How to make residential units therapeutic

It is generally well acknowledged that ward climate is of crucial importance for the treatment outcome. However, to create a therapeutic milieu is easier said than done. The workshop will elaborate on following points: What... [ view full abstract ]

It is generally well acknowledged that ward climate is of crucial importance for the treatment outcome. However, to create a therapeutic milieu is easier said than done. The workshop will elaborate on following points:

1. What are the characteristics of a therapeutic milieu? Here we will briefly present a theoretical basis for therapeutic milieus.
2. How to get one off the ground? We will present how ward atmosphere can be measured, and present a systematic program to develop a therapeutic milieu. The practical process on how to implement WAS will be highlighted through examples from wards that already have used results WAS in their professional development of a therapeutic milieu.
3. How to sustain a therapeutic milieu? Here we will elaborate on how outside and inside forces may threaten to undermine a therapeutic milieu, and what can be done to sustain such a milieu.
4. Feedback of perceived ward atmosphere, possibilities and pitfalls. Finally we will elaborate on the possibilities and pitfalls in using feedback of perceived milieu as a changing agent.