STEPPS in a Residential Therapeutic Community in Italy
This chapter describes the implementation of STEPPS in a residential therapeutic community in Rome, Italy. STEPPS is integrated with sociotherapy to provide residents and staff with a common language. STEPPS is adapted on a daily basis as homework for residents, as well as for support training for social rehabilitation workers without a background in cognitive behavioral therapy. There is an emphasis on patient empowerment and providing residents with new skills and strategies to reduce their overly intense emotions. Mutual support has been enhanced, and trust, empathy, and personal awareness have increased. The program has led to a reduced length of stay and to a general improvement in perceived quality of life. The chapter describes challenges associated with its implementation. STEPPS has been translated into Italian.