CORRECTIONS ADMINISTRATION – 3

Therapeutic Modalities
JSSUPT CAROLINA CABANGAN BORRINAGA, (Ret) Ph.D.
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Introduction
What is Therapeutic Community?
Therapeutic Community or TC is a practice in a family environment with
CARING, HEALING and TEACHING aspects.
It has both written and unwritten philosophies.
TC has developed NORMS which are ACCEPTED STANDARDS of
behavior.
These NORMS served as GUIDE and are TRANSFORMED nto RULES
that GOVERN family milieu.

TC is also called as the “Attitudinal Development Program”

Based on the principles of TC, it is depicted that:
Thinking+Feeling = Behavior
Thinking+Feeling+Behavior = Attitudes
Thinking+Feeling+Behavior+ Attitudes = Character
Thus, behavior cannot be totally changed, but can be managed.
 SELF-HELP SOCIAL LEARNING TREATMENT MODEL (SSLTM)

The SSLTM is based on the Social Learning Model which utilizes

the COMMUNITY as the primary therapeutic vehicle to foster behavioral
and attitudinal change.
In this model, the client receives the information and the impetus
to change from being a part of a community.

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY APPROACH

TC uses the COMMUNITY as a vehicle of change in behavior and
attitude by teaching the clients the right way of living;
Expectations inside the program are parallel to social expectations;
Prepares the person for release into the mainstream of society and
family;
“Man helping man help himself”;
Serves as learning laboratory in which the client learns and practices the
skills and responsibilities that they will
Transfer to their homesand communities.

Therapeutic Community Modality Program

TCMP CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Behavior
Management

Vocational and Therapeutic Emotional and

Survival Skills Community Modality Psychological
Program
(TCMP)

Intellectual
and
Spiritual

The Therapeutic Community Modality Program and the Four

Interconnected Development Aspects: Behavior Management; Emotional and
Psychological; Intellectual and Spiritual; and Vocational and Survival Skills.
The TCMP believes that a person needs to have a strong sense of
personal and social responsibility in order to live a fully functional healthy
lifestyle.
The conceptual paradigm of the study elaborates the four development
aspects of TCMP, these are: behavior management, emotional and
psychological, intellectual and spiritual, and vocational and survival skills,
showing special areas of concern in the individual’s personality. Each component
has very discrete sets of activities, methodologies and philosophies and
underlying theories that help promote change in the members of the community
and the use of various behavior shaping tools are interconnected/interrelated
with one another.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION
The Behavior Management is a component of Therapeutic Community
Modality Program (TCMP) that introduces the concept and mechanics of the
various shaping tools to include Morning Meeting in order to facilitate the
management of and shape the behavior of the residents. This shows the
essential elements and significance of the tools which would provide the
community common language, increase cohesiveness and adapt to the moral
and behavioral code of the tools application. The behavior shaping tools are
ordered in hierarchy to provide enough room for personal growth and learning.
The community serves as a dynamic force that motivates the individual to
achieve positive behavior change.

Expulsion
General Meeting

Learning Experience/Bans

Haircut

Dealt With

Pull-Up

Talk To

Figure 1. Hierarchy of Behavior Shaping Tools

HIERARCHY OF BEHAVIOR SHAPING TOOLS
Behavior Shaping Tools (BST) is employed to strengthen the learning
process and the practice of more adaptive behaviors within the social learning
environment. The major tools of the BST, such as the Talk To, Pull–up, Dealt
With, Haircut, Learning Experience, General Meeting and Expulsion were
developed as a means to correct behaviors of the residents that violated the TC
norms. The Hierarchy of Behavior Shaping Tools will serve as a guide to
determine which of the tools are appropriate to be used based on the severity of
the infraction or violations committed by the residents against the TC Rules as
shown in Figure 1.

TALK TO
A “Talk To” is an outright correction done by any member of the TC
community to another member who has done a minor infraction but is not aware
of it. It is a friendly reminder/advice about an unacceptable behavior and must be
done privately. During a “Talk To”, the resident is made aware of his/her negative
behavior and the results it may have on others and the environment. The
feedback given to the resident who committed mistake is done in a positive way.
This is to evoke awareness on the part of the violators to avoid committing the
same mistake and be given heavier sanctions if done in the future.

PULL-UP
A Pull-up is done as a result of lack, missed or lapses in awareness in a
resident. All the members of the community are responsible to pull-up minor
infractions done by peers. It encourages honesty, demeanor awareness and
owning up to one’s mistakes. This is done when the violator is unknown and must
be validated first prior to bringing up in the Morning Meeting.
Pull-ups create a certain degree of dissonance on the guilty party whereby
there is a strong internal conflict whether to practice honesty or continue to live in
a lie. When the resident is able to overcome the impulse to lie and start practicing
honesty, his commitment to live by the TC standards increases.
 The resident receiving the pull-up is expected to listen without saying a
word, assume that it is valid, quickly display the corrected behavior and express
gratitude in receiving it. After one member did the pull-up, other residents who
want to show concern can make elaborations to give emphasis to the infractions
and concretize the admonitions that need to be relayed to the violator. Two to
three elaborations are ideal.
Too many elaborations are discouraged as they may take so much time.
Focus should be given to the behavior and not the person. It is meant to raise
awareness and not to punish or embarrass the violator. Personal attacks,
shaming or the use of racist language are strictly forbidden during pull-ups. It
should be emphasized that pull-ups are done out of responsible love and
concern to avoid creating negative feelings during the process.
In a situation wherein, no one stood and owned up a negative behavior
raised in the pull-up, the resident doing the Pull-Up will narrow down the Pull-Up
to make it clear and specific, stating the place and time of the occurrence. In the
event that nobody stood to own it up, the resident doing the Pull-Up will instead
ask the community to stand and there, he/she will deliver his pull-up addressing
the entire family believing that the violator is a responsibility of the whole
community.

DEALT WITH
Dealt With is done when negative behaviors or infractions to the House
Rules/Norms are done for the second time of same offense by a resident.
A panel of three (3) composed of a senior resident, peer and a friend are
tasked to deliver a serious and stern reprimand to the subjected resident.
Although the tool does not strictly require the presence of a staff, to attain
its purpose, the staff should monitor its conduct to ensure that the panel assigned
to the task really acted appropriately. It is done privately in a room or an area with
no other else hearing the conversation. Figure 2 shows the Dealt with Formation.
 Resident
Subjected to Dealt
With

Senior
Peer Friend
Resident

Figure 2. Dealt with Formation

HAIRCUT
Haircut is done when negative behaviors or infractions to the House
Rules/Norms in same offense are done for the third time or more or for first time
grave offenses. It is a carefully planned and structured verbal reprimand given by
a Staff with four other residents - Senior Resident, Peer, Big Brother, and
Department Head (Figure 3). The tone is more serious and can be loud, harsher
and more exaggerated.
This is done to induce anxiety and eventually change the person’s
behavior. Before the group calls in the person, they will discuss among
themselves the order of speakers, how intense the haircut will be and what
sanctions will be given if any. The resident is then called inside and waits until he
is asked to sit.
He will be asked if he knows the reason for his appearance. After the
person’s response, he will be asked to sit and remain silent to enable him/her
absorb all the advices.
The haircut gives emphasis on the behavior of the resident and the
severity of the haircut should be appropriate to the gravity of the offense. Each
member of panel is given ample time to express himself without interruption from
the other members. The staff or peer who booked the haircut should not be part
of the team so as to avoid bias or subjectivity. Before a resident be subjected to
Haircut, his/her infraction must be first investigated, discussed and decided by
the Disciplinary Board (Book II, Rule 2, Section 4 of the BJMP Manual).
Sanction/Learning Experience that has been decided upon by the jail Disciplinary
Board and the TCMP staff will be imposed after the Haircut.

Resident
Subjected to
Haircut

Senior Dep’t Big Brother

Staff Resident Head Peer

Figure 3. Haircut Formation

LEARNING EXPERIENCE
A Learning Experience (LE) is an action or activity given to a resident who
was subjected to Haircut or General Meeting who did an infraction to correct or
modify a behavior. LE may be task –oriented, written task or peer interactions.
Since TCMP is educational rather than punitive in its approach to behavioral
change, the LE should be done in a way that would remind the person of the
negative attitude he has done without compromising his human dignity. The
intent of the LE is not to stigmatize the person but to motivate him to make
restitutions for the wrong doings he committed and redeem himself in the
community.
BANS
Bans are sanctions to members who commit repeatedly infractions or
violation to the Cardinal Rules by prohibiting, disallowing or limiting an activity or
affiliation to a group.
It somehow curtails some freedom of movement and association. This
sanction causes unpleasant feelings which people try to avoid hence may evoke
behavioral changes in the future. It must be applied consistently after the adverse
behavior to emphasize the negative consequences. Privileges limited should
have impact but must not limit individual ability to meet personal hygiene,
nutritional and emotional needs. A resident subjected to Bans must be first
processed in a General Meeting called for the purpose.

GENERAL MEETING

A repeated breach to the Cardinal Rules necessitates a General Meeting. Such

issue should be discussed with the community to point out to the violator the
negative effect the behavior had on the community. Such offense includes sexual
acting-out with a fellow resident, taking drugs and engaging in physical fight with
another resident. Other facilities include stealing or even smoking as part of the
Cardinal Rules. These behaviors pose a threat to the community because they
violates the established order and safety of the facility.
Legend:
- Director/Staff
- Subjected Residents
- Residents
Figure 4. General Meeting Formations

EXPULSION
 In extreme cases, when a resident is incorrigible and becomes a threat to the
community (Instigator, initiator of jail disturbances), the Director with the
recommendation of the Disciplinary Board may transfer him/her to the nearest jail
facility with an appropriate Court Order.
PRE-MORNING MEETING
Duration/ Frequency: Fifteen minutes daily
Participants: Senior residents, Counselor
Pre-Morning Meeting is done early in the morning prior to the Morning
Meeting. Senior members of the community will meet for about fifteen (15)
minutes to discuss the attitude of the house the previous day. It is also where the
senior members formulate solutions to the concerns discussed and to be
executed during the day. The attendees will also discuss the activities to be
engaged in the Morning Meeting and make sure that all participants are ready
with their corresponding parts and determine the amount of time to be allotted for
each part. The group will agree on the theme or concept of the day. This is to
make sure that everything is ironed out prior to the conduct of the Morning
Meeting such as the validation of pull-ups and other concerns.

MORNING MEETING
Duration/ frequency: One hour daily
Participants: All residents, Counselor
Morning Meeting is a daily ritual that starts the day in a TC faclility. It is
attended by the whole community and lasts for an hour. It commences with the
Opening Prayer, Singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the recitation of
the TC Philosophy. It is usually facilitated by any member of the community. It is
divided into two (2) parts namely: (1) public announcements and community
concerns and (2) community-spirit building or up rituals.
The first part of the meeting consists of public announcements regarding
important activities or businesses and other information that the community
needs to know. It is a review of how the community performed in the previous
day and check on the behavior of erring members through the conduct of “pull-
ups”. A pull up is done as an expression of concern over the lapses of some
members and encourage ownership of mistakes on the violators. The pull-up is
followed by affirmations of good deeds, display of responsible concern towards
peers or unselfish acts of some residents. This is to show that good deeds are
not left unnoticed and leave a feeling of self-worth to those concerned. The first
part of the Morning Meeting is a serious business where the members are
expected to be formal in their demeanors. Rules are set such as: no side talking,
no cross legging, no laughing, hands on the laps and sit erect.
The Concept of the Day serves as a guide as to what direction the
community is headed for the day. It is elaborated by residents of the community
to have a better understanding of the whole concept. The concept of the day is
preferably taken from the Unwritten Philosophies of TCMP.
The second part of the meeting consists of entertaining presentations to
lighten up the mood and start the day on a positive note. It somehow develops
some talents and shed off inhibitions of participants.
PARTS OF THE MORNING MEETING
I. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT/CONCERNS

a. Opening Prayer (Ecumenical)

b. Singing of the Philippine National Anthem (Flag must be displayed)
c. TC Philosophy (Adopted translation)
d. Announcements
 Staff (Director, Asst. Director, Counselor & other personnel)
 Residents (Coordinators, Dep’t Heads, Expediters)
 Report on Dorm Inspection by Chief Expediter
e. Community Concerns
 Pull-ups/ elaboration
 Affirmations
f. Concept of the Day
g. Verse of the Day

II. UP – RITUALS
h. News casting (Local, Nat’l, International, Sports and Weather
News)
 i. Entertainment (Choose either Song, Dance, Skit, Humorous Story)
j. Community Singing (Any song that has relation to the Concept of the
Day)
k. Greetings

INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL COMPONENT

Can spirituality and intellect go together? Is spirituality and intelligence at
odds with each other?
Intelligence and spirituality ultimately follow the same path. By embracing
intellect to its fullest extent, one will eventually arrive at a sense of spirituality.
Our actions are governed by intelligence; we achieve the best results when we
make the most intelligent decisions. But if we go home, meditate, and begin
asking questions like, "What is the purpose of my life?" we have to load up a
different set of rules. Now we've supposedly left the territory of the intellect and
entered the spiritual realm. We try to interact intelligently with our outer world and
spiritually with our inner world.
Hence, as the BJMP aims to institutionalize Therapeutic Community
Modality program in all jails nationwide, the Intellectual and Spiritual Component
hopes to enhance the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of the residents by
providing opportunities for them to develop self-worth and productivity.
Spirituality in TC
Spirituality is any action or activity that reflects or brings out the goodness
in a man. Spirituality in TCMP is designed to respond to the inner longing of
residents to find greater faith where they can anchor themselves within their
struggle to find meaning to their existence.
It summarizes a man’s relationship with himself, others and the Supreme
Being. The spiritual component provides the residents with activities that would
help them explore the meaning and purpose of their existence and their particular
place in the world.
Intellectual Component
 The intellectual component on the other hand responds to the natural
human characteristics of yearning for knowledge in order to attain a higher level
of understanding.
A well-structured and well-implemented Intellectual Component is a factor
in establishing a Therapeutic Community for the residents. It helps the residents
restore their self-esteem as their minds become open to ideas and their intellect
does not cease to feed on a free and open interchange of opinions.
Providing worthwhile opportunities for learning/ education will facilitate
regaining their human quality and self-respect thereby making self-realization -
that being law-abiding and productive, both during their stay in the facility and
their eventual release in the society’s mainstream is the real essence and
measure of development.

SPIRITUAL COMPONENT
*TC Philosophy
*TC Unwritten Philosophies
*Theme/Concept of the Day
*Meditation
*Religious Activities

INTELLECTUAL COMPONENT
*Seminars
*Educational Activities (ALS)
*Debates
*Data Sessions/lectures
*Saturday Night Activities
*Games (Grab Bag, Islands, Charade, Pinoy Henyo)
*Mind games
 THE TC PHILOSOPHY
I am here because there is no refuge finally from my self,
Until I confront myself in the eyes and hearts of other, I am running
Until I suffer them to share my secrets, I have no safety from them.
Afraid to be known, I can know neither myself nor any other, I will be alone.
Where else but in our common ground can I see such a mirror?
Here, together, I can at last appear clearly to my self, nor as a griant of my
dreams
Nor the dwarft of my fears, but as a person, part of the whole, with my share in its
purpose.
In this ground, I can take root and grow, not alone anymore, as in death
But alive to myself and others.

LAYUNIN
Ako’y naririto sapagkat hindi ko na matatakasan ang aking sarili
Hanggang hindi ako nagiging matapat sa pagpuna sa aking sarili
Sa mata at puso ng iba, ako’y tumatakbo.
Hanggang hindi ko inilalahad ang labi ng aking mga lihim,
akoy’walang kapayapaan.
Sa malaking takot sa sarili’y mabunyag,
Hindi ko maunawaan ang aking sarli at pagkatao ng iba.
Sa dilim mananatiling nag iisa.
Saan pa kundi sa piling ng katulad ko makikita ang tunay na salamin.
Sama sama dito sa wakas, matatanggap ko ang tunay at sariling pagkatao.
Di ang baliw ang aking pangarap o ang alipin ng aking takot.
Sa halip bilang tao sakop ng sanlibutan at may bahagi sa layuning ito.
Sa lupang ito ako ay makapag-uugat at susupling.
Di na ako muling mag iisa tulad ng kamatayan
sa halip ay may alab ang buhay, sa sarili at kapwa.

The TC Philosophy is recited daily during the Morning Meeting. It embodies all
the challenges and aspirations of most residents who feel alienated and the
desire to overcome the imposed limitations on their freedom and find their own
place where they could feel safe and welcome. It acknowledges the importance
of fellowship in shaping one’s behavior and motivating one’s fortitude of helping
himself and others. It likewise serves as his anchor in times of emotional turmoil
which he can always go back to and reflect. It forms emotional binding among
the participants knowing that they are grounded on the same philosophy.
1. Surrender

“I am here because there is no refuge, finally from myself”

I am where I am right now because I admit that something went wrong with my
life that I have no control over. I admit that I need the help of a Higher Power and
of others to bring positive change in my life.
2. Self-disclosure

“Until I confront myself in the eyes and hearts of others, I am running. Until
I suffer them to share my secrets, I have no safety from them. Afraid to be
known, I can neither know myself or any other; I will be alone.”
I now know that unless I come out in the open and admit my mistakes, I will
forever be running from them. I need to disclose my deepest secrets to my peers
so that I can find the right ways of dealing with them.
By opening myself up for others to see through me, I will be free from my own
demons and let others guide and help me though my ordeals. Nobody can help
me unless I let them know my woes and let them understand that like them, I
also need help.
3. Reflection
“Where else but in our common grounds can I find such a mirror?”
There is no better place to disclose my feelings than in a place full of people with
similar experiences where I feel safe and free from prejudices. People are here
for different reasons but with a common problem. It is easy to identify with
somebody who is going through the same experience as me.
4. Self-realization

“Here together, I can appear clearly to myself, not as the giant of my

dreams not the dwarf of my fears, but as a person, part of the whole with
my share in its purpose”
When I start to understand myself better, I began to realize how all my negative
behaviors came to be. It is easier to deal with something when we understand its
roots. I will learn not to look at myself as too big or too small to handle all my
worries. I will learn that I will deal with them as a person among others who are
united together to help each other by relating our similar attitudes and behaviors.
5. Growth

“In this ground, I can take root and grow”

I realize that this environment can help me overcome my mistakes and start a
new life. I can anchor myself in this community to foster permanent change.
6. Self-worth

“Not alone anymore as in death, but alive to myself and to others”

I begin to believe in my ability to overcome all my challenges and give out all my
best for myself and others. I also believe in my ability to be of help to others who
are in similar situation.
TC UNWRITTEN PHILOSOPHIES
The unwritten philosophy of TC consists of slogans or aphorisms that are
verbally given to the residents to impart the beliefs and values of TC in relation to
their day to day living. These sayings are used to remind the residents as to what
are considered important to them.
1. “Honesty”
A lot of residents continue to live in a lie without the fear of its
consequences. This virtue points out the importance of truth and its
relevance to recovery.

2. “Responsible love and concern”

The residents will learn how to give and accept criticisms without
resentment. Bonded by trust and confidence, the residents know that
mistakes need to be corrected if the aim is to bring the other towards
behavioral change.

3. “To be aware is to be alive”

Residents learn to be conscious of what is going on in the environment. In
TC, minor attitudes are engrossed to prevent major attitudinal problems to
arise.

4. “Trust in your environment”

There will be no change if there is no honesty and disclosure. Before
doing so, trust must be established. One should believe that the program
can help him. In doing so, he will learn to accept the program and use its
tools to evoke changes in himself.

5. “Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it”
 Man by nature is ambitious. We never get contented with what we have.
We want more, even if having so would lead us to commit mistakes. We
should learn to appreciate what we have and use it to better ourselves.

6. “No free lunch”

In reality, nothing really comes easy. If we aim for something, we have to
work for it. There is no pride in getting something the easy way. It is hard
to let go of something that we labored for. Change will not come if we will
just wait for it to happen. We have to make it happen.

7. “You can’t keep it unless you give it away”

Knowledge or learning is better appreciated if shared with others.
Something becomes valuable if used to help others make positive
changes in their lives. Helping others help us in the process as we start to
feel good about ourselves.

8. “What goes around comes around”

“Whatever you do unto others will be done unto you”. Any good deed will
be rewarded while evil deeds will be punished in the end. We should
always be mindful of our actions as they are the parameters of how we will
be judged in the end.

9. “Act as if”
Learning and accepting the TC program is not easy. Most residents feel
resistant towards it. This philosophy teaches the residents to go with the
flow as a way of compliance. In the process, they will learn to embrace it
and the behavior will soon become natural.

10. “Understand rather than be understood”

It is sometimes common for us to be selfish. We find it hard to admit our
mistakes hence we tend to blame everybody but ourselves. We expect
everyone around us to understand our wrongdoings but we seldom make
an effort to understand others. Understanding others is a virtue because it
 speaks of humility and patience. If we take the first step to know where
others are coming from, there would be lesser conflicts in relationships.

11. “Personal growth before vested status”

Sometimes, we become so wrapped up in our own status or positions in
life that we tend to forget to develop relationships with the people around
us. We should cultivate our personal abilities before we scale the ladder to
success.
12. “Compensation is valid”
A reward for working hard is well deserved. We get what we put into.

13. “Forgiveness”
To accept what has been done, move on and get over the hurt and anger
gives us a feeling of inner peace and happiness. Failure to get over the
pains will pin us down and stunt our progress.

14. “Humility”
To humble one’ self before others is a laudable virtue. We are often
enveloped by pride that it is difficult for us to lower ourselves and admit
our inadequacies and limitations. By doing so, we develop a fair insight
about ourselves thus giving us the challenge to improve ourselves.

15. “You alone can do it, but you can’t do it alone”

Oftentimes, we feel invincible and indispensable knowing that certain
tasks can only be accomplished by us. We don’t realize that we have
certain limitations that without the help of others, the burden will be too
great for us. We should learn to reach out for help and admit our
weaknesses.
16. “Pride in quality”
Time flies so fast that we tend to hurry in everything we do. We lose our
focus and do things haphazardly just for the sake of completion. We
should always seek for quality in our work. The product of our labor
speaks of our attitude towards life in general.

17. “Feelings don’t think”

We usually react impulsively to things around us because of our feelings.
Before we can even think, an action has already been done. Everything
starts in the mind. If we think before we act, chances are, we will behave
with contempt as we have analyzed the process before the action.

18. “Guilt kills”

One of the underlying reasons for depression is guilt. It is a feeling of
shame and self-blame. If a guilt feeling remains unresolved, it can be
turned inwards, thus resulting to self-inflicted harm.

19. “Hang tough”

Sometimes, we feel that there is no end to our miseries and we feel
helpless and hopeless. No matter how dim life seems to be, there is
always hope. In every problem is a solution. Every problem is a learning
experience that would make us tougher in dealing with life’s challenges.

20. “You are your brother’s keeper”

In TC, each one is responsible for the other members of the community.
The failure of one is the failure of all. This gives all the residents a sense
of responsibility in shepherding others. The success of the program
reflects how one cares for the other.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
ANGER MANAGEMENT – a specialized group activity discussing issues to
control anger.
ANNOUNCEMENT - information given to all residents.
ATTITUDES – the general condition of the TC family as a whole, including
incidences, positive and negative.
BANS - a behavior shaping tool to prohibit a resident to a specific area, activity,
verbal, another client.
BIG BROTHER - an older member of the community tasked to provide guidance
to the newly committed residents.
BOOKED – logged an incident to the Coordinator of the Day.
CARDINAL RULES - the principal guiding rule observed by all residents in a TC
Community with heavier corresponding consequences.
COERCION- the use of internal and external sources to heighten dissonance on
the client and magnify his choices and the specific consequences of his choices.
COMMUNICATION – a department which oversees the daily census, entry, news
and other information to be disseminated.
COMMUNITY - the residents of the TC Family.
COORDINATOR - the highest position attained by a resident in a TC Hierarchy,
who works with the staff in running the house, implementing rules. With
corresponding status, a resident has an authority over the other residents.
COORDINATOR OF THE DAY – assigned coordinator (resident) to oversee and
address the incidents, attitudes of the house through the use of behavior shaping
tools – talk to, dealt with, haircut.
COUNSELOR- staff member position who assists the residents’ needs
DAILY STRUCTURE- list of day to day activities
DEPARTMENT HEAD- a ranking resident next to the coordinator in the TC
Hierarchy assigned to oversee, monitor tasks to be done in a particular
department.
DISSONANCE - the time period of admitting, denying before coming up with a
decision.
DIRECTOR - the highest staff facility officer (Warden) who has direct command
to both residents and staff.
DORMITORY – a cell where the residents stays while on confinement.
ENCOUNTER- a group process utilized to vent out concerns, anger and hurt
feelings
ENCOUNTER BOX- box used to receive slips being dropped.
ENTERTAINMENT and RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY - an activity in the TC
community aimed to aid residents in treatment.
EVALUATION – an assessment done anytime during the treatment
EXPEDITING TEAM – a department that serves as police of the community to
ensure order among residents
EXPULSION - the ejection of one from the community because of his/her serious
offense.
FRIEND - a resident who has the closest regard to the other resident.
GENERAL MEETING - a behavior shaping tool addressing serious infraction of a
resident.
GENERAL WORKER – the lowest position in the TC hierarchy
GROUNDS- pertains to lawns, pathways and landscape
HAIRCUT - a behavior shaping tool consisting of a five-man panel that
addresses a resident’s infraction.
HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE – the chain of command of residents in TCMP.
HOUSE – pertains to the jail facility.
HOUSE RULES – are day to day standards that need to be followed inside the
jail facility to ensure the smooth and orderly flow of operation.
HOUSEKEEPING TEAM – a department that maintains cleanliness of the facility.
INFRACTIONS - a violation to the House Rules of the TC Family.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE – a form of sanction that aid residents realize the
value of correcting infractions.
MORNING MEETING - a daily ritual addressing attitudes of previous days,
performed to start the day right.
PEERS – friends of the same entry period.
PRE-MORNING MEETING- the activity preceding the Morning Meeting that
discusses attitudes of the house and eliciting theme of the week and word of the
day.
PULL – UP – verbal reprimand done during the Morning Meeting.
RESIDENTS – terms used for inmates who are part of the TCMP community.
SENIOR RESIDENT – a member of the TC community having the position such
as Static Group leader and its Assistant and In Charge of various special
services groups.
STAFF – refer to jail personnel.
STATIC GROUP – a group composed of residents known as permanent support
group.
TALK TO – friendly reminder for resident violators.
TC FAMILY – refers to all residents of the TC community.
UNWRITTEN PHILOSOPHY – refers to a guiding value which residents reflect
and hold on.
VIOLATOR – a resident who commits an act in violation of the TC/Jail Rules.

PSYCHOLOGICAL and EMOTIONAL ASPECT

Residents/PDLs who are detained are basically psychologically and
emotionally challenged. They share one thing in common, that is being
incarcerated with uncertainties as to the outcome of their individual cases. They
feel isolated, helpless and at times hopeless brought about by separation from
their loved ones and society in general and all other issues that confront them
while incarcerated. Such emotional turmoil needs to be addressed to help them
bounce back and experience a life of normalcy despite their unique situation. The
TCMP provides activities and services that cater to this particular need. This topic
tackles the discussion on the therapeutic value of processing of feelings which
does not only lie on how freely one expresses them but more so on the person’s
ability to identify, acknowledge, and express them appropriately.
 INITIAL INTERVIEW/ INTAKE INTERVIEW

 INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING/ ONE TO ONE COUNSELING

 GROUPS

*Static Group
*Peer Confrontation Group
*Secrets
*Encounter Group
*Extended Group
  SPECIALIZED GROUPS

*Women’s Group
*Men’s Group
*Anger Management
*Loss and Bereavement
*Medication Support Group
BASIC COUNSELING
Counseling is defined as a professional activity of helping individuals, groups or
communities enhance or restore their capacity for psychological, emotional and
social functioning and creating an environment favorable for the attainment of
these goals.

Psychosocial Skills and Characteristics of Counseling:

*Empathy is the ability to perceive the client’s feelings and to demonstrate
accurate perception of the client. It is merely “putting oneself in the client’s
shoes”. When the client feels understood, a sense of trust or “rapport” is
developed. Rapport paves the way to a more meaningful communication and
may enable the client to understand and accept more of his or her complexity of
feelings.
*Warmth is also called “unconditional positive regard”. It involves accepting and
caring about the client as a person, regardless of any evaluation or prejudices on
the client’s behavior or thoughts. It is most often conveyed through our non-
verbal behavior or bodily gestures.
*Respect is our belief in the client’s ability to make appropriate decisions and
deal appropriately with his or her life situation, when given a safe and supportive
environment in which to do so. It is often showed best by not offering advice or
cheap comfort. The counselor shows his utmost respect to the client by listening
in silence and giving him the opportunity to design his own solutions to the
problem. A similar term for this is “empowerment” as the counselor likewise
demonstrates that he values the integrity of the client.
*Congruence or genuineness is being honest and authentic in dealing with the
client. It is showing real concern rather than focusing on techniques during
sessions. It is also being aware of the counselor’s own unmet needs and how it
may affect his relationship with the client.
*Confidentiality means that anything discussed during counseling sessions is
held absolutely private and not to be discussed anywhere. This contract should
be held sacred so as to maintain the client’s trust and enable him to disclose
sensitive matters to the counselor without fear of any breach of confidentiality.

Pattern of Counseling Session:

1. Introduction: First 10 minutes
 Greet the client warmly.
 Smile and shake hands.
 Escort to the counseling room.
 Explain how the session is going to be to alleviate fears.
 This is the time to develop rapport.
 Assure client on confidentiality.

2. Information gathering: About 20 minutes

 Know the reason for consultation.
 Client can start anywhere.
 Counselor may take notes.
 Client needs to do almost all of the talking.
 Counselor may ask open questions or use techniques like
clarifying, rephrasing, focusing, reflecting, reality testing, etc.
3. Discussion/ Counselor Input:
 Counselor tells the client what he thinks the client is saying.
 Counselor develops a list of concerns.
 Client would concur or not to the counselor’s understanding.
 Prioritize problems and which one to work on first.
 Client will provide plans of action to work on specific problem.
 Counselor will assist in mapping out plans.
4. Conclusion:
 Motivate the client that “he can do it”. If not, he may need to be
referred to a Professional.
 Brief client on what to expect the next session (progress based on
plan of action).
 End session on a positive note.
 Client should be able to list down things that he has to look forward
to over the next few days. If not, this is a red flag for suicide.
When to break Confidentiality?
1. Children are being neglected or abused
2. Appearance in court as a witness
3. Client expressed plan to commit suicide
4. Client expressed plan to harm others

ONE TO ONE COUNSELLING/INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Objectives:
1. To promote individual explorations and help surface complicated and
troubled feelings among the residents.
2. To provide a regular source of counseled guidance to residents.
3. To assist the residents to develop better coping skills and improve self-
esteem.
4. To explore the different psychological tools which promote the
development of insight and increase self-efficacy among the residents.

Indicators:
1. Self-understanding
2. Established rapport
3. Achieved a bigger, wider level of self-awareness.
4. Experienced relief from emotional distress.

Duration and Frequency: One to two hours per session/depending upon the
needs as designed by the counselor.
Participants: Counselor and resident
Procedure:
 1. Individual counseling is a helping tool between the residents and
counselor. Residents are usually referred to the counselor as needed
by peers or staff based on the residents’ behavior.
2. The counselor uses different techniques and methods in counseling.
3. The resident discusses different issues which causes his/her
difficulties.
4. Follow-up sessions will be done depending upon the needs of the
resident.
5. The length of the sessions will be determined by the progress of the
resident.

GROUP COUNSELING
Objectives:
1. To provide support to residents who fall behind and raise awareness
about problematic behaviors.
2. To help solve and overcome the problem.
3. To impart to residents the practice of TC norms and values.
4. To develop awareness and insight into one’s motives, feelings, and
behavior.

Indicators:
1. Encouraged commitments
2. Problems addressed
3. Developed sense of belongingness

Guidelines in Counseling
 Set Clear boundaries
 The client knows best
 Act as sounding board
 Don’t be judgmental
 Don’t make decisions for them
 Concentrate on what they are really saying
 Be genuine
 Accept negative emotions
 How you speak can be more important than what you say
 I may not be the best person to help
Counseling May Be Needed for Children and Adolescence (WHEN):
 Being withdrawn
 Lack of appetite/overeating
 Sleep little/or too much sleep more than 9 hours
 Lost of interest in the things he/she most enjoyed
 Neglect personal hygiene
 Crying for no reason
 Oversensitive with other negligible issues
 Disobeying
 Academic problem
 Extreme stubbornness and difficult to manage by any means
 Violent behavior
 Harming, or threatening to harm themselves or others, including animals
 Using slangs
 Aggressive attitude
 Tendencies to violate institutional discipline or rules and regulations

Basic Counseling Skills

1. Listening - process on hearing the other person
L=look interested-get interested
I=Involve yourself by responding
S=stay focused on the person
T=Test your understanding
E=Evaluate the message
N=neutralize your feelings

ACTIVE LISTENING:
Attentive, open-minded listening helps the person to:
 Experience and express his/her feelings
 Develop self-help skills and a sense of responsibility
 Reduce defensive behavior
 Take a positive/constructive
problem-solving approach

Three aspects of listening

 Verbal- actual words, expressions and descriptions used to convey
feelings.
  Paralinguistic - Monitor the tone of your voice not words themselves but
timing, accent, volume, pitch
 Non-verbal - body language’ or facial expression, use of gestures, body
position and movement, the position of arms and legs, proximity or touch
in relation to the counselor.
Attending skills in counseling

S – Sit squarely (comfortable angle and distance).

O – Open posture (arms and legs uncrossed)
L- Leaning forward from time to time, look genuinely, interested, listen
actively facing the speaker
E– Eye contact effectively without staring
R – Remain relatively Relax

Types of Questions
1. Open Questions – is the one that is used in order to gather more of
relevant information – intention is to get long/detailed answer. Generally,
start with “what”, “why’, “how” or “could”.
 To begin an interview
 To encourage client elaboration
 To elicit specific examples
 To motivate clients to communicate
Example: what is your bedtime routine?

2. Close questions – it can be normally be answered with either a single

word or short phrase.

Generally, start with “is”, “are”, “do”

 To obtain specific information
 To identify parameters of a problem or issue
 To narrow the topic of discussion
 To interrupt an over-talkative client
 Tend to close down discussion
Always questions to be asked in non-judgmental way with a tone of voice
that expresses the interest and concern.
What we can learn through questions:
 The general situation –
“ano ang gusto mong pag usapan natin?”
 Facts – “ano ang nangyari”?
 Feeling – “ano ang naramdaman mo”?
 Reasons – “paano mo nagawa yun”?
 Specifics – “pwede ka ba magbigay ng halimbawa?”
Some Non-helpful Behavior
-There are several list of non-helpful behaviors. Most common among them:
 Advice Giving
 Lecturing
 Excessive Questioning
 Storytelling
 Asking “Why”
 Asking “How did that make you feel?”
UNDERSTANDING RESPONSES
1. Rephrase:
-Restating what is told, without adding or subtracting its meaning.

o Purpose of Paraphrasing:
1. To convey that you are understanding him/her
2. Help the client by simplifying, clarify, focusing and crystallizing what
they said
3. May encourage the client to elaborate
4. Provide a check on the accuracy of your perceptions.

 Steps in Paraphrasing
 Recall the message and restate it to yourself covertly
 Identify the content part of the message
 Select an appropriate beginning: E.g., “parang”,” “sa palagay mo,”
“narinig ko na sinabi mo,”

Paraphrasing - When to use it:

 When you have a hypothesis about what’s going on with the client.
 When the client is in a decision making conflict
 When the client has presented a lot of material and you feel confused.

2. REFLECTING
Reflection of feelings:
-(focus on feelings stated or unstated)
-Serve to communicate understanding of the emotions
-when combine with paraphrase, confirms the accuracy of understanding
-encourage the discussion of feeling
Example:
“nararamdaman ko na parang nag aalala ka sa iyong ina...”

3. Summary
 A collection of two or more paraphrases or reflections that
condenses the client’s messages or the session
 Covers more material
 Covers a longer period of client’s discussion
Purposes of a Summary
 To tie together multiple elements of client messages
 To identify a common theme or pattern
 To interrupt excessive rambling
 To start a session
 To end a session
 To pace a session
 To review progress
 To serve as a transition when changing topics.

Steps in a Summarizing
Example-
Client- young boy At the beginning of the session:
 “Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ayaw na ng mga magulang ko
magkasama sila. Hindi ko sinisisi ang ibang tao pero nahihirapan ako,
naguguluhan ako [Said in a low, soft voice with lowered, moist eyes]
 Near the middle of the same session:
 “sana magkasama pa sila. Sa palagay ko, nararamdaman ko hindi na,
dahil siguro sa akin. Siguro ako ang dahilan ng kanilang pag hihiwalay.”

AN ACCURATE RESPONSE CONSIDERS THE FOLLOWING:

 CONTENT – the actual words used, non-verbal messages
 DEPTH – how serious/ superficial is the message
 MEANING- Response should neither add or omit meaning/ matter, thus
choice of words, language use is very important.

Counseling is a both way process

 Which facilitates an individual to explore his/her own world, and
 To find a best suitable way to for his/her difficulties, thus
 To become better balanced individual in terms of his/her overall wellbeing.
VOCATIONAL/SURVIVAL SKILLS
The development of vocational and survival skills starts at the beginning of
performance in job functions in the TC Community which has substantial value to
the individual. Its aim is not only to detain or confine residents but also to
challenge them to learn vocational skills for their reentry to the community.
Vocational rehabilitation helps the individual to become less dependent, adapt
himself and become more independent by making positive changes.
*TC Hierarchical Structure
*Job Changes
*Job Functions
*Staff Functions
SKILLS AND ATTITUDE DEVELOPMENT
Thinking + Feeling = Behavior
Thinking + Feeling + Behavior = Attitude
An attitude is a set of feelings, thoughts and disposition. Attitudes
determine how one will act. Attitude stems from the way one thinks, feels and
behave. The ideas formed from one’s thinking will be translated into feelings.
Thinking coupled with feelings will determine the reaction of an individual to
certain situations. The person’s attitude will shape his ability to learn and absorb
all the teachings inside the program.
It will design his willingness to take on responsibilities and develop
oneself. An individual’s attitude is relevant to his development in the area of
vocation and occupation. It speaks of his adaptability and flexibility to the
different tasks and functions. It will predetermine how he will later on perform in
the hierarchical ladder. The development of skills is inseparable with the other
components of TC as each component plays a vital part in the shaping of one’s
attitude.
ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY OF THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY
Objectives:
1. To create an organized structure and an efficient system of program
implementation.
2. To foster the feeling of empowerment and self-sufficiency among
residents.
3. To improve the line of communication between personnel and residents.
4. To promote a self-sufficient TC utilizing the residents who possess a
variety of skills.

Indicators:
1. Orderly and peaceful community
2. Self-reliance
3. Value of work evident through punctuality and patience.
4. Jobs completed on time with proper supervision.
5. Harmonious interpersonal relationship and respect for hierarchy.
6. Pride in quality

Participants: Personnel and residents

Procedure:
1. The senior member of the staff, usually the Director identifies the counselors
coming from the staff/ personnel.
2. As soon as the counselors were identified, the residents of the community will
submit application for certain desired positions as indicated at the hierarchical
structure.
3. The applicants will be interviewed by the staff (Director, IWDO, Chief Escort
and Custodial).
4. After the interview, selection of applicant for key positions (Coordinator &
Department Head) is done through the use of Socio metric pointing.
5. Crew members will be assigned as per assessment of the IWDO, Chief Escort
and Custodial.
6. New residents will be assigned automatically at the housekeeping department
for one month for orientation purposes.

TIME ACTIVITY
5:00 -6:00 AM  Wake-up time
 Job Function
6:00 -6:45 AM  Morning Exercises (Daily Dozen)
6:45 -7:45 AM  Breakfast and Wash-up
7:45 -8:00 AM  Pre-Morning Meeting
8:00-9:00  Morning Meeting
AM
9:00-11:30 AM  ALS Dep-Ed- Mon & Tues (9:00-11:30)
 Bible Study – By Group (10:00-11:00)
 Phone Call Privileges (10:00-11:00)
 Holy Mass as scheduled
11:30-12:30 PM  Lunch
12:30- 1:00 PM  Personal Time
1:00-5:00PM  Visiting Privileges
 Monday – No visiting privileges intended
for general cleaning
5:00 – 5:30 PM  Inmates’ Counting
 Job Function/ Departmental Meeting/
Static Group Meeting
5:30 -6:00 PM  Aerobics/ Dancing
6:00 – 6:30 PM Holy Rosary/ Bible Reading
6:30 -7:30 PM Dinner/ Cleaning-up
7:30 -8:00 PM Spiritual Enhancement
8:00 – 9:00 PM TV Viewing
9:00 PM LIGHTS OFF (TAPS)