milieu therapy
Pronunciation: mil-YOO therapy
A therapeutic approach using the entire treatment environment as a tool for healing and behavioral change.
Full Definition
Milieu therapy is a treatment modality that utilizes the entire therapeutic environment—including physical surroundings, staff interactions, peer relationships, and daily activities—as active components of the healing process. In addiction treatment settings, this approach creates a structured, supportive community where clients learn recovery skills through real-life interactions and experiences. The therapeutic milieu emphasizes personal responsibility, peer feedback, group decision-making, and natural consequences to promote positive behavioral changes and social learning.
Usage
Usage note: The pronunciation of 'milieu' as 'mil-YOO' is preferred in clinical settings over 'MIL-yoo'.
In Context
- "The residential program employs milieu therapy principles to create a recovery-oriented living environment." — Program description
- "Staff training emphasized the importance of maintaining therapeutic boundaries within the milieu therapy model." — Training materials