Clare Waismann is the founder and director of Waismann Method Opioid Treatment Specialists/ Rapid Detox Center and Domus Retreat. She is a Registered Addiction Specialist and Substance Use Certified Counselor with over 24 years of experience working in the addiction field.
Mrs. Waismann has been featured in national and international media outlets, including The Doctors, Vogue, NY Times, ELLE, Inside Edition, and many more. Her podcasts and social media presence are becoming significant sources for the fight against addiction stigma, the need for accessible mental health care, and the current opioid epidemic.
As an authority on addiction and recovery, Mrs. Waismann provides a unique perspective on these issues that is both insightful and compassionate. Those who have been affected by addiction will find her a valuable resource in their journey to recovery.
Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein has been the medical director of Waismann Method® for over two decades. He is a physician you can trust with your care because his multiple board-certifications and experience are recognized and admired worldwide. Dr. Lowenstein has been at the forefront of the scientific advancement of opioid use disorder treatment, including medically-assisted opioid detox and rapid detoxification. He has himself successfully detoxed thousands of patients under anesthesia.
Dr. Lowenstein is uniquely qualified to treat patients suffering from opioid use disorder. His unparalleled experience and quadruple board certifications allow him to identify preexisting medical conditions and adjust the treatment to best fit the patients’ unique health needs. Dr. Lowenstein is board certified in pain medicine, addiction medicine, anti-aging, and regenerative medicine. Additionally, he is also a renowned pain management expert who has been treating chronic pain since 1992. His decades of pain management experience provide him a remarkable ability to connect with patients while recognizing their desire to feel better regardless of the cause of discomfort is chronic pain, mental or emotional issues, unbalanced bodily function, or another origin.
Dr. Lowenstein is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Society of Addiction Medicine, and American Academy of Pain Management. He is also a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine. To better understand the effects of opioid use on the brain and other body systems, Dr. Lowenstein completed a fellowship and earned Board Certification in Anti-aging, Restorative, and Regenerative Medicine. His goal is to provide patients with the most effective, safe, and comfortable detoxification, leading them to a path of sustaining a much better quality of life.
“There is too much judgment and stigma around opioid use disorder, addiction, and people seeking treatment for pain and mental health issues” and “That kind of prejudice gets in the way of progress.” He also notes a movement of “empathy and compassion” and the transition from a “disease care” to “health care” system can address the medical and social issue of opioid abuse in the United States. He goes on to state that “People do drugs for a reason, and until you identify the real reason — pain, anxiety, depression, emotional abuse, trauma — you’ll never make the patient better or effectively treat their condition.”
“Doctors need to see and treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.” [1]
Experience:
Waismann Method® Advanced Treatment of Opiate Dependency and Domus Retreat®
12/1998 – present
Beverly Hills, California
Medical Director
Michael Lowenstein, MD, APMC
11/2001 – present
Santa Ana, California
Comprehensive Pain Management
Newport Beach Headache and Pain Institute
02/2000 – 04/2002
Newport Beach, California
Multi-disciplinary Chronic Pain Management
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
11/2000 – 04/2001
Long Beach, California
Department of Anesthesiology
Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
01/1996 – 11/2000
Fountain Valley, California
Vice-Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology
Director, Acute Pain Management Services
Chairman, Physician Well-Being Committee
Coast Pain Management
01/1996 – 01/2000
Fountain Valley, California
Multi-disciplinary Chronic Pain Management
Medical Director
FHP, Inc.
07/1992 – 01/1996
Fountain Valley, California
Vice-Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology
Director, Acute and Chronic Pain Management Services
California Diabetes Control Program
07/1983 – 06/1984
San Bernardino, California
NIH-CDC funded program for Prevention of Diabetes
Complications, Director
Post-Graduate Education:
Fellowship in Restorative and Functional Medicine
12/2007-12/2009
Education:
Loma Linda University Medical Center
07/1989 – 06/1992
Loma Linda, California
Anesthesiology Residency
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
07/1988 – 06/1989
San Jose, California
Transitional Internship
Loma Linda University Medical Center
05/1988
Loma Linda, California
Doctor of Medicine
University of California at Berkeley
12/1983
Berkeley, California
Masters of Public Health
University of California at Irvine
06/1982
Irvine, California
Bachelor of Science, Biological Science
Professional Associations:
Certifications:
Licensure:
[1] “The Future of Healthcare: ‘The documentation requirement on doctors has become too onerous’ with Dr. Michael Lowenstein, MD of the Waismann Method.” Thrive Global Community post, written by Christina D. Warner.
David Bricker Livingston, LMFT 35434, is a licensed psychotherapist. He has been working with Waismann for close to 20 years. He is also the Director of the Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness Inc. Mr. Livingston graduated from the University of California Los Angeles, and received his Master’s degree from Antioch University Los Angeles. He is also Certified in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic studies.
Mr. Livingston brings a vast amount of experience and insight into the many causes of unwanted opioid dependency. He believes in helping each person understand why they are struggling with chemical dependency and then what behaviors will move them toward the life they want. Mr. Livingston is very interactive and brings insight and empathy at a time where patients often feel vulnerable. All patients are treated respectfully with an understanding that their treatment will be tailored to their individual needs.
Mr. Livingston is a member of The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California on the treatment of chemical dependency. He was an adjunct professor at Yosan University Los Angeles.
Jaman Eley is a licensed vocational nurse and drug and alcohol counselor with 20+ years of experience in addiction treatment. He has worked at Domus Retreat for over 18 years. He has a passion for helping people in every area of life and has helped thousands on their journey to recovery. He understands that addiction treatment is a highly individualized process and constantly looks for ways to tailor treatment and treatment goals to suit each client’s specific needs.
Alexis began acting at the age of 5, and has since been following her dream, allowing her performance background to infuse her career choice of becoming a Drama Therapist. She graduated from the Orange County High School of the Arts in 1999, and then four years later, received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from UCLA. After performing professionally in LA for several years, she followed her instincts to New York, and attended NYU where she earned her M.A. in Drama Therapy. While in New York, she worked with at-risk high school students, homeless mentally disordered adults, and the aged and infirm at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. After returning home to California, she was hired at her high school alma mater, OCSA, to pioneer a Drama Therapy class, and teach this subject to seniors in the Integrated Arts Department. She also works with the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, where she facilitates a weekly Drama Therapy group for adults with Down Syndrome.
A Southern California native and UCSB honored alum, Alex began teaching yoga soon after his college soccer career ended. With a sports background, his teaching aesthetic is largely rooted in the belief that yoga can be both athletic and therapeutic when practiced with intelligent guidance. As a teacher, Alex maintains the importance of proper alignment, accuracy of movement, and improved muscular control to reform shape and increase capacity. As a yogi, he also understands that any form of practice should foster improved relationships off the mat– nutritionally, athletically, socially, spiritually, etc.
Alex has worked privately with clients ranging from professional athletes (including Olympians, dancers, gymnasts, and fighters) to the severely injured, chronically ill, and recovering post operatives. He has shared his skills internationally via retreats and masterclasses as well as locally with workshops and wellness seminars for multi-national corporations. No matter the client or the setting, his faith in the regenerative power of yoga remains steadfast.
Alex firmly believes that a conscious practice refined with clear instruction can allow bodies to evolve and heal at optimum speed and retain their capacity for movement forever. By adapting traditional techniques to modern needs and client goals, together, we can transform any yoga mat into a laboratory for limitless possibilities.
Asako began practicing yoga in 2001, and has been enjoying a regular yoga practice ever since. For her, yoga is a great gift from God and has changed her life in beautiful ways. Through a regular yoga practice, she believes we will love ourselves more and we can share that love with others.
An Orange County native, Dannielle first came to yoga in 2016 following a grueling dance contract. While recovering from an unrelated injury, her yoga practice challenged her strength but, more importantly, gave her permission to let go of the expectations and pressure ever-present in daily life and allowed her to just be in the moment. The spiritual and mental side of the physical practice was a turning point, and she is passionate about sharing that experience with others.
Outside of her journey as a practitioner and teacher, Dannielle has over 25 years of classical dance training, a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and a professional performing resume that spans from Southern California to Las Vegas, New York City, and Hong Kong.
Dannielle’s sequences are designed to create a full-body experience, drawing students to fully inhabit their bodies and their space. She strives to both challenge students and create an accessible practice for a variety of bodies, as well as create an interesting, engaging, and accepting environment. Her sequences are an offering; come as you are, take what serves you, and allow yourself to find ease in challenges on and off the mat.
Michael Gore is a dedicated registered nurse with five years of experience, specializing in IV therapy and treatment. Throughout his nursing career, he has gained expertise across a range of clinical settings, including Med-Surg, oncology, pre-op and post-op units, and pain management, while continuing his education in becoming a nurse practitioner. His diverse background enables him to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with varying medical needs.
Before his nursing career, Michael served as an infantryman in the United States Army for four years, where he developed strong teamwork skills and a deep commitment to helping others. His military experience instilled in him a sense of discipline, leadership, and service, which he continues to bring to his nursing practice. Michael’s ability to adapt to different healthcare environments and his passion for patient care make him a valuable member of any medical team.
Robert discovered Yoga as a young man traveling across the country, vagabond style, in the summer of 1969 via a paperback book, Introduction to Yoga by Richard Hittleman. For a few months, he practiced a daily routine consisting of a short sequence of about 12 asanas and pranayama breathing techniques. Bob was amazed at how good he felt both physically and mentally after these short practices. The seed was planted!
The benefits of opening up and aligning bodily systems with breath and movement to allow natural energies to flow were obvious even with Robert’s simple basic practice. Through the years his practice was sporadic, alone and without direction.
Fast forward through the roller coaster of life to the late 90’s. Bob discovered Bikram Yoga through a bootleg class at his wife’s ”Jazzercise” studio. He was hooked! Robert loved the structured, challenging routine. There were no studios around so he bought Bikram’s book and taught himself the sequence. Through the next few years, this practice at home kept him centered and helped Bob get through 6 months of chemotherapy. Later he finally discovered local studios where Robert could practice regularly under the direction of skilled teachers and have continued to practice to this day.
Bob decided to deepen his practice in the fall of 2012 by taking the 200 hr teacher training course at Purple Yoga. The experience was so profound and moving that Robert decided to share it by teaching.
Robert’s basic philosophy in teaching is: If you do the work, you get the benefits. His teaching begins with alignment and focuses heavily on going deeper into asana by allowing the mind and body to connect through the breath. Bob continues learning through reading and through his practice. Robert shares what he learns as he teaches and as he teaches, he learns… the cycle spirals upward.
“I am grateful to be able to share this art and science of self-awareness and well-being known as Yoga.”
Satch Purcell is a licensed acupuncturist and occupational therapist who has provided acupuncture and Chinese medicine services to clients at Domus Retreat since 2009. He sees clients in private practice and is also the program director of the occupational therapy assistant program at Stanbridge University. Satch earned a Masters in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University in 1997, as well as a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2004. He is a certified acupuncture orthopedic specialist and is certified in the use of physical agent modalities by the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Satch has taught Chinese medicine, occupational therapy, and various clinical sciences for 17-years.
Acupuncture and related modalities have provided interventions for addiction since the opium epidemic in China that became prominent in the seventeenth century. Today, acupuncture is used to assist with the cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and many of the physical and mental sensations associated with opiate detox. Additionally, many individuals seeking assistance with opiate issues have a history of chronic pain. By providing clients with an acupuncture experience in a comfortable, well-supported environment, those individuals have the opportunity to learn about new options for managing pain in their post-opiate life upon returning home. Needles are not the only option! While acupuncture is Chinese medicine’s go-to modality for detox support, there are non-needle based options that are also effective. If an individual is not comfortable with the idea of acupuncture, it can be comforting to know that there are alternatives available at Domus Retreat.