The Therafields Psychotherapy Community: Promise, Betrayal, and Demise

by Brenda M. Doyle

Set within the context of other intentional communities or communes during the 1960s and 1970s, this book examines one such community, known as Therafields, developed with a focus on psychotherapy. Beginnings of hope and goodwill were eroded fairly early through decisions made by Lea Hindley-Smith, its central founding member, though their impacts were not necessarily visible for some time. Within ten years the expansive spirit of the early community floundered, leaving confusion and even rancour among both seasoned psychotherapists and newer members. Still another ten years passed during which the community's presence lingered on, hobbled by shrouded financial dealings and an inner dynamic that favoured Hindley-Smith's family and close associates over those at varying degrees distant from that centre of power. The revelation of Hindley-Smith's son's abusive relationships with children under his care in 1984 dealt a final blow to the already disintegrating community. Many longtime members recall benefits gained by their involvements, especially their ongoing connections with truly good people. However, Therafield's legacy cannot shrug off accusations of evil perpetrated in the name of faithfulness to its founder's guidance and charisma. Its story is a true cautionary tale.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2020

Reviews

[Carole Giangrande · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a reason to praise Facebook and Twitter, Brenda Doyle's insightful book is it, for the troubling events she chronicles in this firsthand account of a psychotherapy community would not go unnoticed today. As it was, Therafields, like many movements in the Sixties, began well — and, to its credit, inspired Doyle to pursue a career as a psychologist. Its gifted and charismatic leader, Lea Hindley-Smith bore a burden of her own past problems which in time impacted her life and brought harm to a fast-growing community. Removal of children from vulnerable and "unsuitable" parents, deaths caused by odd dietary regimens and worst of all, the children's school founded by Hindley-Smith's son, Malcom (who ended up doing prison time for sexual abuse of minors) were all part of the legacy of this group. Even so, therapists trained by Hindley-Smith went on to found a well-regarded training centre in Toronto, which helped in the certification of psychotherapy as a profession in Ontario. Doyle's book - which includes dozens of interviews of other participants - belongs on supplementary reading lists in college and university psychology courses, part of the literature of Sixties witness.

[April Boyington · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! And how important it was for that story to be told.

Brenda Doyle provides a very brave and honest look at a situation that provided some benefits to a few people, but also had a devastating impact on many. She also notes how no one has acknowledged what really happened here and that aside from Lea’s eldest son serving 10 months in prison, there were no significant consequences for the main actors for their  participation in hurting so many people.

It is a cautionary tale about ethics and boundaries and greed and professionalism to any of us who are working in the fields of therapy, coaching, education or nonprofit management.

My congratulations to Brenda for her hard work and integrity in bringing this forward.

April Boyington Wall MSW, PhD