Life at OPI
OPI Participants Visit Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
In August, OPI’s Department of Educational Services took a group of participants on a field trip to the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMOTH). Participants were very engaged and attentive throughout the tour, which was led by a docent who had survived the Holocaust. They had the opportunity to ask questions and reported learning…
Read MorePlaytime … It’s Not Just For Kids Anymore!
The importance of play is seriously underrated among adults in our society. But regularly engaging in an activity that you are passionate about can actually help increase your motivation, happiness and balance, as well as opening your mind up to greater creativity. “Play is just as important as diet, hygiene or sleep; in fact, research…
Read MoreOPI Participants Volunteer at an Animal Shelter for Community Service
Living away from home in the Optimum Performance Institute (OPI) residential program, many participants miss their beloved family pets. Consequently, several participants who already volunteer on their own at various animal shelters throughout Los Angeles County have suggested that we visit an animal shelter for our monthly community service event. Career Counselor Melody Kraus, of…
Read MoreLife in the Stands — OPI Participants Visit Dodger Stadium
For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers have attracted millions of baseball fans and visitors from all around the world to their home in Elysian Park. As Major League Baseball’s third oldest ballpark, Dodger Stadium is a distinctive venue and a must-see for those in the LA area. On Saturday, July 27, OPI’s Department…
Read MoreExtracurricular Cooking Class Gets a Makeover
OPI’s Cooking Class is a requirement set by the Extracurricular Activities department to help participants develop important life skills. Recently, we decided to revamp this program into a 12-week series split into two 6-week sessions: Cooking Class 101 and Cooking Class 102. The objective of Cooking Class 101 is to provide a structured environment that…
Read More“May Madness” Motivates Participants with a Magic Mountain Incentive Trip
What to do when some OPI participants were regularly missing their scheduled appointments? The Extracurricular Activities Department decided that a month-long incentive would be the best way to motivate more consistent follow-through and attendance. The department’s “May Madness” promotion dangled the enticing lure of a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain in June for those…
Read MoreA Fond Farewell From OPI’s Retiring Financial Director, Walter Tuthill
Long-time accountant Walter Tuthill, former financial director of the Optimum Performance Institute and OPI Intensive, was recently feted upon his retirement at an outdoor barbecue in a park across the street from OPI offices. In keeping with the barbecue’s Mexican theme, Walter, great sport that he always is, donned a sombrero and swung (with dubious…
Read MoreOPI Jam Nights Allow Young Adults to Explore Musical Talents and Self-Expression
Every week, young adults attending OPI Living Programs have the opportunity to get in touch with their inner musician during “jam sessions” at a local Woodland Hills, CA music studio, through the Department of Extracurricular Activities. This department organizes fun events that allow participants to try out new social and creative opportunities, with the intention…
Read MoreOPI Intensive Therapists Attend NEA-BPD Borderline Personality Disorder Conference
When Alex Miller, Psy.D, spoke about advances in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at a recent conference about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), he scored points with Melissa Patterson, MS, therapist at the specialized OPI Intensive for young men and women with BPD. “Many of the points he made struck me as confirming the unique strengths we…
Read MoreIntensive Outpatient Program at OPI Living Expands Services For Local Young Adults
Young adults aged 17–28 in the Los Angeles area who need help defining goals and becoming independent can now participate in a unique Intensive Outpatient Program at the Optimum Performance Institute. This program offers everything from individual and group psychotherapy, life coaching and career development classes to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), yoga, tennis, hiking and…
Read MoreOPI Participants attend Health Science Workshop
Recently OPI participants had an opportunity to attend a Health Science Workshop at a wellness center in Woodland Hills. During the workshop participants had the opportunity to assess their fitness level, learn how to make healthy snacks, work on their balance wheel, and worked on an art journaling project. The workshop provided participants with the…
Read MoreNew Meditation Club at OPI Explores Relaxation, Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Techniques
Within the past few months, OPI Living Program participants have started a Meditation Club, as one of the many activities available through the Department of Extracurricular Activities. Each week, participants gather to meditate and explore various practices, such as listening to guided meditations by psychotherapists like Belleruth Naparstek and Mary Maddox. Other meditative exercises attempted…
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