Fort Lauderdale Hospital and the Pride Institute are blessed by having a Therapeutic Recreation staff extraordinaire. Our staff are trained with specialization in flora and fauna. This combination provides a unique opportunity for individuals engaged in treatment at Pride Institute Florida.

Therapeutic Recreation utilizes the Butterfly as a theme for the work done while in program. Much like the butterfly, an individual engaging in treatment undergoes a metamorphosis that transposes them from one way of life to another.

The process begins by planting those plants that attract the butterfly, feeding it and providing it a place where it will lay its eggs. The availability of our program is such a planting, providing a place where the individual can come to be nourished and lay the foundation for a new and improved way of life.

Caterpillars feed and grow on the vegetation and succumb to the natural order entering the stage of metamorphosis. This surrender by the caterpillar is very similar to the surrender that clients experience when entering treatment. The first step to recovery is surrendering to the process. Much like the caterpillar, the individual is uncertain of the process and assumes their life as it has been is over.

Our staff and clients watch closely as the chrysalis hangs dormant ensuring that adequate warmth and light is available. At the appointed time, the butterfly emerges from his/her cocoon. Our clients too are emerging from the haze and fog of mild altering substances or the cyclone of disordered thoughts. The amazingly beautiful butterfly is admired as are our clients who suddenly freed from their bonds assume new appearances with sparks of life, hope and initiative.

The cycle reaches is closing point with a ritual release of the newly hatched butterfly. This experience is powerful in it’s illustration of the “letting go” philosophy, crucial to programs of recovery. The release process also illustrates the importance of each and every transformed individual who emerges from the treatment process to go out into the world and continue the cycle by spreading the word through work and deed.

Metamorphosis has and continues to be a significant theme in many other areas of our lives. Many of our traditional faith practices are rooted in stories of metamorphosis. Cathedral of Hope, a GLBT affirming spiritual home in Dallas, Texas has a breathtaking stain glass window depicting the metamorphosis process and it’s relevance to our human experience.

If you are in need of a transformation, consider allowing Pride Institute Florida to be a part of your transformation. The most difficult part of the process is surrendering to it. Remember too, that it is not the destination, but the journey that is of value.