– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the “Quintessence” framework and its roots in TC phenomenology; to explain how each of the contributors to the conference is related to it; to pose questions about how the “TC movement” may use the underlying ideas in the future.
– Adaptation of theoretical ideas to a conference structure.
– As the necessary developmental experience for everybody, the quintessence principles are recreated in well-functioning therapeutic communities, and in the 2014 Windsor Conference.
– As a theory that is becoming well used in the TC field, it needs more qualitative, quantitative, critical or philosophical underpinning.
– Widely accepted as useful in TCs.
– Has wider applicability.
– Derived from condensation of numerous relevant psychological, sociological and systemic theories.
