Vibe, a new Italian rehabilitation centre in Tuscany, aims to combat the rise of social media addiction, as well as other psychological issues associated with virtual worlds, such as sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression.

Led by clinical director Dr Stephen Sideroff, an internationally recognised expert in addiction, neuro-feedback and alternative approaches to stress and mental health, the centre combines the benefits of Eastern and Western medicine to deliver individualised treatment packages for complex psychological issues.

“With an estimated 13 per cent year-on-year growth of global internet users and a recent study showing 88% of the Middle East’s population engage on social media, it’s inevitably leading to a rise in social media addicts,” said Dr Sideroff.

“At the very least, saturated users are at risk of damaging their circadian rhythm or succumbing to social anxiety disorders.”  

Delivered by a team of experts with traditional Western clinical experience as well as practitioners of ancient Eastern remedies, the centre treats in-patients in a safe, controlled and positive environment for all manner of conditions including depression, addiction, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, compulsive behaviours, stress and burn-out.

Added Dr Sideroff: “Each programme is created to suit the individual, where they will have one to one sessions with our clinical team and work side by side with powerful Sufis, Buddhist monks, yoga teachers and Tai Qi masters.  

“Our patients are also supported by spiritual music healing methods, brain retraining technologies, confidence and leadership programmes throughout their stay.”

Vibe is the brainchild of Claudio Marianti di Pergola, a former investment banker with numerous major global financial institutions, who has made it his mission to create a one of a kind therapeutic model which delivers traditional mental health therapies supported by complementary medicines.

“We have helped a number of patients since we opened Vibe in October 2017 and we understand that people in the Middle East who may require our services will often wish to seek these outside of their home country,” said Claudio.  “In six hours, a patient from Dubai could be starting their journey back towards wellness at Vibe’s centre in Tuscany.”  

Located 40 minutes’ drive from Rome International Airport in the heart of Tuscany, Vibe has become the go to destination for those in need of overcoming addictions and mental health troubles, a statement said.

With a private beach right on the doorstep, the unrivalled luxurious setting is considered to be one of the most exclusive in Italy, surrounded by historic castles and family homes amidst Tuscan villages.

Therapies on offer to Middle East patients at Vibe include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), neuro-feedback and biofeedback, nutrition, somatic experiencing, equine therapy, 12-step programme, Ayurveda, acupuncture, mindfulness, gong and Sufi meditation, Buddhist chanting, yoga, Tai Qi, spiritual mentorship, massage and reiki. – TradeArabia News Service