Drogen- und Suchtberatung

Many studies indicate that learning a new craft or skill provides significant benefit during the rehabilitation process. Very often, an individual’s self esteem and sense of well being becomes distorted leading to psychological problems and faulty behavior patterns. By incorporating a learned skill into a patient’s daily routine, the person develops a greater feeling of accomplishment and independence. The rehabilitation process reduces and the rate of success for maintaining a normal lifestyle increases when an individual becomes productive.

In southern Germany, for example, several rehabilitation centers give patients an opportunity to experience the manufacturing of cuckoo clocks. Creating these handmade wooden handicrafts brings both pleasure and a source of income for patients. As they work through the steps involved in making the clock, they learn patience and acceptance and are developing new goals. They will be able to relate their progress in developing new social behavior patterns to their achievements in producing a beautiful and useful object.

How Manufacturing Cuckoo Clocks Helps in Rehabilitation

Manufacturing cuckoo clocks involves a step by step process that requires diligence and a methodical approach. Many individuals who find they require the services of a rehabilitation center have often experienced trauma or a major crisis in their lives. They may be recovering from drug abuse or alcohol addiction and have lost their sense of direction. They may have been abandoned by family members because of their inability to follow acceptable social behavior. As they learn to remove themselves from destructive habits that formed their past, they need to find ways to reinvent themselves. Developing a new skill gives them a feeling of hope and purpose. As they follow the steps involved in creating a beautiful clock, they discover a renewed sense of self direction and a feeling of independence.

What Makes a Good Cuckoo Clock Tick?

The time honored tradition of manufacturing cuckoo clocks began in the mid-1600s with a few intricate models that were made for royalty. The clocks grew in popularity and were widely manufactured by the late 19th century. They became a symbol of the unique forested countryside and charming village atmosphere in the Black Forest region of Germany. Today, many visitors to the region purchase a cuckoo clock as a souvenir of their travels.

Cuckoo clock manufacturing requires the ability to produce quality workmanship with great attention to detail. Most of the processes are performed manually by using wood carving tools and hand assembling each unit. A clockmaker typically supplies the internal mechanical mechanisms that will be integrated with the clock housing. Because high quality materials are used, a carver must learn the techniques carefully to ensure that the wood is protected and enhanced by the design elements.

Each cuckoo clock represents a unique theme and may be finished with elaborate details of birds, human figures, flowers and other ornaments. Traditional designs that represent chalets and cottages are popular with tourists who often prefer clocks that feature colorful details and intricate carving. A finished cuckoo clock delights the buyer with a charming tone and beautiful hand crafted work.

Making Saleable Products in a Rehabilitation Center

Patients who enter a rehabilitation center are often in a compromised position. They may have lost their employment, ended a relationship and have little means of support. By developing a new skill that brings a quick source of income, they discover a new independence and a way to improve their financial state of affairs.
The environment provided in many of the rehabilitation centers in southern Germany is designed to allow quiet work time. Social interaction between other patients is encouraged and sharing ideas about the process of manufacturing cuckoo clocks allows a positive interchange of ideas. Individuals leave the program with valuable skills and improved social behavior.

Foto1,2: © TommyS, Joujou – www.pixelio.de