Recovery capital: a framework for the contemporary Therapeutic Community?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the extent to which recovery capital can provide a theoretical and practical way in which to explore, explain and communicate Therapeutic Community (TC) processes and practices. Design/methodology/approach This is a 31-month ethnographic study of one situated residential TC in England. Findings The findings are usefully thought out as parallels, process and progress. Parallels can be drawn between the recovery capital literature and longstanding TC principles and prescriptions. The term process is significant as it illustrates how concepts proposed by the recovery capital literature can be employed, alongside traditional TC ideals, to create a practice-focussed framework that is able to open up day-to-day processes and communicate (within and beyond the TC movement) how and why TCs provide an environment that is conducive to recovery. The ethos and application of the term progress illustrate the fundamental premise of this paper. Recovery capital provides a more contemporary way in which to understand and communicate the work that takes place in a TC. Research limitations/implications Synthesising the concepts proposed by both the TC and recovery capital literature provides a contemporary, practice-focussed framework for the TC, thus re-enforcing the modalities place within an increasingly competitive field. Originality/value Synthesising the concepts proposed by both the TC and recovery capital literature provides an original, contemporary, practice-focussed framework for the TC, thus re-enforcing the modalities place within an increasingly competitive field.