Definition
A simple type of milieu therapy by which the total social structure of the treatment unit is involved in the helping process.
Goal and Objectives
- To help the patient develop a sense of self-esteem and self- respect.
- To help him learn to trust others.
- To improve his ability to relate to others and with authority.
- To return him to the community, better prepared to resume his role in living and working.
Elements
- People
- Organized activities
- Environment
Characteristics of therapeutic community
- Emphasis on social and group interaction
- Focusing communication
- Sharing responsibilities with patient
- Living and learning abilities
Therapeutic Activities
- Music appreciation thru arts
- Craft and occupation therapy
- Newspaper discussion
- Bibliotherapy
- Activities of daily living
- Calisthenics
- Indoor/ outdoor games
- Play therapy
Therapeutic Meetings
- Circle meeting – highlights of 24 hours
- Small group – personal problems of patient
- Community meeting – problems of patient encountered in the ward of general interest
- Treatment planning – treatment regimen of a patient
- Discharge planning conference – discharge plan for patient
- Patient government meeting – officers of the patients discuss issue related to their welfare
- Staff’s shift-to-shift meeting – discussion of the demotion and promotion of patient status
Attitude therapy
- Prescribed ways on how to handle mentally ill patients according to the behavior symptoms they manifest.
Types of attitude therapy
- Active friendliness – withdrawn patient
- Passive friendliness – paranoid patient
- Kind-firmness – depressed client
- Matter-of-fact – manipulative/ demanding client related
- No demand – furious in rage
Characteristics of attitude therapy
- Consistency must be used in order for the client to reach the maximum therapeutic value.
- All persons who come in contact with the patient should have a uniform attitude.
- Should be prescribed by the physician and should be individualized depending on the individual needs.