Soteria Bern is a pioneering alternative psychiatric residential community founded in 1984 by psychiatrist Luc Ciompi. Located in a former boarding house near central Bern, houses 8-9 patients in a small, open, family-like therapeutic community. During acute psychotic episodes, patients receive round-the-clock 'being-with' with typically less than half the standard pharmacological dosage.
Best for
Young adults experiencing acute psychosis who seek a low-medication, relationally intensive alternative to conventional psychiatric hospitalization.
Modalities
Depth elements
Founded in 1984 by Luc Ciompi based on affect-logic theory. Emphasizes the often-neglected influence of emotional factors in psychosis. Round-the-clock relational 'being-with' during acute episodes rather than pharmacological suppression. Treats psychosis as meaningful experience requiring relational containment. Over 30 years of research demonstrates outcomes equivalent to standard treatment with significantly less medication.