What is Eclectic Therapeutic Community

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People will find it easier to deal with their alcohol or drug problems when they are taken out of their comfort zones and surrounded by a supportive environment. The Eclectic Therapeutic Community at Bridges of Hope aims to create the right environment for people to not only combat their addiction but to get to the root of it—their behaviors and ways of dealing with the struggles of life.
By focusing on the life, behavior, and attitude of the individual instead of the specific symptoms, we are helping them learn and relearn life skills that they can use to face the outside world.

Our Eclectic Therapeutic Community approach to treatment is highly structured. In our facility, people live together as a form of therapy. Within this, you will feel safe to explore substance use triggers, discover coping mechanisms, and learn to cooperate and relate with other people.

We believe that individuals possess the strengths necessary to live a better life and in our community, every element in the environment is designed to therapeutically bring out these strengths and skills.

Our Approach to Addiction Treatment

  • Our residents will have a much better idea of how their attitude and behavior affects other people

  • They can develop a better understanding of other people

  • They are empowered to take responsibility for their behavior

  • Treatment focuses on the root causes rather than only the symptoms

  • They can learn how to cooperate with others within the community

  • They can develop leadership skills

  • They can develop confidence as they see their importance and role in the community

  • They can fee safe within the structure

  • They can feel in control of their own progress within the program

  • They can feel a sense of belongingness that they can foster even after the program ends

What's in an Eclectic Therapeutic Community?

The structure of this community is designed to be highly therapeutic, and can only be effective to each individual if the following elements are observed:
  • Emphasis on shared responsibility
  • Taking responsibility for behavior
  • Protection from potential stressors and triggers
  • Willingness to follow rules
  • Participation in decision-making
  • Understanding of roles and expectations within the community
  • Commitment to the agreed-upon rules enforced by members of the community
  • Open communication
  • Complete ban of all intoxicating substances
  • Regular feedback on behavior
  • Confrontation of anyone behaving poorly within the community
  • Reflection of the community as a microcosm of their role in their family and in society