Transient therapeutic communities: the “living-learning experience” trainings
Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities
ISSN: 0964-1866
Article publication date: 13 June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe transient therapeutic communities (TCs) and their value for training.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a descriptive account which includes the findings of two field study evaluations, and direct participant feedback. It is an exploration of the application of TC and group analytic theory to transient TCs.
Findings
The transient TC format is an excellent training format for creating a powerful and effective environment for learning and personal development in the very short time frame of three days.
Practical implications
These courses are a very efficient and effective way of promoting reflective practice, enabling environments, and emotionally safe working practices. The trainings are useful for a wide range of people from mental health professions, those working in human resources, and those in senior positions in industrial, commercial and public sector fields.
Social implications
This paper will raise awareness that target-driven training is insufficient to improve quality of services beyond a certain point. A relational focus of training is needed to deal with issues of complexity which cannot be resolved by simple managerial methods. This experiential training can help to meet the need for inculcating compassion, kindness, and empathy in its participants.
Originality/value
Although other psychotherapy and group relations courses exist, and are used beyond the mental health field, the focus on generating an experience of belonging, emotional safety and democratic empowerment in the relational field of the course itself – by use of TC methodology – is novel, and could be of considerable value more widely.
Keywords
Citation
Lees, J., Haigh, R., Lombardo, A. and Rawlings, B. (2016), "Transient therapeutic communities: the “living-learning experience” trainings", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 37 No. 2, pp. 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-05-2015-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited