NCJ Number
76519
Date Published
1981
Length
149 pages
Annotation
This sourcebook describes the theory and techniques of each of the major systems of therapy that have been applied to offenders, reviews the application of each system of therapy to offenders, examines the treatment of exhibitionism, and explores some general treatment issues.
Abstract
The therapies that are presented include psychoanalysis, transactional analysis, reality therapy, transcendental meditation, and client-centered therapy. In addition, cognitive and rational therapies are discussed, as well as behavior, medical, and gestalt therapy. The book notes that transactional analysis appears to have had some success in treating delinquents and adult offenders; that reality therapy, with its focus upon behavior rather than feelings, has proven to be a popular technique for treating delinquent and antisocial people; and that relaxation techniques such as transcendental meditation may promote physical and psychological health but may also hinder prison reform by making prisoners less discontent with their environment. Client-centered therapy is viewed as inadequate when used alone for treating offenders, although it has become important in the training of therapists. Behavior modification programs can be abused and can result in coercive and punitive systems unless qualified professionals oversee the treatment program and give the staff adequate training. Drugs can be useful for controlling disturbed behavior. However, although psychosurgery does seem to have particular usefulness in curbing assaultive behavior, it is irreversible, may have damaging side effects, and raises serious ethical issues about the prisoner's right to accept or to refuse treatment. The book reviews the varied therapy formats of group therapy, psychodrama, therapeutic communities, guided group interaction, and family and network therapy. In addition, it explores the treatment of exhibitionists through studies that report on the effects of medical treatment, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, behavior therapy, hypnotism, and therapeutic communities. Finally, the book examines the issues of whether treatment is effective, whether it could be made more effective by classifying offenders, and whether it is oppressive. References are provided for each chapter.