Assignment Task: Imagine that you are a psychological consultant who has been contacted by a local prison. The governor of the prison wants to implement a therapeutic service and offer the prisoners therapy. The prison is for Cat B male prisoners, many have been convicted several times for various crimes. A recent inspection of the prison reported that there were high levels of self-harm and attempted suicides by the prisoners and it was suggested that a number of the prisoners would benefit from receiving therapy.
- The governor is requesting a report on the issues that need to be taken into consideration in setting up the therapeutic service.
- The report needs to not only provide the benefits of offering therapy but also any drawbacks and potential challenges that may be associated with offering therapy in a forensic setting.
- The report should present an argument in relation to which of the four therapeutic approaches in the module (attachment therapy, CBT, systemic therapy and mindfulness), should be offered to the male prisoners, with an appropriate rationale. It should explain why particular therapies might be beneficial and outline any potential drawbacks associated with them.
- The report should discuss why male prisoners may not respond to therapy, how to help those who have suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
- The report should also discuss how to prevent reoffending, as many have been convicted several times.
- The report should include general suggestions and recommendations for the governor rather than specific guidance on how the therapeutic service should be set up in this prison.