Therapeutic Communities (TCs) are a radical group-based treatment method based on principles of democracy, emancipation and social justice. In work starting in 2002 at the Royal College of Psychiatrists Centre for Quality Improvement, we have extracted ten ‘core values’ which are often absent in healthcare settings, and which are required in ‘Enabling Environments’ (EEs). EEs therefore demonstrate a commitment to value-based practice.The concept has been widened to include other ‘Positive Environments’, such as where contact with nature is part of the therapeutic programme, and particular attention is paid to the conduct and quality of interpersonal relationships.