Msgr. William O’brien & Fr. Lambertus Somar Building

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES

“Learning and Innovation”

The International Institute for Therapeutic Communities (IITC) offers training courses on the Therapeutic Community (TC) approach, Family Empowerment programs, Community Prevention initiatives, and the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) for substance use disorders. Its target participants are local and international rehab practitioners, students, teachers, the clergy, and others who are in the helping profession.

Training is conducted in the MSGR. WILLIAM O’BRIEN & FR. LAMBERTUS SOMAR BUILDING which sits on the hillsides of Tagaytay with a great view of Taal Lake inside the Self Enhancement for Life Foundation (SELF) compound in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines. The name of the training center is an expression of gratitude to Msgr. O’Brien, the “Father of the TC” who established and propagated the therapeutic community (TC) approach more than 50 years ago, and to Fr. Somar who has stood as the staunch champion of the TC in Asia for more than three decades.

The center is fitted with Residential rooms for 22 participants and 4 trainers, a Seminar Hall for 80 people, a Board Room for 16-20 people, a Therapy Room (with an observation dock), a fully equipped Secretariat Room, a Dining Pavilion for 80 people, a fully equipped Kitchen with a separate pantry room, ample parking space, and a beautiful scenic ambiance.

Compared to immersive exposures of the past, the training institute promises to be a unique experience where participants get to form their own learning peer group.