ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews important ideas of milieu therapy that were never put into wide-scale operation because of financial concerns. The farm is understood to be the home of the residents, and a homelike atmosphere is maintained insofar as possible. Staff and residents eat together and work together on common projects to maintain and improve the home and its environs. Residents have the opportunity to learn through imitation and modeling as staff work with them on varied accomplishments. The apprentice system worked well for centuries, and it is an important aspect of training and education. The philosophy at Bittersweet Farms is that any activity from the morning routine of getting up, showering and dressing, to the evening routine of some quiet time, group discussion and journal writing is an opportunity to learn and grow. Specific activities that have been selected are based on the particular interests, skills and needs of the fifteen residents and talents of staff.
