<html><head><style type='text/css'>p { margin: 0; }</style></head><body><div style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'><P>Hi, Connie - </P>
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<P>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.</P>
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<P>A few resources to consult that might be helpful include:</P>
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<P>Harris, M. (1998). Trauma recovery and empowerment: A clinician's guide for working with women in groups. New York: The Free Press.</P>
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<P>Miller, D. & Guidry, L. (2001). Addiction and trauma recovery: Healing the body, mind, and spirit. New York: W.W. Norton.</P>
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<P>Najavits, L. (2002). Seeking safety: A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse. New York: Guilford Press.</P>
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<P>Najavits, L. (2002). A woman's addiction workbook: Your guide to in-depth healing. CA: New Harbinger.</P>
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<P>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.</P>
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<P>Best wishes!</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Cathy</P>
<P> </P>
<P><BR>----- Original Message -----<BR>From: "Connie Lawrence" <clawrence05@windstream.net><BR>To: list@grouptalkweb.org<BR>Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 8:03:30 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern<BR>Subject: working in prisons<BR><BR></P>
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<DIV><FONT size=3>Dear Friends,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Anyone else have </FONT><BR>----- Original Message -----<BR>From: "Connie Lawrence" <clawrence05@windstream.net><BR>To: list@grouptalkweb.org<BR>Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 8:03:30 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern<BR>Subject: working in prisons<BR><BR>
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</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Dear Friends,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Anyone else have experience, tips, or wisdom? I would love to hear from the voices of the group who have done something like this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Thanks much - </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Connie</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>Connie Lawrence, MSW, LSW, CET II<BR>Experiential Modalities & "Rock the House!"<BR><A href="mailto:clawrence05@windstream.net" target=_blank>clawrence05@windstream.net</A><BR>216-233-1600</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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