Therapeutic Model
In our Traditional Therapeutic Communities, individuals in treatment are more than just ‘patients’. They are members of a community in which they are responsible for helping one another co-progress through treatment. The staff supports these efforts with individual and group therapy, social skills training, education and vocational services, relapse prevention, as well as case management services. The ultimate objective is for the residents to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves as well as others. Graduates leave Second Genesis with the tools they need to remain successful in recovery, and in life.
Summary
The therapeutic community model is a structured method and environment for changing human behavior in the context of community life and responsibility. Utilized by Second Genesis, job functions allow clinical care workers to assist participants in assessing the progress of their individualized treatment goals. The guideline for the therapeutic treatment model indicates that; as clients adapt to pro-social attitudes and behaviors, they become more aware of their maladaptive tendencies and begin to self-realize their pivotal role as a member of the community.
Work Adjustment Training
“Work adjustment training” is reinforced through house duties that are assigned and reviewed by staff with each client’s learning needs in mind. Clients are expected to assume increased responsibilities in their house as they progress through treatment and demonstrate clearly defined pro-social attitudes and behaviors. Maturity occurs as the houses mirrors back to the client those behaviors that are maladaptive in the pro-social Second Genesis environment. As educational opportunities arise and foster personal growth, personal accountability is attained.
Addiction Education
These opportunities allow participants to overcome their denial of the presence and effects of addiction in their lives. Addicts explore and process their substance use and related personal histories while learning strategies of recovery. The Second Genesis program highlights addiction education and relapse prevention, as well as life skills development.
Addiction Education and Relapse Prevention
Clients learn about the addiction cycle, develop an individualized relapse prevention plan, and adopt recovery principles and practices, including the 12-step model.
Life Skills Education
Substance abuse that begins during the adolescent period interrupts social, educational, and intellectual maturation. As a supplement to maturity achieved in the work-phase process, life skills seminars address behaviors and attitudes presented in the daily, living activities. Clients are armed with knowledge on how to behave as an age and gender appropriate, socially acceptable member of the community.
Additional Information:
Therapeutic Communities of America
http://www.therapeuticcommunitiesofamerica.org
National Institute on Drug Abuse-TC Summary
http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRTherapeutic.pdf
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/brochures/pdfs/CJA_ConsumerBrochure.pdf
