Download Correctional Group Therapy and more Lecture notes Community Corrections in PDF only on Docsity!
SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
CRIMINAL JUSTCE SYSTEM
CSS 416
CORRECTIONAL GROUP THERAPY
Lecturer:
LAWRENCE SMITH
Group therapy is a method of therapy where a group of individuals meet under the guidance of a trained therapist to help themselves to solve their mental, emotional, and psychological problems. Working in groups helps patients to: learn about themselves and others; to improve moods and feelings; to improve overall quality of life; Who can benefits? Convicted criminals; people with difficulties in interpersonal relationships; aged, children from abused homes; depression and trauma; addictive and personality disorders; mental/medical illnesses; Purpose of Correctional Group Therapy ; to assist inmates in changing dysfunctional attitudes , beliefs, values, and criminal behavior; to lower drug usage within the institution, to decrease violence, to improve their custody status, to lower stress, to increase and improve inmates interactional and communications skills and improve interpersonal relationship, to improve on their mental health by providing means of treatment, to provide the prison system with professionals trained in psychology Difference between group/individual therapy In individual therapy the issues are brought forth with one therapist listening and responding to the concerns. The type of feedback that is given, or if feedback is given, is dependent on the therapist's training. The highly personal nature of the exchange between the therapist and the client allows for specific focus on the issues presented. While the dynamics of the relationship between the therapist and client are typically considered
important, they can often take a while to emerge before they can have a therapeutic effect. Group therapy, on the other hand, involves simultaneous interaction with people typically outside the client's social and familial network: relative strangers. Sometimes the groups are homogeneous, with people in the group having similar issues, and other times they are heterogeneous, with the members having diverse background and concerns. WHO IS GROUP THERAPY FOR? Group therapy can help people work toward and meet many types of goals. Sometimes, a therapist might suggest group therapy over other forms of treatment. This could be because it is a good fit for that individual or better for treating their concern. Therapy groups can help people whose mental health makes it difficult to get through daily life. Others may not have pressing concerns but still wish for training or support. They can also benefit from group therapy. Some of the topics addressed in group therapy include: Addiction Domestic violence or abuse Anger management THE ROLE OF GROUP THERAPY IN TREATMENT Many people use group therapy alongside medication, individual therapy, or other types of care. You may be doubtful about receiving treatment in a room of strangers. However, there are many benefits to participating in group therapy. Members of a group can provide advice on how to cope with situations that many in the group find challenging. They can also lend social support in difficult times. The diversity of a group setting can help people find new strategies for maintaining good mental health. Also, listening to others speak about their personal experiences can help put your own thoughts into perspective. Group therapy can help comfort people by allowing them to realize they are not alone. Group therapy is not the same as a self-help or support group. The main difference is that each group therapy session is led by at least one qualified therapist. During
wilderness ventures, and other games may be used to strengthen trust between group members. These can also help group members develop confidence in themselves and in people outside of therapy. ETHICS OF GROUP THERAPY Potential group members have the right to know about the group's rules, goals, and methods when they first meet with the therapist. Rules about confidentiality should be discussed at the beginning. All group members must agree to protect the identities of fellow members. They must also keep the content of each session confidential. Unless permission is given, nobody should discuss another member’s personal history with anyone else. It is important to remember that confidentiality agreements are not absolute. Therapists are obligated by law to tell the authorities if members express intent to harm themselves or others. The group therapist must maintain a professional, respectful, and ethical environment. They need to keep sessions free from discrimination, sexual misconduct, or behaviors that make a member feel uncomfortable, harassed, or threatened. It is also the therapist’s responsibility to ensure group therapy sessions are nonjudgmental and productive for everyone involved. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION Addiction , or dependence on a particular substance or activity, is one of the most complex areas of mental health. Addiction can often be difficult to treat, and there is a good deal of controversy surrounding the causes of addiction and the best approaches to treatment. Individuals who find themselves experiencing an addiction to drugs or alcohol often find the services of a mental health professional to be helpful in overcoming the addiction. WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE Drug and alcohol abuse or misuse—excessive or inappropriate use of a substance— can be difficult to define, and people’s opinions, values, and beliefs vary significantly on the topic. For some, any use of an illegal drug or any use of alcohol with the
primary purpose of intoxication constitutes abuse. For others, abuse is indicated by recurring, negative consequences, such as: Failure to meet social, work, and academic obligations. Physical injury or illness. Alcohol- or drug-related legal problems, such as arrest for driving while intoxicated. Relationship problems with intimate partners, friends, and family. Impulsivity, such as spending money excessively. Diminished interest in other activities. Short-term memory loss or blackouts. SIGNS THAT ABUSE HAS BECOME ADDICTION Substance abuse can lead to substance dependence or addiction when both the amount of substance used and the rate of use increase. People who experience drug or alcohol addiction feel unable to control the impulse to use, and they often experience withdrawal symptoms in the sudden absence of the substance. Alcoholism, for example, occurs when people become chemically dependent on alcohol, and those who are addicted may become ill if they suddenly stop drinking. People may also feel psychologically dependent on a substance and continue to use it, particularly under stressful circumstances or to alleviate other psychological problems. Some people deny or are unaware that they have a problem with addiction, and sometimes a person’s substance dependency and abuse remains hidden from loved ones. Signs of chemical dependence include: Increasing tolerance, or the need to consume more of the substance to reach the desired altered state. Requiring the substance throughout the day. Seeking the company of other users and cutting off social ties with non-users.
People who misuse drugs or alcohol often do so as a way of coping with experiences, memories, or events that emotionally overwhelm them. Whether they are equipped with appropriate coping strategies or not, people who misuse substances rely on the immediate gratification of drugs and alcohol as an alternative to facing the issues at hand. In the long term, however, reliance on drugs and alcohol will almost surely worsen any emotional or psychological condition. Chronic self-medication may be a sign that therapy is warranted in order to address an underlying condition or difficulty. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Domestic violence occurs when one partner abuses the other. There are many reasons for the behavior. One motive is to gain control over one’s partner. Domestic violence has different levels of severity. There are also differences in how often it can occur. It may happen in any type of relationship. It can impact family, friends, and others. Domestic violence is also known as intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, and domestic abuse. It is possible to stop domestic violence or recover from it if you are a survivor. Staying in an abusive situation can have negative long-term effects. But recovery is possible. Types of domestic violence include: Physical abuse. Hitting, shoving, kicking, choking, biting, or hair-pulling. This could also include forced ingestion of drugs or alcohol. Sexual violence. Forced or coerced sex acts, rape, or sexually demeaning treatment. Emotional abuse. Put-downs, name-calling, blaming, or criticism. This includes other efforts to diminish a person’s self-worth. Psychological abuse. Threats of violence toward a partner, family member, pets, or friends. This may include keeping a partner from socializing or going
to work or school. Threatening suicide or self-harm to control is another form of this abuse. Financial abuse. Controlling a partner’s finances. This includes restricting access to financial resources. WHO DOES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AFFECT? Domestic violence research often studies male abusers and female victims. But anyone can be affected. Gender, sexual orientation, age, or background do not keep anyone from experiencing IPV. The effects of domestic violence reach beyond the victims and abusers. IPV affects children, other family members, friends, and the community. Statistics on domestic abuse reveal that: WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE THEIR PARTNERS? Many factors affect whether a person will commit domestic abuse. Some of these factors include low self-esteem and emotional dependence. These factors are also found in victims of domestic violence. There are no direct causal links to domestic violence. But many factors link to the behavior. One risk factor for becoming an abuser is particularly strong. This factor is having been a victim of abuse in the past. Other risk factors include: Low self-esteem Depression Anger issues The need to control others Abuse in childhood Low income or unemployment Substance abuse Emotional insecurity or dependence In men, feelings of not matching up to the masculine gender role PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Leaving an abusive relationship and seeking help may remove you from a dangerous situation. It can also allow you to start healing and rebuilding healthy connections in your life. ANGER MANAGEMENT Anger management refers to a process. It can help people identify stressors. People learn steps to help them stay calm in anger management. They may then handle tense situations in a constructive, positive way. The purpose of anger management is to help a person decrease anger. It reduces the emotional and physical arousal that anger can cause. It is generally impossible to avoid all people and settings that incite anger. But a person may learn to control reactions and respond in a socially appropriate manner. The support of a mental health professional may be helpful in this process. EXPLORING THE ROOTS OF ANGER Many different events can make someone angry. These may include: Internal events such as perceived failures, injustices, or frustrations External events such as loss of property or privileges, teasing, or humiliation Anger may result in externalizing behaviors. These can include verbal arguments and tantrums. Anger can also cause internalizing behaviors. Internalizing behaviors can include sulking or increased symptoms of depression. People may show anger through aggression. Aggression is the biological function of anger. It is an evolutionary response that helps prepare people to fight off threats. Inappropriate displays of anger may mean a more serious mental health or emotional issue exists. People who receive anger management therapy learn skills to slow their reaction to anger. This can help them identify the reason for their feelings. The roots of anger may be buried in emotional trauma, addiction, grief, or other issues. But a natural inclination may be to find temporary relief in lashing out. This can obscure
the true cause of the anger. If this is the case for you, working with a therapist might be helpful. HOW ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKS Anger management therapy provides a clear set of recovery guidelines. It gives the person in treatment a controlled platform for the release of their emotions. At the same time, it aims to achieve constructive responses, rather than destructive ones. People in therapy are encouraged to examine what triggers their anger. They try to become aware of their emotions at each level of arousal. People learn how to use those signs as a map to control their anger. In therapy, people gain insight into how their body responds to past and future events. They do this by identifying the emotional reaction to a certain circumstance. Therapists also help people notice anger responses that may be defense mechanisms for other concerns. These concerns might be depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Anger management therapy often helps people with anger issues. It may also help the people who make up their social network. Uncontrollable anger may lead to harmful psychological and physical conditions. Anger management helps to reduce and control anger. This allows people to reduce stress. It can also lower the risk for serious health problems. These can include heart disease and high blood pressure. The goal of anger management therapy is to teach people how to examine their triggers. It also helps people adjust how they look at situations. Successful anger management therapy develops healthy ways for people to express anger and frustration. Some techniques used in anger management therapy include: Impulse control Self-awareness Meditation Frustration management (sometimes by writing in an anger diary) Breathing techniques
People with bullying behaviors People affected by behavioral changes associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) People with behavioral changes associated with posttraumatic stress (PTSD) People experiencing substance dependency or undergoing recovery People with cognitive or mental health issues that make it difficult to control anger. LIMITATIONS OF ANGER MANAGEMENT Anger management therapy may not be effective with people who do not recognize they have anger issues. People with severe learning disabilities may have some difficulty responding to anger treatments. These treatments are sometimes based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). People with other mental health issues may need to address these underlying problems first. Doing so may make future anger management more effective.
