Don Lavender, BA, MDiv

Don Lavender, BA, MDiv

Programme Director

Don was born in Louisiana to descendants of Shamans of a Native American tribe.

He grew up on a farm with his parents and four siblings, and, when the time was right, he decided to enter the priesthood and study theology.

After, Don continued his studies and learned about addiction in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

He attained an MDiv (Ph.D abd), which led to a master’s degree with education and training in Management, Administration and Counselling (CPE) from St Meinrad.

In addition, Don has a BA in Philosophy.

As a priest, Don was approached to listen to many Step 5s by local treatment centres.

This was his first practical introduction to the 12-step philosophy, and Don discovered an aptitude for helping others.

Don has spent nearly 40 years of his professional life in the addictions and psychiatric behavioural health industry.

During this time, he has worked across three continents and in many prestigious treatment centres, including Sierra Tuscon, Cottonwood and The Priory.

He considers his expertise to be in ‘family systems work’ as it relates to the addiction field.

But his work didn’t stop there. Don’s equestrian passion led him to pioneer a new type of therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), which he introduced to the US and the UK during the 1990s.

He is a published author and has written a book on EAP titled ‘Equine Utilised Psychotherapy: Dance with those that run with laughter’.

After permanently relocating to the UK in the early 2000s, Don has regularly appeared in local and national press, as well as making TV appearances on shows like ‘the Trisha Show’.

In 2002, The Daily Telegraph wrote a feature about Don and EAP.

With a desire to work in an environment unencumbered by anything other than the wellness of clients, Don and his wife, Meena, wanted to develop their own centre.

Their search led them to the Southern tip of Spain, and Camino Recovery was established. Officially, doors to Camino Recovery opened in 2008.

Since 2008, Don has worked closely with Ameet and Meena to develop a treatment programme that is bespoke, unique and diverse.

With collective expertise, Don and the team offer a wide range of treatment programmes that help all kinds of addiction.

In 2018, Camino Recovery celebrated 10 years on the Spanish coast, and Don regards its success to the singleness of purpose under which he insists it operates, to ‘help people find a happier and more joyous way of life.’

Away from Camino Recovery, Don enjoys travelling with Meena or working on his latest DIY project.