Beyond Rapport: The Structure and Process of Intimacy in Therapeutic Relationship within a Therapeutic Community Setting

The present article describes the structure and process of intimacy within the therapeutic relationship in Athma Shakti Vidyalaya (ASV), a therapeutic community for persons suffering from chronic mental illness. The community uses Reparenting model of psychotherapy (Schiff, 1969, 1970 &1975) and Transactional Analysis (Berne, 1961&1966) within the therapeutic community principles (Haigh, 1999) and guidelines (Keenan & Paget, 2007). The community emphasizes the clients' need for intimacy and attachment with therapist is required and can be maintained in a healthy way for over coming their psychological problems as well as enhance the personality and well-being (Kumar & Ravi, 2007; Srinath & Kumar, 2007). However, it is important to note that the above process needs to take place in a structured environment, which is conducive and facilitate the therapeutic outcome in a favorable manner. Therapeutic communities, due to their structure and democratic principles, this can be facilitated, maintained and achieved.