The Northfield Experiments and the therapeutic community task

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to raise awareness of the importance of the sociological aspects of therapeutic community work, including clarity about the nature of the task, the power of informal interactions between participants and the relevance of leadership. Design/methodology/approach Applying insights from historical research to present-day practice. Findings The Northfield experiments offer a number of insights into present-day practice of therapeutic communities and enabling environments. These include clarity about the task, the relevance of participant interactions outside of specifically therapeutic work and the importance of leadership. Social implications The therapeutic community/enabling environments approach has relevance to a wider sector of society than solely the therapeutic. More attention needs to be paid to leadership issues in the therapeutic community movement, as well as the therapeutic power of the mutual support networks amongst those receiving care. Originality/value Through the lens of the Northfield experiments, this paper offers a broadening of the sociological nature of therapeutic community practice, arguing that the purpose is to enable greater social adaptability, thereby enhancing relationships and deepening our awareness of ourselves. Implicit in this perspective is the recognition of the power of non-formal interrelationships in the service as well as the importance of leadership. It is also suggested that our experience in this way of working has a value in other organisations such as work places or schools. However, to achieve this, we need to adapt our language appropriately.