Beyond rapport: The structure and process of intimacy in therapeutic relationship within a therapeutic community setting

Pages: 326-329
Vijendra Kumar S.K., Usha Srinath and Hank Nunn (Athma Shakti Vidyalaya, Bangalore)

The present article describes the structure and process of intimacy within the therapeutic relationship in Athma Shakti Vidyalaya (ASV), a therapeutic community for persons suffering from chronic mental illness. The community uses Reparenting model of psychotherapy (Schiff, 1969, 1970 &1975) and Transactional Analysis (Berne, 1961&1966) within the therapeutic community principles (Haigh, 1999) and guidelines (Keenan & Paget, 2007). The community emphasizes the clients’ need for intimacy and attachment with therapist is required and can be maintained in a healthy way for over coming their psychological problems as well as enhance the personality and well-being (Kumar & Ravi, 2007; Srinath & Kumar, 2007). However, it is important to note that the above process needs to take place in a structured environment, which is conducive and facilitate the therapeutic outcome in a favorable manner. Therapeutic communities, due to their structure and democratic principles, this can be facilitated, maintained and achieved.