What is a Therapeutic Community?
A Therapeutic Community (TC) is a participative, group-based approach designed to provide a long-term program focused on changing the whole person. Therapeutic Communities have offered an alternative approach to conventional psychiatric treatment since the 1950s, today TCs are operational around the world. Due to their exceptional success, they have become one of the most researched and effectively proven models for helping those with long histories of criminal behavior, homelessness, and a past involving substance abuse. Here are the key features of a classic therapeutic community:
- Residential Setting Participants live together in a structured environment, typically for an extended period (2-5 years).
- Peer-Driven Approach The community is the primary agent of change, with residents supporting and influencing each other’s recovery.
- Hierarchical Structure There’s often a clear hierarchy within the community, with newer members learning from those who have been in the program longer.
- Holistic TCs focus on the whole person, addressing psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of recovery.
- Work-Based Recovery Students are assigned jobs and responsibilities within the community, reinforcing positive habits.
- Structured Daily Routine There’s a highly organized schedule of activities, including meals, work, seminars, free-time, evening groups, and community meetings.
- Improving Habits The program uses a system of rewards and consequences to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.
- Self-help and Mutual Support Residents are encouraged to take responsibility for the recovery of their peers, which reinforces the strength of the community.
- Gradual Reintegration As students progress through the program, they’re given more responsibilities and privileges, the outcome is a successful reintegration into society.
- Continuing Support TCs offer continued support after residents complete the program to help maintain recovery.