Potential Risks
The potential risks of Institution Therapy pertain to all types of trauma therapy. Based on the risks of similar approaches, survivors must be informed that Institution Therapy can be emotionally distressing, as it involves discussing and processing difficult topics. There is no guarantee that it will treat institutional syndrome or facilitate the process of healing institutional trauma, and it may not be effective for everyone. More research on the efficacy of Institution Therapy is required before any statement can be made on treatment benefits.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The sole author of this paper has personal experience with institutional trauma and institutional syndrome. Some of the resources shared were accessed during their time in treatment recovering from these experiences.
Conclusion
Institution Therapy aims to directly combat aspects of institutionalization using trauma therapy methods. The Five R’s of Institution Therapy—Radical Understanding, Rehumanization, Regaining Autonomy, Relapse Prevention, and Rebuilding Community—all relate to symptoms and experiences of institutional trauma survivors. As an introduction to this new therapeutic approach, this paper hopes to spark new conversation and research on how to better treat institutional syndrome and institutional trauma.
Acknowledgements
With thanks to Alejandra Gonzalez Nieves and Dr. Rayne Bozeman for your input in the editing stages that made this publication possible.