Milieu therapy

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Milieu therapy and its impact on different aspects of society. From its influence in history, through its relevance today, to its projection in the future, Milieu therapy has played and plays a crucial role in numerous areas. Along these lines, we will analyze how Milieu therapy has shaped and continues to influence our lives, as well as the implications that its presence has in different areas. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we will delve into the ins and outs of Milieu therapy and try to unravel its complexities to better understand its place in society.

Milieu therapy
MeSHD008884

Milieu therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of therapeutic communities. Patients join a group of around 30, for between 9 and 18 months. During their stay, patients are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and the others within the unit, based upon a hierarchy of collective consequences. Patients are expected to hold one another to following rules, with more senior patients expected to model appropriate behavior for newer patients. If one patient violates the rules, others who were aware of the violation but did not intervene may also be held to account to varying extents based upon their involvement. Milieu therapy is thought to be of value in treating personality disorders and behavioural problems, and can also be used with a goal of stimulating the patient's remaining cognitive-communicative abilities. Organizations known to use milieu therapy include Cassel Hospital, in London, Forest Heights Lodge in Evergreen, CO,[1][2] the United States Veteran's Administration,[3] and the Kansas Industrial School for Girls in Beloit, Kansas.[4]

Central theme

Milieu means "the social environment that one lives or works in". This is what the central theme of milieu therapy is - to create a good social environment, where no medications are administered, and all individuals are eager to be treated (for example, to quit substance abuse). It is a kind of psychosocial intervention.[5] In such set-up, the environment may also function as a therapeutic agent.[5]

References

  1. ^ Cameron, A (2004). Crash Course Psychiatry (2nd ed.). Mosby. ISBN 0-7234-3340-2.
  2. ^ "The Milieu". Forest Heights Lodge. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013.
  3. ^ VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Substance Use/Homeless Rehabilitation Emphasis Area Training (PDF).
  4. ^ Kansas. Secretary of State (1966). "Girl's Industrial School". Kansas Biennial Report, 1966. Kansas Secretary of State: 1233–1246 – via Kansas State Library.
  5. ^ a b Beyene LS, Hem MH, Strand EB (October 2, 2023). "Medication-free mental health treatment: a focus group study of milieu therapeutic settings". BMC Psychiatry. 23 (1): 707. doi:10.1186/s12888-023-05193-x. PMC 10544370. PMID 37784096.

Varcarolis, E.M. (1990). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. New York: W.B. Saunders Company, p. 30. ISBN 0-7216-1976-2