The quintessence of a therapeutic environment: the foundations for the Windsor conference 2014
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the “Quintessence” framework and its roots in TC phenomenology; to explain how each of the contributors to the conference is related to it; to pose questions about how the “TC movement” may use the underlying ideas in the future. Design/methodology/approach – Adaptation of theoretical ideas to a conference structure. Findings – As the necessary developmental experience for everybody, the quintessence principles are recreated in well-functioning therapeutic communities, and in the 2014 Windsor Conference. Research limitations/implications – As a theory that is becoming well used in the TC field, it needs more qualitative, quantitative, critical or philosophical underpinning. Practical implications – Widely accepted as useful in TCs. Social implications – Has wider applicability. Originality/value – Derived from condensation of numerous relevant psychological, sociological and systemic theories.