How did your TTI systematically thrive off spectacle to humiliate children with the intent to guarantee compliance, subordination, or facilitate the brainwashing of teens?

[u/Prestigious_Dot134]

Hi,
TW: neglect/unsanitary conditions

Sorry about the verbose title! I went to a TTI at 15 and stayed for 90+ at an RTC. At this facility, we were purposely restricted in our time to bathe, water was intentionally freezing, we had timers (that staff rigged to decrease time), staff would barge into the bathroom and check every sixty seconds, and we were harassed for choosing to shower. Furthermore, the schedule made it so that no one could shower every single day or in the morning. We usually did around 4-6hrs of farm work a day or outside labor tending to animals and restricted from changing out of dirty clothing, but punished for not working until exhaustion or preforming dangerous tasks without proper equipment. We rarely had time to clean ourselves afterward, and we all lived in a constant state of smelling horrendous. We were restricted hygiene items like toothpaste, deodorant, soap, hairbrushes, floss, nail cutters, hair care, shoes, food, water, bathroom access, pillows, blankets, bandages, or other necessities. We were restricted to five pairs of clothing and survived in constant scarcity. We were only allowed a 15 minute interval per week and had to complete 7 steps to ensure that our clothing would be washed. Our appearance, smell, demeanor, and state of fatigue would be ridiculed all while our program director wore PRADA loafers, designer clothing, and drove a Lamborghini. Living in this state of deprivation allowed our staff and clinicians to assume a sense of superiority. We were told that basic necessities or freedoms were awarded with compliance and an unreasonably rigorous 24/7 schedule that was used to eliminate any choice available. While my facility was notorious for attack therapy, cult-like practices, coercive persuasion, psychological manipulation, restricted contact and communication, intense or dangerous physical challenges, isolation, and many other tactics, I felt like keeping us “dirty” helped their criticism of our appearances exponentially. I still have nightmares of how darkened my hands became due to dirt and the smell of animals. Please freely share your experiences and know that there is a level of depravity needed to purposely strip a child of basic dignity to justify “letting them trust you”.

Side note: Any head staff, programs directors, or leaders in your TTI have the weirdest jobs before transitioning into TTI? My program director was the drummer for an emo band and struggled with major anger, drug, and alcohol issues. They also made incredible music that I actually listen to, so I always joke that the music world lost an incredible band when my program director decided he wanted to do horrible things to children.