult to surrender or reach out for help. If you or someone you care about struggles with alcoholism, effective and compassionate treatment at The Clearing in San Juan, Island, WA, can help.
Reviews (20)
Caleb Ellington
Aug 17, 2021
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What an amazing place of acceptance and love. If you want true healing to overcome your life issues then this is the place. I don’t judge anyone who put a negative review but I don’t know how it’s possible if they came with an open mind. No matter how amazing a place is, you will always find the naysayers. I encourage you to go if you want to change your life!
Alex Ayal
May 19, 2021
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What I'm about to say may sound hyperbolic, but I've waited months to write this review and have thought long and hard about it:
Spending my grad school fund to go to The Clearing might have been the worst decision I've ever made in my life. I went there in the summer of 2018, and now, three years later, I have absolutely nothing to show for it (other than a few memories, several of which are upsetting).
And I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way. When I was there, I remember having quite a few conversations with other residents about our disagreements and frustrations with the administration
Spending my grad school fund to go to The Clearing might have been the worst decision I've ever made in my life. I went there in the summer of 2018, and now, three years later, I have absolutely nothing to show for it (other than a few memories, several of which are upsetting).
And I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way. When I was there, I remember having quite a few conversations with other residents about our disagreements and frustrations with the administration
Nanette Stephens
Jan 02, 2020
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Our family member was an attendee at The Clearing beginning July 2019. She had attended six 12 step inpatient rehab programs over the past 10 years and only experienced short term abstinence after each program. During the times she was "clean" it was through sheer will power. As a dear friend once said: "While she was in AA meetings, her addiction was out in the parking lot doing push-ups". Then this same friend recommended The Clearing. Several things struck us as different right away. Our family member was interviewed by the owners to see if the program was a good fit. Then, we learned that all
Brian Anton
Sep 18, 2019
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I entered this program with an open mind, but was skeptical about the process of dealing with addiction by healing underlying issues. It only took a couple of days into the program to completely open my eyes to the amazing self work that everyone has the capability of doing. I watched in awe as my fellow -- once broken -- participants transformed into self loving individuals. To witness healing of some of the most unimaginable traumas that people have suffered in their lives is such an amazing experience. I as well, healed my heart of the baggage and pain that I have carried with me for way too
Tracy H.
Aug 25, 2019
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The clearing is a wonderful place.
The program itself is amazing. Hands down this program should benefit your life at some level. I came in there completely broken. I was a member of NA for twenty three years and it no longer worked for me. I was looking for something different.
I had just gone through a torturous year battling breast cancer and physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually dead. On my way there I had so many traumas overlapping each other I could see straight. I needed help. In my opinion the clearing is not about addiction at all. Anyone with issues would benefit. The
The program itself is amazing. Hands down this program should benefit your life at some level. I came in there completely broken. I was a member of NA for twenty three years and it no longer worked for me. I was looking for something different.
I had just gone through a torturous year battling breast cancer and physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually dead. On my way there I had so many traumas overlapping each other I could see straight. I needed help. In my opinion the clearing is not about addiction at all. Anyone with issues would benefit. The
Holly Barrett
Jul 28, 2019
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The Clearing is a TREMENDOUS program. I had went for anxiety, depression, disorganized eating. I didn't have a drug or alcohol addiction but it didn't matter. All traumas are addressed from the underlying core emotional issues. The program requires you to give your all. There is 6 days a week work, starting with tai chi, workshop, meditation, 1:1 counseling and more. You will thoroughly learn the process to uncovering your hurt and how to heal. The staff is amazing. There are no judgements, no shame, just healing peace. The grounds are fantastic, the animals are therapeutic, the food is out of
Redacted
Jul 21, 2019
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Encouraging, educated staff at the Clearing form personal bonds with every participant. The curriculum is advanced, for individuals ready to work on themselves and grow while they overcome addictions and their underlying issues. Be prepared to do a lot of writing, self forgiveness, and emotional release, this is not your average recovery facility in the best of ways. Information is redially available on the education and backgrounds of each staff member, with licenses posted on the walls of the classroom and inside the house. Individual counselors are skilled and attentive to each individual, with
Jessica Brauer
Jun 12, 2019
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I was a participant in The Clearing's 28-day program after watching the transformative process of a close family member graduate from the same program. Having gone through a tough season of change in my own life, and a lifelong struggle with mental health, the healing and the tools that accompanied the program were invaluable.
With the help of The Clearing's incredibly compassionate and wise counselors and staff, I was able to work down to the core of my upsets and begin healing in a way that I can only explain as powerful and life-altering. The attention to detail on the estate's property allowed
With the help of The Clearing's incredibly compassionate and wise counselors and staff, I was able to work down to the core of my upsets and begin healing in a way that I can only explain as powerful and life-altering. The attention to detail on the estate's property allowed
Suzanne S.
Mar 09, 2019
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If you are thinking, "I've already been to a treatment center, what makes this different", or "It will never work, my problems are different and I'll never be 'fixed'", I can tell you to stop thinking and apply. I am 52 years old, and for the first time in my life after graduating from The Clearing here is what I can share:
1. I love myself unconditionally and wake up every morning grateful and thankful for the person they helped me become
2. I have been sober for 2 days before I checked in, and for over 3 months since I've left and not even considered
1. I love myself unconditionally and wake up every morning grateful and thankful for the person they helped me become
2. I have been sober for 2 days before I checked in, and for over 3 months since I've left and not even considered
Judy Arielle F.
Feb 25, 2019
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This review is based on my personal interactions with the two founders of this facility- Joe and Betsy Koelzer. I spent a weekend in a family training workshop and experienced first hand how I was treated by the proprietors as well as how my friend was treated there. The Clearing claims that it is a dual diagnosis rehab program. I am writing this review based on my visiting and attending a family training in support of a friend who attended. My friend had no substance abuse issues and was there to deal with chronic depression and anxiety. In meeting the therapists there and being introduced to
Rod B.
Feb 24, 2019
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My brother is in his mid-50's, and has been a heavy drinker for about 35 years. I believe he found The Clearing through the hand of God, and spent 6 weeks there in 2017 working with Joe and Claire and the staff at The Clearing. Their love and guidance and non-judgmental approach gave Tom the impetus to break the cycle. He is sober for 24 months and happier than I have seen him in his entire life. I've met Joe and Betsy and the staff at the Clearing, and they are truly special people that are guided by their hearts to help their patients heal. The setting is breath taking and the
Matthew H.
Feb 18, 2019
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The Clearing is so refreshing compared to many rehabilitation clinics. Their style of identifying underlying issues and using cohorts is such a beneficial experience that is truly bonding. Joe, Betsy and all of their staff have been more than supportive throughout the entire experience. They focus on the problem and not the symptoms and that ultimately lead to long term success for me. If you want to be supported in a great environment for recovery than this is your place.
Davis S.
Feb 14, 2019
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Everyone's journey is different, as every human being is unique. But I did share one thing in common with millions of people, I was an addict. I abused alcohol to cope with demons I never new existed. The substance didn't matter as it was the result I was looking for....numbness. I fought this for 49 years and hit several low points until I was about to lose my family and knew I had to do something beyond the occasional AA meeting or 3 months of white knuckling not drinking. I searched for weeks looking for the right fit. AA had not resonated with me for whatever reason. I interviewed
Gregg Makuch
Oct 10, 2018
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This place is truly amazing. It's a tough program, tough to be accepted, and tough to finish. But those who do are transformed. People come in broken and are welcomed with love, compassion, and support in a magical safe environment.
No guilt or shame here. Just "let's get on with the work to get folks' lives back."
There are 2 big differences with The Clearing: (1) They focus on underlying core issues causing the addictive behavior, not the substance itself; and (2) It is a cohort based group vs. rolling admission. Cohort means you start and finish with the same group of about 9-10 people. No
No guilt or shame here. Just "let's get on with the work to get folks' lives back."
There are 2 big differences with The Clearing: (1) They focus on underlying core issues causing the addictive behavior, not the substance itself; and (2) It is a cohort based group vs. rolling admission. Cohort means you start and finish with the same group of about 9-10 people. No
Kris De Leon
Sep 23, 2018
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The Clearing is doing amazing work to help people transform their lives and finally break free of addiction and mental health struggles. Their blog provides helpful tips on topics ranging from choosing the right rehab program to dealing with anger and depression. I cannot thank them enough for the incredible work they are doing. You can tell from the videos that Joe and Betsy, the co-founders, are passionate and committed to what they are doing. I’ve felt inspired after reading stories of their graduates on how their lives have changed for the better since going through the program.
Shannon Z.
Aug 02, 2018
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The Clearing is a totally different rehab experience. More like a intensive retreat than a rehab, just driving onto the property evokes a feeling of serenity. More importantly, The Clearing involves 120 hours of counseling, and unlike most 12 step based programs, teaches empowerment and self-counseling, not powerlessness.
Matthew N.
Mar 28, 2018
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You can tell the difference between the Clearing and other rehabs by simply talking to their people. They genuinely care about you and providing you with the help you need. Even if it doesn't work out that you are a good fit, they work with other placement specialists to help you find the right fit for you. Spend 5 minutes with Betsy or Joe and you will see the difference. I highly recommend these guys!
Tom B.
Jan 26, 2018
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One word to describe my experience at The Clearing ... Transformational! I had been drinking heavily for nearly 35 years and recognized symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using the tools of spiritual psychology, which I learned at The Clearing, I was able to identify and resolve issues from my life that were at the root of my mood and behaviors. I have been sober for over nine months and alcohol has no energy in my life any longer . More importantly I am leading the life I want and deserve! The staff at The Clearing are the most compassionate, understanding and caring professionals I have
Suzanne E.
Dec 07, 2017
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Caroline McGraw
Feb 04, 2017
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If you're looking for a rehab that delivers on their promises, call The Clearing. The program is amazing, addressing core issues on all levels to facilitate real healing. That said, be prepared to get to work - the 28-day program is basically the equivalent of a two-year Master's in counseling. In workshops and therapy sessions, you go deep into all those issues you've been avoiding for years. But don't worry, all of this is done in an incredibly welcoming and supportive environment. The farm location itself is beautiful, but the people are what make this place so special. Every staff member I