Nova Recovery Center

Nova Recovery Center

The Daring Way ™

Admissions answered 24 hours a day · Free and confidential

Excellent 4.6 out of 5 434 Google reviews across our locations

  • The Joint Commission
  • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP)

What clients say

Trusted by clients across Texas

4.6 from 434 Google reviews across 9 locations

Across Nova Recovery Center, Briarwood Detox Center and Eudaimonia Recovery Homes

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova is far from perfect, and some of the information can be misleading. But if you want to cover the 12 Steps while enjoying good food and a beautiful scenic view, this is the place for you. The…”

    Wade III

    10 months ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I did 90 days at Nova Recovery 6 years ago. I am still sober today. And living a life I could have never imagined. The people and the program they are running impacted me for a lifetime. Better than…”

    megan minasi

    2 years ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I went to Nova almost 9 months ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The staff when I first entered were very nice and welcoming. As a 19 year old that didn’t know what I was getting myself…”

    Brianna Velaney

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova Recovery Center has been an invaluable part of my journey to sobriety. The intensive inpatient program, coupled with the unwavering support and guidance from my recovery specialist, Mark Rector…”

    Jake Smolt

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I had such a positive experience at Nova Recovery in Wimberley! The staff genuinely cares and went above and beyond to support me every step of the way. The peaceful setting made it easier to focus…”

    Jeffrey Villasis

    a year ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I love Nova so freaking much. Nova has saved my life in more ways than one. I was hopeless and had no solution suffering from this disease. The staff there never gave up on me. I was the worst client…”

    Sierra Watts

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I know Mark rector is non-binary however it saved my life and it did a good job with CPR and I don't know how aside from staying sober I could ever repay it thank you Mr or Mrs or whatever you're…”

    Logan S

    8 months ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “It's been a few years since I was a patient at Nova Recovery Center. Recently I have been reflecting on my time there and how incredibly grateful I am for the experience I had. I have been to 7 rehab…”

    Jeff Lochridge

    2 years ago · Austin

Transforming the Way We Live by Modifying Perspective

What Is The Daring Way™?

The Daring Way is an experiential curriculum developed from the research of Dr. Brené Brown. It offers a structured, evidence-based path to healing. Each of the program’s 12 modules works together to help clients address harmful behavior patterns rooted in shame and vulnerability.

These emotions often create barriers in daily life and damage relationships. However, the Daring Way encourages clients to explore important topics such as shame, worthiness, vulnerability, and courage. As a result, they begin to challenge negative thoughts, behaviors, and perspectives that hold them back from growth and connection.

The primary focus of The Daring Way™ is to use the experiential methodology of the program to develop shame resilience skills and daily practices that ultimately transform the way clients live their lives.

Free, confidential, and there is no obligation. Most major insurance accepted.

Purpose of Daring Way™  in Addiction Treatment

Individuals struggling with addiction often carry deep feelings of shame, guilt, worthlessness, and powerlessness. Over time, these emotions can fuel substance use and relapse. In our experience, overwhelming shame and the fear of being vulnerable are two of the biggest drivers behind continued use.

However, the Daring Way helps individuals confront these challenges head-on. Through this powerful approach, clients are encouraged to live bravely, face vulnerability, and develop self-compassion. As they progress, they also learn to replace shame with empathy and resilience.

Ultimately, the Daring Way helps clients embrace their full selves, build emotional strength, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life in recovery.

How We Use the Daring Way™ Curriculum at Nova

Nova Recovery Center has three certified Daring Way™ facilitators on staff.

We carefully work through all 12 modules of the program in our long-term rehab, completing one module each week. This structured approach allows us to specifically address how negative behavior patterns relate to substance use and relapse. Each module helps clients recognize and overcome the shame associated with their disease.

At Nova, our philosophy is rooted in guiding clients to view their experiences through a new lens. As a result, they can change their perspective, build emotional resilience, and move forward with greater strength and clarity.

Our Clinical Director explains it best:

“The analogy that works for most people is carrying a stack of books. We have all miscalculated the arrangement of a stack of books, and once we start carrying them we realize that this arrangement is not working for us. Most times we will stop and rearrange the books in an order that works better, is more manageable, and allows us to get to our destination easier. It is the exact same assortment of books, we just changed the way we dealt with it.

It is the same with our emotional load. We aren’t erasing any parts of life or events. That is impossible. But we can help them find a new way to look at and carry those burdens. We can help them find a new perspective, a different arrangement of the books.”

Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

Is The Daring Way Right for me

We understand that all clients have different life experiences, experience recovery differently, and are reached in different ways. Our Daring Way™ facilitators strive to find mediums that can speak to all clients. We use multiple approaches during drug rehab, including:

  • Experiential exercises
  • Associated art groups
  • Videos
  • Educational materials

We also incorporate components of the Daring Way ™ model into our Family Program, particularly the work on defense mechanisms and their effect on communication.

At Nova Recovery Center, we are willing to find a way to help each client and family find their truth and give themselves permission to walk the road of recovery with their whole heart.

We Accept Many Insurances

Call (512) 605-2955 to verify your benefits.

Call Us Now and Begin Healing at (512) 605-2955
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Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

What Makes Us Different

  • Gender-specific treatment
  • Evidenced-based treatment
  • 12-Step immersion
  • 90-day residential treatment
  • Family program
  • Full continuum of care
  • Insurance and private pay

100% Confidential Guarantee

Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation. One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.

What Is The Daring Way™ at Nova Recovery Center?

The Daring Way™ is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Brené Brown that addresses shame, vulnerability, and courage, three forces that deeply influence addiction and recovery. At Nova Recovery Center, we integrate The Daring Way™ methodology into our comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Austin, Wimberley, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs.

This therapeutic approach helps clients identify and dismantle shame triggers that often fuel substance use. By building resilience and self-compassion, participants learn to navigate vulnerability without turning to drugs or alcohol. Our licensed clinicians deliver The Daring Way™ in group and individual formats, tailored to each client’s stage of recovery.

Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

How The Daring Way™ Works in Addiction Treatment

Shame is a powerful driver of addictive behavior. Research published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment shows that shame-proneness is strongly correlated with relapse risk and treatment dropout. The Daring Way™ provides practical tools to:

  • Recognize shame triggersIdentify situations, thoughts, and relationships that activate feelings of unworthiness.
  • Practice vulnerabilityBuild the courage to share struggles openly in group therapy and peer support settings.
  • Cultivate self-compassionReplace self-criticism with understanding, reducing the emotional pain that leads to substance use.
  • Set boundariesLearn to protect your recovery by saying no to toxic relationships and high-risk environments.

At Nova, The Daring Way™ complements evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, giving clients a holistic path to lasting sobriety.

Who Benefits from The Daring Way™?

This program is especially effective for individuals who:

  • Struggle with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or self-blame tied to their addiction
  • Have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect that fuels shame-based thinking
  • Find it difficult to trust others or ask for help in recovery settings
  • Want to build emotional resilience and prevent relapse through deeper self-awareness

Our clinicians assess each client during intake to determine whether The Daring Way™ is a good fit for their treatment plan. Many clients participate in The Daring Way™ groups during residential rehab and continue the work in outpatient or online IOP programs.

What to Expect in a Daring Way™ Session

Sessions typically run 90 minutes and include:

  • PsychoeducationLearn the science of shame, vulnerability, and empathy from Dr. Brown’s research.
  • Guided exercisesComplete worksheets and reflection activities designed to uncover personal shame patterns.
  • Group sharingPractice vulnerability in a safe, confidential space with peers in recovery.
  • Skills practiceRole-play boundary-setting, courageous conversations, and self-compassion techniques.

Participants often report that The Daring Way™ helps them feel less alone in their struggles and more confident in their ability to stay sober.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Daring Way™

Is The Daring Way™ only for people with trauma?

No. While The Daring Way™ is trauma-informed, it benefits anyone working to understand how shame and vulnerability affect their addiction. You don’t need a trauma diagnosis to participate: many clients find the program helpful for everyday recovery challenges like managing stress, rebuilding relationships, and preventing relapse.

How long does the program last?

The Daring Way™ is typically delivered as an 8- to 12-week module within your larger treatment plan. Clients in our 90-day residential programs may complete the full curriculum, while outpatient clients often join ongoing groups that revisit core concepts over several months.

Do I have to share personal stories in front of others?

Group participation is encouraged but never forced. Our facilitators create a non-judgmental environment where you can share at your own pace. Many clients start by listening and gradually open up as they build trust with the group.

Is The Daring Way™ backed by research?

Yes. Dr. Brené Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability is grounded in over two decades of qualitative and quantitative research. The Daring Way™ curriculum has been adapted for clinical use in addiction treatment, mental health, and trauma recovery settings. Studies show that shame-resilience interventions reduce relapse risk and improve treatment engagement (source: Addiction Research & Theory, 2019).

Can I do The Daring Way™ online?

Yes. Nova offers The Daring Way™ groups as part of our online intensive outpatient program (IOP), available from anywhere. Sessions are conducted via secure video platform with the same licensed facilitators who lead in-person groups at our Austin and Houston facilities.

Will insurance cover The Daring Way™?

The Daring Way™ is included in your overall treatment plan at Nova, and most insurance plans cover it as part of group therapy or psychoeducation. Our admissions team will verify your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket costs before you enroll. Call (512) 605-2955 to check your coverage today.

Ready to Build Shame Resilience and Strengthen Your Recovery?

If shame, guilt, or fear of vulnerability are holding you back from lasting sobriety, The Daring Way™ can help you break free. Nova Recovery Center’s licensed clinicians bring years of experience integrating this powerful methodology into personalized drug and alcohol rehab programs across Texas and Colorado. Call Nova Recovery Center at (512) 605-2955 to speak with an admissions counselor, verify your insurance, and learn how The Daring Way™ can be part of your treatment plan. We’re here 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward healing.

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