December 17, 2015
What is Moral Treatment?
The concept of “moral treatment” focuses on treating individuals with equality and respect within the context of a healthy living-learning environment. Furthermore it is an approach that values people being able to freely express their feelings and views, as well as, actively participating in decisions affecting their lives. Hopewell’s “therapeutic community” approach is based on many aspects of earlier moral treatment models, including identifying the “community” itself as a modality for change and incorporating a holistic bio-psycho-social orientation to promoting wellness and sustained recovery. Mutual self-help principles, engaging in work, physical exercise, connecting with nature, eating healthy, modeling virtuous behaviors and promoting the value of teamwork and effective medication management are all important components within Hopewell’s therapeutic community.
Back to Blog