ShelterCare recognizes that recovery from mental illness depends upon a caring and compassionate environment that fosters well-being and success. In accord with these beliefs, we are moving towards a new treatment model called the Engagement Model. This model is based on the Sanctuary Model developed by Dr. Sandra Bloom, and has been shown to be highly successful in helping individuals recover because they feel supported, respected, and in control.
Ninety percent of mental health clients have been exposed to some form of trauma in their lives. If the power and control lie solely in the hands of the care provider -- as has historically been the case when, for many years, people with mental illness have been seen as dangerous and incapable of making good decisions -- then a coercive intervention can re-traumatize the individual and impede recovery. The Engagement Model focuses on developing an environment where clients are respected as capable, responsible individuals who are full partners in their treatment plans.
Since people behave in response to their environment and live up to others’ expectations, clients must feel safe and respected before they can engage therapeutically. ShelterCare staff have been receiving training in the Engagement Model on how to evaluate what must be changed, provide vision and leadership, create a culture of empowerment and participation, focus on recovery rather than disability, create an environment of safety, and respond to client agitation with curiosity and understanding rather than with punishment.
Other mental health centers that have employed the Engagement Model have found it leads to increased client satisfaction and engagement, increased staff satisfaction, increased staff and client safety, decreased need for medications, increased therapeutic value of interaction, and increased partnership with the mental health system. In ShelterCare's programs, many positive changes have begun, such as at the Hawthorn Program where community meetings are now co-facilitated by residents, and the Heeran Center where residents are part of a rules committee to review rules and policies.
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