Therapeutic Communities (TC) have been used for centuries to address substance use disorders, criminal behaviour, and mental health issues. They have evolved into day program options, such as the UK Democratic Therapeutic Communities (DTCs), which are less disruptive and allow individuals to continue their daily activities while participating in groups.The core of the DTC principles is about flattening the hierarchy and sharing group responsibility among everyone. Spontaneity, creativity and the spirit of inquiry are vital elements which promote a culture of care and safety at the heart of the therapeutic process.
Partnership:
BCARA has partnered with experts from the International Network of Living Learning Experience (INLLE) to develop the Adapted Therapeutic Community-Relational Practice (ATC-RP) online program and facilitate an in-person Living Learning Experience (LLE) training at Manning Park for service providers in BC. The training integrates the Relational Practice Movement (RPM) into its curriculum, emphasizing kindness and empowerment in services provided to those in need.
Relational Practice Movement (RPM)
The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists launched the RPM in July 2023 (https://www.relationalmovement.net) to create a common language and approach for formal and informal therapies, prioritizing the therapeutic relationship between service providers and recipients. RPM includes work categorized as trauma-informed, compassionate, enabling environments, systemic, open dialogue, integrative, co-produced, decolonizing, democratic, and human rights-based work.
Learning Opportunities:
The LLE training and the ATC-RP program aim to equip service providers with a strength-based approach that can be adapted in different environments to support individuals with substance use and/or mental health concerns. Participants will learn:
- Learn to create therapeutic environments through reflective practice.
- Develop skills for leading groups in therapeutic communities.
- Understand the complex emotional dynamics that affect all service providers.
- Value the use of relationships in all professional interactions.
- Gain a deep understanding of emotional intelligence for work.
- Gain practical experience with social therapy.
Living Learning Experience Training:
The LLE is a three-day experiential learning workshop conducted entirely in groups. It operates as a structured program of activities within a democratic and non-hierarchical framework.
Adapted Therapeutic Community- Relational Practice Program:
The Adapted Therapeutic Community-Relational Practice (ATC-RP) program is a unique learning environment designed to expand on the learning from the LLE to help service providers develop reflective practice skills and understand group processes for therapeutic benefit.
The expanded program includes evidence-based resources and implementation support for small-group ATCs.
