Polly Sweitzer, Doctor of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

Quick Stats

Nailed Clinical Research: Combined therapy, yoga, and tasks to improve mood disorders and life quality.
People-Centered Pro: Ditches negativity for better life balance and engagement.
Yoga Guru: Spreads mindfulness through yoga and meditation to boost self-control.
Off-Duty Fun: Dreaming of Brazil, DIY cheese, and a new invention; loves surfing, dancing, and family time.

On My Bucket List

Visit Brazil
Make mozzarella
Invent a product

What Led Me to Barn Life

I had the good fortune to complete my clinical research project at Barn Life and found it to be the perfect fit. My research combined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with yoga, meditation, and tasks to increase executive functioning skills. The study was proven clinically significant to ameliorate the symptoms of mood disorders and increase quality of life for participants. I’m thrilled to continue this work as part of the Barn Life family.

My Role at Barn Life

As a client-centered practitioner, it’s my goal – and honor – to help people diminish maladaptive behaviors and negative thinking in order to increase their occupational engagement and balance. In other words, the ‘doing of things’ that increase one’s quality of life. And as a yoga therapist and experienced yoga teacher, I’m also delighted to share the power of yoga and meditation with our clients and groups to increase self-regulation skills and mindfulness.

What I Love Most About My Work at Barn Life?

Fresh air, music, dogs, art, tranquil spaces, and world class therapists…what’s not to love?

On My Bookshelf

“Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata

What You Might Find Me Doing Outside of Barn Life

Surfing, yoga, cooking, dancing with reckless abandon, and spending time with my friends, family, and animals. I’m terrible at knitting, I’ve tried!

Hear From Those We've Impacted

Barn Life is uniquely special. As someone who has had long stretches of sobriety with "traditional" communities and methods, Barn Life stepped in when I started struggling during the pandemic and said "traditional" methods failed to help.The staff here are exceptional. This is a truly subjective statement, but it is my honest opinion that the people from the owner (Hi Matt!) to EVERYONE else works there because they believe in the work and want to share the tools they found.Barn Life and their little sibling, Peer Mental Wellness were the launchpad from a shell of an existence to person with self-love/respect, and a life-mission of personal development.

Steven D.

Best for someone looking for spiritual healing in addition to their mental health healing.

Luka P.

Barn life is probably one of the most amazing facilities you could ever attend when it comes to mental illness. This was the first place that popped up when I was searching for help and I’m so thankful that it did. The environment is very therapeutic, the staff is awesome, and the group discussions and activities were so helpful in me understanding what I was experiencing. Do not hesitate to be a part of this place. It’s literally a game changer. I was only there for 6 weeks but I wished I stayed at least 6 months. Ever since returning home, I’ve been much happier and my perspective has changed dramatically. I’ve done things and participated in events at my college that I never thought I would be able to do. This place is truly amazing and I’m forever grateful that I found this place.

Ariana E.

Through trial and error of trying to stay sober this program is definitely the most caring and supporting of them all if anyone needs help and is willing to help themselves I suggest barnlife they will for a fact give you the push you need and the tools to keep you going

Mason T.

My daughter has been at Barn Life Recovery now for two months. It was my last resort to send her 9 hours away from me. She has been in drug and mental health rehabs in and out for two years. This was my last stitch effort to save my daughter and get her back to herself. Alyssa and I spoke multiple times before deciding. Their willingness to do everything for her and the different teams they have work with them is amazing. My daughter is happy again and clean and sober. She loves it there in their outpatient program. They restore your faith in humanity. They help restore someone who is broken in so many places to themselves. They have put the light back in my daughters eyes. They are committed to helping each person who truly wants the help. They assist in helping them get jobs and be responsible members of society. I recommend their program to anyone wanting to recover from drug, alcohol and mental health.Thank you to all the people at Barn Life who have made my daughter smile and bring the light back to her eyes. I am truly grateful.DawnaLee

DawnaLee W.

I am alumni from Zen Recovery Path / a great place , and live a happy healthy life ever since / great peaceful place to recover // Namaste

Michael M.