Don Lavender

Don Lavender

Don Lavender, BA, MDiv

Programme Director

  • Expertise Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Philosophy
  • Education Master of Divinity, Master’s Degree With Education and Training in Management, Administration and Counselling (CPE) at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology

Highlights

  • Author, 'Equine Utilised Psychotherapy: Dance with Those That Run with Laughter'.
  • Co-Founder with Wife Meena, Camino Recovery.
  • Pioneered equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) in the US and UK during the 1990s.

Experience

Don, born in Louisiana to Shamanic-descendant Native Americans (matriarchal side), pursued theology after growing up on a farm with three siblings. He later specialised in addiction studies in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, achieving an M.Div and additional studies in Management, Administration, and Counselling. With a background in Philosophy, he found his calling as a priest, offering support to Step 5s in local treatment centres.

For over 40 years, Don has dedicated himself to addiction and psychiatric behavioural health, working internationally at esteemed centres like Sierra Tucson, Cottonwood, and The Priory, Europe, and the Middle East. He excelled in “family systems work” in the addiction field.

Beyond his professional achievements, Don assisted in pioneering equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) in the US (1990s) and the UK since 2002. The author of the book “Equine Utilized Psychotherapy: Dance With Those That Run With Laughter,” (circa 2006) explains simply why and how it works. He gained media recognition, including appearances on shows like ‘The Trisha Show’ and a feature in The Daily Telegraph.

In the early 2000s, Don and his wife, Meena, established Camino Recovery in Spain. For over a decade and a half, they have been providing tailored and diverse addiction treatment programs with a focus on helping people find a happier way of life.

Besides his work at Camino Recovery, Don enjoys travelling with Meena, spending time with family and working on DIY projects.

More from Don Lavender
mother and daughters during therapy, counseling
Addiction

The Importance of Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Addiction is not just a burden that only affects the addict. The entire family—parents, partners, children, siblings—they are all incredibly impacted by the strain of addiction.
This is why, for recovery to be successful, it’s crucial to address all existing family issues. While some in treatment might have strong, healthy family relationships that can be a source of strength and support, others may experience more complex and toxic family dynamics.

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Group of happy friends having fun and laughing together outside, building connections
Addiction

Sober Socializing: Eleven Tips to Building a Social Network Without Drugs and Alcohol

One thing about being human is we need other humans. No matter how you look at it, we all crave connections and a sense of belonging that comes from being with others. However, if you’re newly sober or in recovery from drugs or alcohol, the thought of building a social life without substances might feel overwhelming, especially if your previous social life revolved around alcohol.

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Group of multi generation friends and family having fun together during lunch
Alcoholism

Sobriety and Celebration: Thriving During the Holidays in Spain

Going away on a holiday can be difficult to handle in the early days of recovery. Travelling and being away from familiar surroundings and your support system might put you in stressful situations where you have a hard time resisting or saying no. Maybe you’re worried about going to a party with others drinking or anxious about what people think if you don’t join in the drinking.
These are valid concerns, but with some preparation and a solid plan, you can thrive during the Spanish holiday season while having fun AND maintaining your hard-earned sobriety.

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Camino Recovery
Camino Recovery

Camino Recovery Celebrates National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month, a highly anticipated annual event, is stronger than ever after thirty-five years. The event celebrates those in recovery, highlights the importance of recovery practices, raises awareness, and advocates for greater access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments.

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Understanding and Healing Generational Trauma
Mental Health

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Healing Generational Trauma

Generational trauma is the psychological and emotional load passed down by descendants who have experienced significant trauma. This trauma might have originated from a variety of sources, including war, systemic oppression, slavery, genocide, child abuse, domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction, and neglect.

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