Foundations of self-agency: development of a nano-therapeutic community
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Authors
Hayes, Adrian
Chiarletti, Tulane
Hares, Stephanie
Devereux, Sarah
Upton, Stephanie
McNamara, Daniel
Brookes, Sally
Issue Date
2024-08-28
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Wessex Classification Subject Headings::Mental health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose
The therapeutic community (TC) is an environmental intervention where principles of working together democratically can enhance self-agency. While availability of inpatient TCs within the UK National Health Service (NHS) has declined, shorter or alternative interventions using core TC approaches have shown promise in enacting change. The purpose of this paper is to report and reflect on the development and running of a pilot nano-TC.
Design/methodology/approach
Foundations Group was a 2-h TC group intervention set up and run within the NHS for 18 months in 2021–2022, and taking place on City Farm premises. The group was convened as part of the complex emotional needs service in a mental health NHS Trust in the South West of England. Over the study period, the group comprised 11 members, one peer member and three staff members.
Findings
The authors reflected on the TC stance of working democratically with a fluid hierarchy, taking a non-expert approach, and using support and challenge to enhance self-agency and belongingness. The authors have detailed the structure of the group session including use of community meetings, psychoeducation, creative sessions and reviews. Members took on roles within the group including chairing sessions.
Originality/value
This group was a novel service within the NHS Trust where it was conducted and may represent a standalone therapeutic group. The authors hope it will show that core TC principles can be applied in shorter interventions than have previously been used.
Description
Citation
Hayes, A.J.; Chiarletti, T.; Hares, S.; Devereux, S.; Upton, S.; McNamara, D. and Brookes, S. (2024) 'Foundations of self-agency: development of a nano-therapeutic community', Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-08-2023-0018
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
0964-1866