Milieu therapy : An Innovative Model of care

Milieu therapy is the heart and soul of FOCUS. The milieu or “life space” is a planned treatment environment that is constantly supporting, nourishing and reinforcing a child’s ability to learn and grow. It is a “social incubator” if you will, in which every day events and interpersonal interactions are used as clinical opportunities for learning. It is a safe environment rich in social opportunities, where children can learn from each other and are able to receive immediate feedback from sensitive staff on how their behavior is perceived by others.

The milieu is also a space to learn constructive peer interaction, to establish and maintain relationships, and where social and emotional growth and maturity can blossom. Our FOCUS milieu is designed to help children learn to manage their anxiety and frustrations, to help develop impulse control and to give each child the opportunity to gain a sense of competency in dealing with people and life-events.