Abstract
The following article discusses the history and character of therapeutic communities and postulates the existence of a Collective Parent Function (CPF) within them. We present a model for the CPF based on the work of Kahler/Capers and F.H. Ernst. The model is comprised of two orthogonal components (i.e. a Collective Critical Parent and a Collective Nurturing Parent). Each has an OK and Not-OK dimension. We offer specific applications of the model and point out directions for future development.