Community as Method | Dr. George De Leon Interview (Chapter 2)

How the community itself becomes the teacher, the method, and the catalyst for change.

In this conversation, Dr. George De Leon explores one of the defining principles of the Therapeutic Community (TC), Community as Method. He explains how the daily life, structure, and shared feedback of the community create the conditions for deep personal change.

Dr. De Leon discusses:

  • The meaning of “community as method” and how individuals learn to use the community for self-change
  • How clear expectations, feedback, and mutual accountability foster growth
  • Why every interaction, from meetings to mealtimes, serves as part of the therapeutic process
  • How this community-based approach differs from traditional one-on-one counseling

This episode reveals how the Therapeutic Community itself becomes the most powerful agent of change, transforming not only behavior, but identity, responsibility, and the capacity to live well with others.

Video

Disclaimer:
The views and insights shared in this interview reflect the personal and professional perspectives of Dr. George De Leon. They do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Recovery Training Institute (RTI) or any affiliated organizations.