Director Oceanside Malibu
Dave Johnson developed Oceanside with a vision of creating a safe harbor for those to come to in recovery that would allow them to gain the skills needed for long term sobriety. Dave’s approach is very hands on as clients and family members not only see him on an almost daily basis at the facility but also know they can reach him by cell phone at any time.
Dave’s passion for working with people has been a core part of who he is his whole life.While Dave has worked in the entertainment industry as a producer his real love has always been life coaching. Many clients joke about their “talks with Dave” as they know there is no time limit as Dave will spend whatever time is necessary to truly help someone through a crisis.
One of the things that makes Oceanside different than all other sober livings is the amount of time that Dave spends with family members either on the phone or in person helping to work through current difficulties and educate and help families understand the process of recovery. Dave has flown across the country on an hours notice to pick up a client that needs help. Dave has also flown home with clients at the end of their stay at their request to help ease the first few days transition back home as this can often be a stressful time.
Whether Dave is diving for lobsters with clients, snorkeling, kayaking or sitting on the deck talking you will always find that his heart and energy is always focused on helping set clients up to be successful by guiding them diligently through the early recovery process. Dave is known for being a straight shooter and telling clients and families the truth of what he sees.
Dave also developed a resident trust program to help clients learn to manage money often for the first time in their lives. Many past clients have credited Dave for saving their lives as he has done interventions where he has literally picked them up off the floor and taken them to detox. Dave is acutely aware that addiction is a life and death issue and treats it accordingly.
Dave has run process groups at a rehab in Malibu as well as leading groups at an in-patient detox unit. His education and training allows him to teach clients about the path that is most likely to lead to a successful outcome. Dave’s cell phone is constantly ringing as clients that have returned to all parts of the country continue to call him regularly to seek his advice and guidance.
Dave truly makes a lifelong commitment to each client and will continue to help support them long after they leave sober living. While Oceanside could easily hold a dozen clients Dave continues to limit the number of clients in the facility so that he can give each one his individualized attention.