Adapted Therapeutic Communities (ATCs) provide an additional therapeutic choice to individuals seeking support at no-cost, in an accessible location, and conveniently scheduled to fit in with other commitments. It involves ‘Community as Method’ using six core principles to empower groups of people to help each other achieve their goals whether it is pursuing a life free of substance use or crime, recovering from a mental health challenge, or simply seeking personal improvement.
ATCs can provide an impactful small group experience to augment existing recovery-oriented support services, or they can be a stand-alone option for those not engaged in other therapeutic modalities. It is a robust model that can serve a variety of functions based on individual needs that include pre-care, after-care, and reintegration for those transitioning back into community from treatment or corrections or those struggling with homelessness.
Whereas some more traditional Therapeutic Communities have been styled as full-time, live-in communities (Delancey Street Foundation and San Patrignano Community are examples), the model presented herein has been adapted by Dr. Steve Pearce and Dr. Rex Haigh, co-authors of the ‘how to’ manual and book, The Theory and Practice of Democratic Therapeutic Community Treatment, to be a visiting day program. In BC, we have rebranded the model ‘Adapted Therapeutic Community’ (ATC) to demonstrate the flexibility to adapt the model to meet the needs of individual communities across the province.
Whereas some more traditional Therapeutic Communities have been styled as full-time, live-in communities (Delancey Street Foundation and San Patrignano Community are examples), the model presented herein has been adapted by Dr. Steve Pearce and Dr. Rex Haigh, co-authors of the ‘how to’ manual and book, The Theory and Practice of Democratic Therapeutic Community Treatment, to be a visiting day program. In BC, we have rebranded the model ‘Adapted Therapeutic Community’ (ATC) to demonstrate the flexibility to adapt the model to meet the needs of individual communities across the province.
ATCs can range from five hours a day, three days a week, to shorter engagements of just a few hours one day a week. These modified therapeutic communities have the added advantage of ensuring a member’s ATC experience happens alongside real life, which helps them reconnect with, and build, relationships with others outside the ATC. By forging healthy connections within the ATC and their home community, people gain socialization opportunities and communal support from strengthened existing and newer support networks.
Shorter TC treatment regimes have been proven to be equally effective – including system efficiencies and cost savings. The real gain, however, comes with therapy happening alongside real life, truly empowering people to develop skills and confidence to have more control in their lives and become active and contributing members of their community.
Living Learning Experience – ATC Facilitator Training
Streetohome's Funding Goal
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Reached!
Streetohome, in partnership with BC Addiction Recovery Association, is facilitating The Living Learning Experience (LLE) for BC organizations seeking to bring the Adapted Therapeutic Community (ATC) model to their community. Whether it’s incorporating ATCs into existing services, or adding a stand-alone program, the model will contribute to improved outcomes within housing, substance use, corrections and mental wellness sectors.
With over 20 years of combined training and research behind them, an international faculty will be leading the ATC Facilitator Training in BC. The LLE is an evidence-based practice that provides an experiential education for prospective ATC Facilitators. The training is designed as an authentic, three-day immersion in a therapeutic community, taking place entirely in groups with a structured program of activities. The leaders create a powerful and effective environment for learning and personal development in a short time frame, promoting reflective practice, enabling environments, and emotionally safe working practices.
ATC Facilitator Training is available to clergy, counsellors, Elders, nurses, peers, psychologists, physicians, social workers, support workers, and volunteers. The model can be readily implemented in shelters, supportive housing, community centres, libraries, places of worship, neighbourhood houses, hospital inpatients units, treatment programs, recovery community centres, correctional facilities, drop-in centres, and recovery housing.
September 2023 Workshops
To successfully implement the model, interested organizations should experience the TC “from the other side” – as a participating member of the therapeutic community. This is done by taking part in a Living Learning Experience (LLE) where participants develop practical skills in the way they relate to, communicate with, and interact among others. The experience will be facilitated by six international faculty members – all experts in LLE training and therapeutic communities.
The LLE will take place at Manning Park Resort in September, with two, 3-day courses to choose from.
Dates: September 13-15, 2023 / September 18-20, 2023
Location: Manning Park Resort 7500 HWY #3, Manning Park, BC
Cost: We are pleased to offer the ATC Facilitator Training for $200/participant ($1,695 savings), which includes accommodations, meals, training, course materials, and continuing education. Limited financial assistance is available for those who demonstrate a need. Please email [email protected] for more information.
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