Young people, who have often not known each other before getting into the centre, grow into a small family together, where everyday relationships start to affect each other to various degrees for quite a long time. For some young people such an experience can initially be frightening and alienating, while for others it is an irreplaceable experience of friendship and intimacy for many years to come, even after leaving the centre. With the support of therapists the experience of being together with others and alone is gained, which provides a solid foundation for the necessary changes to start to take place. These changes are tested first under certain conditions in the centre, then outside the centre on various public trips to shops, cinemas, theaters, museums, hiking trails, public transport, cycling, therapies, cafes, outings, public offices. Every weekend these young people have the opportunity to experience the positive effects of these changes at home with their families. The experience gained is analysed when back in the centre at the beginning of the following week.

As it is essential to involve parents during the time of the changes taking place in the life of the young person,  it is also important that the family change together with the young person.

The needs of each young person are assessed separately. This includes the assessment of the time it might take for the necessary changes to take hold before the young person can take the opportunity to try out the positive patterns learned in the centre, and before they can safely continue their life at home with their family.

Above all in order to achieve success through the milieu therapy work, it is vital to apply a structured approach, fixed rhythm, regular continuity, foresight and repetition.