The Emmaus experience is about self-discovery. It is based upon the belief that every individual is magnificent, unique, and has a unique purpose to fulfill. Yet most of us never get to know this self because it is buried under a facade-under layers of identities based on shame, fear, ego-based desires, false appetites, addictions, and the ideas of others.

At Emmaus, we create a conscious community in which it is safe for the authentic self to emerge. Through a series of experiences and exercises, participants discover that it is OK not only to reveal themselves, but to heal themselves-and to live consciously from that moment forward. In fact, that is no other way to be fully alive.

Once an individual tastes the truth-that the purpose of life is to express his or her unique, authentic self-the process of taking full responsibility for one's choices can begin. Now participants see that each choice they make has creative consequences, for better or worse, and they begin to make choices that reflect who they truly are and who they truly want to be.

In essence, the Emmaus experience is about community-a conscious community in which members support each other in this exciting journey inward. In practice, the Emmaus experience is delivered through five different programs: Operation: Break the Cycle!, Peer Leadership, Project Insight, Lane Change, and Turning Point.

Operation: Break the Cycle! is our core program, consisting of an intensive three-day group retreat, followed by monthly workshops, one-on-one meetings, and group social events. Graduates of Operation: Break the Cycle! are invited to extend their learning so that they can help others break free of destructive behaviors by becoming Peer Leaders through our Peer Leadership program. Project Insight is a condensed version of Operation: Break the Cycle!, structured so that it can be presented in schools. Emmaus offers these three programs free of charge to participants.

Lane Change and Turning Point are more intensive, single-focus programs offered to private clients in crisis. Lane Change is a 24-week program designed for individuals and their families, empowering them to make effective and lasting behavioral changes in their lives. Turning Point offers one-on-one guidance or group workshops dealing with a particular issue or crisis. It is intensive, short-term assistance offered when and where it is needed.