The Therapeutic Programme
The Initial Contact
The Centre receives referrals from Area Health Authorities, Social Services, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and general practitioners, as well as direct requests for help from individuals and their families. Initial contact can be made by phone. This allows an opportunity for the situation being presented to be discussed. Services available within Arbours as well as other external options may be explored. If appropriate, a consultation will be arranged.
We endeavour to arrange a prompt appointment either at the Centre or the caller's own home. The person(s) concerned will be asked to meet with a team of therapists in order to assess the nature of the crisis and the kind of intervention that may be most useful. The team, consisting of a resident therapist, a senior psychotherapist and, when suitable, an Arbours trainee or other professional, will serve as their primary source of support. The purpose of the consultation process is to assess the nature of the intervention required and the process may in itself become a focus crisis intervention or undertake the form of brief psychotherapy.
After the initial consultation the team may offer further individual or family consultations, make a referral to other agencies or offer a place at the Centre. If residential treatment is indicated/appropriate a clinical decision is made at the end of the consultation period as to the length of stay to be offered.
The Stay at the Centre
Every guest attends three or more team meetings and four house meetings each week. The house meetings include all the residents at the Centre - both guests and therapists - and are an important compliment to the work done in the team. The guests also attend weekly Art and Movement groups. Each of these activities allows guests to approach their difficulties from many different perspectives. The Centre is a household where people live together and there are ample opportunities for informal discussions with others during the day.
Usually all the therapeutic work takes place at the Centre. However, when a guest is already in treatment before coming to the Centre, this may continue. We do our best to consult with the previous therapist and the resultant work may then be a collaborative effort.
Guests are welcome to participate in other Arbours events.
Goals
Our aim is not simply to stop bizarre or disruptive experience and behaviour, but to contain it and help people make sense of it. We believe an emotional crisis can be a turning point, an opportunity for growth and development. Individuals, couples or entire families can emerge successfully from a crisis when given sufficient time, space and understanding.
Outcome
The length of stay varies from a few days to several months. Afterwards guests usually return to their homes to resume their lives. Where further help may be useful, we can arrange for continued psychotherapy and, if appropriate, for residence at an Arbours long-stay therapeutic community.
Costs
We ask people whom we assist to pay for the cost of the meetings and their stay at the Centre. These costs may be covered by Area Health or Local Authority grants, private health insurance, or personal payment.
The Crisis Centre is self-supporting and receives no statutory funding. It needs financial help. All contributions will be gratefully received and acknowledged.
