working in prisons

[CathyNugent at comcast.net]

Hi, Connie - 



One thing that is helpful to keep in mind is that a very large proportion of the women in correctional settings have trauma and/or substance abuse issues that are largely unidentified, unacknowledged, and unresolved.  Activities that help the participants identify strengths and resources, make positive connections with one another, instill hope and a vision for the future, develop coping skills (e.g, for trauma symptoms, for substance cravings, etc.), develop social skills are all positive activities that can be helpful with this population.  I have also found that psychoeducation is great.  Do a readiness/warm-up on the the topic, cover a few key points or skills, and then use action methods to help achieve your specific objectives for the session. 



A few resources to consult that might be helpful include: 



Harris, M. (1998).  Trauma recovery and empowerment:  A clinician's guide for working with women in groups.  New York:  The Free Press. 



Miller, D. & Guidry, L. (2001).  Addiction and trauma recovery:  Healing the body, mind, and spirit.  New York:  W.W. Norton. 



Najavits, L. (2002).  Seeking safety:  A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse.  New York:  Guilford Press. 



Najavits, L. (2002).  A woman's addiction workbook:  Your guide to in-depth healing.  CA:  New Harbinger. 



All are filled with teaching points, client handouts, exercises, structured activities, self-assessments, etc.  You can then use your psychodrama and sociodrama skills to create action structures appropriate to your group.  I refer to all of the above frequently.  Feel free to email me on a back channel if you would like further info or to talk or write more about this. 



Best wishes! 



Cathy 




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Connie Lawrence" <clawrence05 at windstream.net> 
To: list at grouptalkweb.org 
Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 8:03:30 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: working in prisons 


Dear Friends, 

I may have an opportunity to do some work in the local women's prison.  (3-hour sessions).  I have Adam Blatner's book Improvisational Drama with the chapter on Geese Theatre, which is very helpful. 

Anyone else have 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Connie Lawrence" <clawrence05 at windstream.net> 
To: list at grouptalkweb.org 
Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 8:03:30 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: working in prisons 


Dear Friends, 

I may have an opportunity to do some work in the local women's prison.  (3-hour sessions).  I have Adam Blatner's book Improvisational Drama with the chapter on Geese Theatre, which is very helpful. 

Anyone else have experience, tips, or wisdom? I would love to hear from the voices of the group who have done something like this. 

Thanks much - 
Connie 
Connie Lawrence, MSW, LSW, CET II 
Experiential Modalities & "Rock the House!" 
clawrence05 at windstream.net 
216-233-1600 


Visit my blog! 
http://experientialmodalities.blogspot.com/ 
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