Psychotherapy With Criminal Offenders (From Handbook of Forensic Psychology, P 602-629, 1987, Irving B Weiner and Allen K Hess, eds. -- See NCJ-107500)

• NCJ Number: 107512
• Author(s): M J Mobley
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 28 pages
• Sale Source: John Wiley and Sons
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Following a review of the high incidence of mental disorders among the offender population, particularly that in correctional settings, the therapist's tasks in crisis intervention, long-term management, short-term psychotherapy, and therapeutic programs are discussed in terms of client and system characteristics.

Abstract

Crisis intervention is appropriate for situational reactions and depression precipitated by stress, loss of supports, or a situational crisis. Treatment goals include crisis resolution, symptom reduction, and prevention of self-harm. Long-term management is needed for psychosis, mental retardation, and the aftermath of trauma. Treatment aims at preventing further deterioration, increasing social and coping skills, and remission or stabilization. Outpatient psychotherapy is indicated for offenders with poor controls, anxiety or depression, and family problems. Desired outcomes include insight, belief and attitude change, and more appropriate behavior. Programs designed to teach acceptable alternative behaviors, increase social skills, and enhance self-control are suitable for the treatment of antisocial personality, alcohol/drug dependence, and sexual offenders. 1 table and 61 references.