Abstract

Democratic therapeutic communities have been set up all over the world, but until now there has not been a manual that sets out the underlying theories, and describes successful practice. Based on their own substantial experience and expertise, the authors of this new textbook explain how to set up and run modern therapeutic communities as effective evidence-based interventions for personality disorder and other common mental health conditions.

Including detailed templates and practical information alongside a wider historical context, this encyclopaedic handbook will enable clinicians to develop and implement a democratic therapeutic community model with confidence. Highlighting the importance of belonging to a wider community, this book also shows how to ensure the needs of patients are considered and met, and that patients themselves can see in detail what this approach entails. This is an invaluable resource for clinicians and service commissioners working in the field of recovery from personality disorder, as well as those working in mental health and healthcare. This book also provides a useful model for professionals working in prisons and the justice system, long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education, and students of group analytic, psychotherapy, and counselling courses.

This book is a wonderful blend of academic prose and radical thinking. It is about the person as well as the 'illness', and engaging with someone who is struggling with themselves, whatever the chemistry of their brain. This is how-to advice on a level playing field of 'democracy', where the person will always have to take a personal responsibility for how they handle their relationships. Psychiatry has to be about lessons for living and not just a top-down medicalisation that removes the skills of decision-making and agency. Read it and learn not just about humans in distress but reflect on our profession in disorder.
Bob Hinshelwood, Emeritus Professor of Psychoanalysis, University of Essex
This superb and important book, written by two of the most knowledgeable and experienced proponents of Therapeutic Communities, tracks their history, theory and detailed workings from assessment to treatment. It is a book that teaches us emancipating approaches which holds the key to a more humanised psychiatry.
Dr Heather Castillo, Independent Consultant and author of Personality Disorder: Temperament or Trauma and The Reality of Recovery in Personality Disorder
The NHS is looking for a new interpersonal model of health care provision that will heal patients and retain staff. The values of the Therapeutic Community (empowerment, creativity, search for meaning and democracy) are core parts of what is currently missing. This book is a 'must read' and 'must act' for any thoughtful purchaser, patient or provider - before it is too late.
John Cox, Past President, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Professor Emeritus, Keele University, UK

Dr Steve Pearce is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Programme Director for personality disorder services in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Chair of the NHS England Residential Personality Disorder Clinical Reference Group, Past President of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder, and Past Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Quality Network for Therapeutic Communities.

Rex Haigh is a Consultant Psychiatrist for personality disorder services in East Berkshire. He is also Honorary Professor of Therapeutic Environments and Relational Health in Nottingham University's School of Sociology and Social Policy. He is Founder and Past Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Quality Network for Therapeutic Communities, Founder and Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Enabling Environments Network and Past President of the Association of Therapeutic Communities.