Abstract

This paper describes the idea of a therapeutic community and its applicability and value to the functioning of the psychiatric ward and other mental health care units. Characteristics of the functioning of therapeutic communities are described starting with the acute psychiatric ward and the first steps in the resocialization of psychiatric patients suffering from acute psychotic disorders or worsening during the course of a chronic psychotic process. Therapeutic communities include different theoretical approaches, but the author emphasizes the particular value of a psychodynamic approach and understanding of group dynamics. This modality also provides a selective approach in the selection of patients for small groups of patients with psychosis, which may have slightly higher therapeutic goals in terms of rehabilitation of psychotic patients. In practical work, if the atmosphere in the psychiatric ward is strongly influenced by agitated patients who present their experiences under the influence of their own delusional experiences, the modality of the ‘single group session’ format is described. In that context, the role of group therapists and the therapeutic team in creating the therapeutic atmosphere, that is, in fostering positive transference-countertransference relationships in facilitating a constructive therapeutic atmosphere between the therapist/therapeutic team and patients, is also described.