 Since the 1950s therapeutic communities (TCs) have effectively treated people with the most severe cases of substance abuse. The focus on an all encompassing community and peer support model is still thriving in TCs today. George DeLeon, author of the classic text, The Therapeutic Community, blends his expert lectures with historical and contemporary footage from active TCs in this comprehensive series on the framework, methods and components of an ideal TC.
 Volume 1: The Therapeutic Community Perspective
De Leon lays out the framework and theory underlying a therapeutic community, including the TC approach to substance abuse treatment and recovery. He explains that the TC is different from other treatment models in that it views substance abuse as a disorder of the whole person, and aims to treat that whole person, not just the drug addiction. Thus, TCs create social living situations where all aspects of a person’s personality is displayed in work, formal groups and social activities, and then addressed directly by the community.
From watching this video, you'll be able to:
- List the common personality characteristics of people with substance abuse disorders that TCs address.
- Utilize the TC model of recovery including mutual self-help, motivation, and developmental and social learning.
- Discuss the beliefs and values that encompass the TC’s “right way of living.”
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 Volume II: Community as Method
De Leon explains how a therapeutic community uses its social environment to change individuals’ behaviors, lifestyles and identities. The community is the method itself: constant participation, evaluation, feedback and reinforcement of personal responsibility are core components of daily life.
From watching this video, you'll be able to:
- Discuss the necessary context for change including exclusivity of setting and variety of roles.
- Explain the expectations of TC members on participation and responsibility.
- Describe how assessment and response are administered as part of the ongoing activity and culture of TCs.
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 Volume III: Components of a Generic Therapeutic Community
De Leon goes beyond theory to explain the specific operations of an ideal therapeutic community: what happens on a daily basis, what the physical space looks like, what activities are involved, and what are the functions and roles of the staff and community members. He emphasizes that all TCs can maximize their efficacy by enhancing and adhering to these components.
From watching this video, you'll be able to discuss:
- The importance of creating psychological separateness from the outside culture and creating space that reflects a community environment.
- The structure of day-to-day life including the resident work program, phase format, pathways of communication, duration of program and community activities.
- The roles and functions of staff versus community members and the importance of maintaining the peer support model.
- The use of encounter groups, awareness training, and emotional growth training to help community members change.
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