Community Connection

Medically Reviewed by Bill Brown, LCMHC

Peer Relationships & The Milieu Experience

The therapeutic milieu – group environment or culture – created at Confluence is integral to the program and the particpant’s process. The peer group fosters healthy patterns of being and supports accountability and responsibility to one another. Many participants find and build meaningful friendships lasting well beyond their times at the program.

Purpose of the Cohort

Participants, In the context of the group environment develop self-worth, significance, dignity and responsibility as they become more committed to the positive values of helping and caring for and about others. In this context, change is a relational process and occurs in the social mix of the group experience. These changes foster a shift in values and one’s beliefs of themselves and others. The newly seen values and beliefs promote social connectedness, self-efficacy and self-worth, which ultimately lead to negative symptom reduction.

Approach to Change

In engaging with their peers, participants begin to notice their patterns and develop new methods of sorting through their experience and making meaning from it. The group approach offers participants trust and openness, rather than invasion or exposure of challenges. Exploration and change propel forward momentum rather than the stasis of comfort and certainty. Participants focus their attention in intention on the here and now, instead of perseverating on past issues in the there and then. Rather than obstacles, challenges, negative symptoms, and problems become clarifying moments and opportunities for growth.

Wellness

At Confluence participants feel fully accepted by others and that they deserve the acceptance of their peers. Individuals are oriented toward helping themselves and others and journeying together towards healthier lives. Participants experience and extend empathy and practice compassion with themselves and others. Perhaps most importantly participants allow themselves the space to heal and grow without the shame or guilt that can so often accompany and exacerbate mental health challenges.

Practices

Together participants develop and practice new skills that enable growth, show ownership and accountability, encourage engagement and develop a respectful environment of care by:

Demonstrating respect and concern for others
Acknowledging successes
Allowing for peers to work through challenges
Exploring the use and utility of “problem” behaviors
Distinguishing between “helping” and “harming” behaviors
Encouraging everyone to contribute and participate
Emphasizing accountability
Assigning the responsibility of change to the participant
Being consistent in expectations and boundaries

The team at Confluence helped our son immensely. We couldn't be happier with the results and would highly recommend the program for young adults that are ready and willing to actively engage in making significant progress toward a healthier life.

Quite frankly, our daughter’s transformation at Confluence saved her life. The experience was the most challenging of her life but it has changed her profoundly - she is learning to communicate, know herself and deal with her inner mental self.

Explore Your Health Insurance Benefits

Confluence Behavioral Health is a state-licensed residential treatment center providing intermediate mental health care. Many insurance plans will cover costs for mental health care services provided by Confluence.