Life Works – The Cottage is a residential treatment facility set in the Surrey countryside, England. The centre provides inpatient care for adults experiencing alcohol and drug dependence, behavioural addictions, and a range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety-related disorders.
Treatment Approach
Treatment at Life Works – The Cottage follows an evidence-based and person-focused model. Programmes are structured around individual needs, allowing care plans to reflect personal history, clinical presentation, and therapeutic goals. Residential treatment typically begins with assessment and stabilisation, followed by a structured daily schedule of therapy and clinical support.
The treatment model integrates established psychological therapies with selected complementary approaches. Cognitive and behavioural methods are combined with practices such as mindfulness and body-based therapies, supporting emotional regulation and self-awareness. Programme length varies, with residential stays commonly lasting 28 days or longer, depending on clinical need.
Therapy and Clinical Support
Clinical support at Life Works – The Cottage includes a balance of individual therapy, group-based sessions, and educational work. One-to-one psychotherapy forms a central part of treatment, supported by regular group therapy and psychoeducation sessions.
Therapies offered include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) for suitable cases, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and bereavement support groups. Couples and family therapy may be included where appropriate. Equine therapy and somatic movement classes are available for individuals engaged in addiction treatment programmes.
The centre supports a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress-related conditions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specialist psychological support is also available for adults with autism, including post-diagnostic guidance and structured support pathways.
Programmes and Services
Life Works – The Cottage provides several confirmed treatment options, including:
- Residential inpatient treatment
- Day care and outpatient programmes
- Online therapy services
Day care services include structured group programmes such as DBT-informed groups, bereavement support, CBT-based therapy, art therapy, and anxiety-focused interventions.
Accommodation and Environment
The Cottage is located within a country house in the village of Knaphill, offering a quiet and private setting. Accommodation consists of private bedrooms with en-suite facilities, televisions, and telephones. The residence is divided into gender-specific wards, with shared spaces designed to support rest and daily routine.
Communal facilities include welcoming lounges, an art room, and an on-site dining room that accommodates individual dietary needs. Private gardens and outdoor seating areas provide access to green space, allowing time outdoors alongside scheduled therapeutic activities.
Aftercare and Ongoing Support
Aftercare planning forms part of the treatment process at Life Works – The Cottage. Many addiction treatment programmes include up to 12 months of aftercare, delivered through weekly group sessions. These groups offer continued structure and peer support following discharge.
Additional outpatient and online therapy options allow individuals to maintain therapeutic contact while transitioning back to everyday life. Aftercare arrangements are tailored to individual circumstances, supporting continuity of care beyond residential treatment.