Creating mother and baby therapy groups in prison: emotional valuation

Mothers in prison are at high risk of depression and other mental health issues and yet access to therapeutic services is limited. This paper describes the development by the author of two prison therapy groups: one for pregnant women, the other for mothers and their babies. Called the ‘Born Inside’ project, both groups are currently held in Bronzefield Prison, Surrey. The theory and principles behind the project are discussed, as well as the processes and practicalities involved in providing the therapy and specialised support to the women and their vulnerable infants. In addition, principles of forensic psychotherapy in relation to this specific prison population are described, and the situational and emotional challenges faced are illustrated through narratives of group members.     

Stronger Than You Think: Older Women and Physical Activity

Many negative stereotypes of older women are related to changes in the body that render it incompetent (e.g., weak, frail, debilitated). Such stereotypes disempower women in the eyes of others and in their own eyes if they come to embody the stereotype. One way to resist the stereotype and remain empowered is to engage in regular physical activity, which increases stamina, energy, muscle strength, joint flexibility, and balance. Here we review the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity for older women and discuss the barriers that keep many older women from regular exercise. We discuss ways that feminist therapists can encourage their older clients to become more physically active, provide information about role models who can inspire clients, and suggest resources suitable for recommendation.     

Randomized Control Trial of Teaching Recovery Techniques in Rural Occupied Palestine: Effect on Adolescent Dissociation

This study assessed the effect of a cognitive behavioral group intervention, Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), for adolescents with high levels of posttraumatic stress (n = 154), from villages in occupied Palestine. A randomized control trial involved standardized measures to assess war stressors, posttraumatic stress, depression, and dissociation. Program fidelity was measured by presenter and observer ratings and program delivery cost was calculated per adolescent. High levels of traumatic exposure, dissociation, and posttraumatic stress were found. In comparison to a wait list group (n = 75), TRT adolescents reported significantly fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms postintervention. Depression and dissociation remained stable for TRT adolescents, but worsened for those on the wait list. Given the high returns and low costs, this cost–benefit analysis makes a clear case for TRT to be delivered throughout the West Bank. Longitudinal evaluation is needed to assess adolescent traumatization and the impact of TRT within a context of ongoing violence.     

“More Life,Not Less”: Using Narrative Therapy With Older Adults With Bipolar Disorder

Counselors who work with older adults with bipolar disorder are in a unique position to help them navigate their challenges. Older adults with bipolar disorder have lived decades with mental illness and also face the regular aging process. Narrative therapy provides counselors with a framework to deal with these issues.