CHAPTER 4

Vocational and Survival Aspects of Therapeutic Community

 What is a Therapeutic Community?

A Therapeutic Community is a structured method and environment for
changing human behavior in the context of an introduction to the
Therapeutic community life and responsibility.

I. Vocational and Survival Components

 Program involves abstinence from alcohol and other psychoactive

drugs (unless authorized).
 There are cardinal rules which if violated, can lead to termination
from program (i.e. no drug use, no violence, no stealing, no
(unsanctioned) sexual relations with other an introduction to the TC
Page 40 residents).
 There are clear procedures for responding to breaches of community
values, with differing levels of response to reflect the specific
circumstances.
 It provides information and the opportunity for residents to discuss the prevention and
control of health issues of particular relevance to drug users;
 It has distinct stages generally reflecting a focus on an introduction to the TC
assessment/orientation, treatment, extended treatment or transition, and re-entry,
respectively.
 There is an initial period in which new clients are assigned to senior residents or staff for
introduction to the program and initial support.
II. Structure and Process of Job
A central part of the therapeutic community treatment model is a structure board that
has many job functions. The lines of responsibility or chain of command of the structure board
are clearly marked and must be followed. Participants will be taught the different job functions
as thoroughly as possible so they may understand how the community operates. Having a well-
run structure is critical to a successful treatment community. You must be willing to learn all job
functions, teach other members of your community and hold one another accountable in order
for the structure to function properly.

Structure board

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 Here is what a structure board looks like. The structure board and the various job
functions. Being part of the treatment community and carrying out these job functions is a
critical part of the treatment program.

III. Skills and Attitude Development

Social-cognition approach, comprising attitudinal, normative and
behavioral control components
• Process involves five main areas of primary treatment:
– socialization in terms of developing attitudes and values of a
mainstream, pro-social lifestyle;
– psychological improvement, in terms of heightened An introduction to
the TC Page 21 insight, self-esteem and self-efficacy;
– recognition of triggers to drug taking;
– the development of self-efficacy through new coping skills; and
– the development of drug-free networks.

III. Attitude formation and change phase development and job

changes

• Group therapy is the hallmark of TCs as a vehicle to promote change in behavior and attitudes.
• Residents are encouraged to attempt behaviors and an introduction to the TC activities, even
if they doubt their abilities or the reason for the behaviors and activities, as a means of
developing a more positive attitude through learning by doing.
• Residents are encouraged to experience and appropriately express their emotions.
– Behavior management or behavior an introduction to the TC
– Enhancement of emotional and psychological life

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 – Enhancement of intellectual and spiritual life
– Improvement of work and vocational skills

Self-Change
• Residents do not adopt behaviors and attitudes simply to comply with TC rules
• Residents make fundamental changes in the way an introduction to the TC they live and
perceive themselves

Self-Identity Identity
• How individuals perceive themselves
• How individuals believe they differ from others an introduction to the TC.
• Individuals’ perceived degree of self-worth and sense of purpose

Internalization
• The process of accepting, practicing, and applying what has been learned in the TC to new
situations inside and outside the program

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