"Serene Waters has provided an invaluable service to both our clinicians and our clients. The clinical experience that governs the adventure therapy ensures that in addition to having the opportunity to enjoy some of California’s natural beauty, our clients are also receiving skills training which ties directly into the rest of their treatment. Beyond the benefit for the clients, our clinicians have the opportunity to collaborate and complete tasks of case management while the clients are engaged in a therapeutic experience. The addition of services provided by Serene Waters has added more value and scope to the treatment provided at New Method Wellness."
-Doug Plieman, M.S.W., CADC-II
Program Director of New Method Wellness (as seen on Dr. Phil and A&E)
"I can't say enough about James and the wonderful experience my daughter had with him. She was struggling with depression and each time we had a lesson she felt better and better. James is a wonderful, patient teacher who gives an tailor made lesson to what you are looking for. He helped her find the quiet in her mind and how to be in the present moment which was exactly what she needed. I highly recommend James if you are looking to learn to surf and/or need some help with feeling better and learning to be present."
-Parent Of A Client
"James works with our kids at Sustain Recovery and does an awesome job! It's truly amazing work he's doing with our kids. He doesn't just take the kids surfing. He actually processes the therapeutic components to surfing that relate to challenges that they are facing in their daily recovery. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to expand the experiential component of their clinical program!"
-Kyle Carter, Co-Founder of Sustain Recovery Services
"I am honored to write a recommendation for James, for the simple fact that he brings a very ethical experience to his work with clients. His love and compassion for the helping profession is contagious. His passion for surfing allows clients to want to participate and learn something new. Applying his clinical experience to his surf groups allows clients to see recovery in a different sense then they may not have been seeing it as. The level of empathy that he brings allows clients to have a safe place to open up in. Thank you for your hard work"
-Patt Ochoa, CADC-II
Founder of 11:11 Intervention Inc.
"I have been working with Serene Waters for several years now. They have become a huge part of our program, in showing and teaching our clients how to have fun in sobriety and learn new healthy hobbies! I also appreciate their professionalism and heart to help people in recovery!"
-Stephen Carmel, Founder/ CEO California Prime Recovery
"James Shoffeitt currently provides a variety of experiential group services for our clients including rock climbing, surfing, nature walks and kayaking. James' love and passion for the outdoors is combined with his talented counseling skills and experience in recovery. James' groups are more then just an opportunity for our clients to be active, as each session he conducts is recovery-focused and goal directed. James provides a unique therapeutic experience for clients, providing containment and healthy and appropriate boundaries in often challenging environments. James is professional, easy to work with and an excellent communicator. I recommend Serene Waters Adventure Therapy as an opportunity to enhance any program and provide clients with an enjoyable therapeutic experience beyond the realms of traditional group therapies."
-Kosta Condous, MA, LMFT
"Landmark is more than privileged to have James offer his amazing services. Clients often share how the best part of their week is joining with James on his different outings and experiences in support of clients treatment. James offers professional, wisdom and guidance during all client interactions. James helps clients find new interest, hobbies and insights in support of a clients recovery. "
-Adam Ward, LMFT, Clinical Director