Robin Lefever had been speaking to us for some time about Sierra Recovery and his excitement at being able to offer treatment at a lower cost. He has partly spoken about it for some time because it takes a long time to get the appropriate license to operate a Spanish treatment centre. He wanted an option for people who struggle to afford his existing services. That was the background to our visit last week, when Robin Fenwick Smith, Nicolay and I flew to Málaga to see it for ourselves.
I had already spent time with Nerea Encinas Sánchez, Sierra’s director, during her visits to Cardinal Clinic. I had found her clever, experienced and passionate about her work, so I was looking forward to seeing the service she is leading.
Sierra is beautiful. Set in the foothills of the Sierra mountains outside Málaga, it is incredibly peaceful. The centre occupies a converted old finca, with peacocks wandering around the grounds, three swimming pools and tennis courts. All the bedrooms are individual rooms.
I found myself thinking back to my own experience of being in a lower-cost treatment centre. That experience was wonderful, and I remain grateful for it. Even so, Sierra felt quite different from the surroundings I remembered. Not a criticsim of Weston Super Mare but certainly different. For a service created with affordability in mind, the space and setting were striking.
It had only recently opened when we visited. The clients there had come from across Europe, and all seemed quite content. After finishing group, some came out to the pool to get on with their work. It was a small moment, but one that has stayed with me: people continuing the work of treatment in surroundings where they appeared comfortable.
The programme is modelled on PROMIS, so it felt familiar and reassuring. Sierra’s published programme combines individual therapy with structured group work and psychoeducation. Its curriculum covers emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, recognising triggers and the practical habits involved in sustaining recovery. Alongside that are activities including equine work and body-based practices. The horses, as always, made me smile.
Nerea leads the clinical work as a General Health Psychologist. The wider published team brings together psychology, social work and support with daily living. Robin Lefever, Sierra’s founder and Managing Director of PROMIS, provides the connection to the treatment approach that has shaped the programme.
A single visit, particularly so early in a centre’s life, can only tell you so much. What I can describe is a peaceful place, a programme that felt familiar, and clients who seemed settled in their surroundings. Having already got to know Nerea, it was good to see where she is putting her experience and enthusiasm to work.
Robin’s excitement about offering a more affordable option made sense to me before we went. Seeing Sierra gave that ambition a much clearer shape. The prospect of making this kind of setting and structured treatment available to people who might otherwise struggle to afford it is something I am pleased to see. The more options which exist for those in need the better and where there is an opportunity to push costs down whilst delivering excellent care it should be welcomed with open arms.
After a 5 am flight, a flying visit and excellent lunch in the local village we flew back that evening preparing for the next morning flight to Italy.
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