Leading from below? Decisions, responsibility and creativity as a group dynamic

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to bring back into view some of the original ideas from which the Therapeutic Community (TC) developed today. If we forget the origins of therapeutic communities way back in the past, we cannot be in the best position to make decisions for the present. The underlying principles of the TC are a combination of social science ideas, psychotherapeutic practices and a political urgency to do something for disadvantaged people. There is a need to try to keep all branches of the past roots in play together.

Design/methodology/approach

Learning from the past.

Findings

The past has a relevance that must not be forgotten in present reflection.

Originality/value

This is a reflective exercise at the heart of the therapeutic community practice.

Citation

Hinshelwood, R.D. (2020), "Leading from below? Decisions, responsibility and creativity as a group dynamic", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-12-2019-0017