THE PRISON DEPARTMENT UNDER THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA PANEVEZYS DISTRICT PROBATION SERVICE THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY Officers Perception of Existing Educational Methodologies Used in Panevezys District Probation Service & Panevezys Correction House Ms. Ruta Januleviciene Project,,Psychodrama and Creative Education in Prison Coordinator 2015
FOREWORD After the pedagogical and practical psychodrama training conducted by the Romanian Psychodrama Association and the London Centre for Psychodrama Individual & Group Psychotherapy I started to give psychodrama sessions with warm-up exercises for ex-prisoners during the project Psychodrama and creative education in prison in the Panevezys District Probation Service. Since then I have provided practical seminars by the use of psychodrama techniques to disabled people, other groups of society and even individual consultations. I am especially pleased and grateful for the notes of the method of psychodrama, guidelines and warm-up exercises to the Leaders and Trainers of the Romanian Psychodrama Association and the London Centre for Psychodrama Individual & Group Psychotherapy. I am very thankful to the whole Team of the Panevezys District Probation Service, especially Mr. Edmundas Toliusis, Director of the Panevezys District Probation Service, for the opportunity to join the project and conduct psychodrama sessions for ex-prisoners together with the Panevezys District Probation Service Probation Department senior specialist Lina Motuzien and/or inspector Irina Vitonien in the Panevezys District Probation Service. I have always tried to show that my approach was meant as much more than a psychotherapeutic method, my ideas and arrangements for seminars have had different subjects and aims for exprisoners and I have emphasized that empathy, creativity and spontaneity affect the very roots of personal and spiritual development, and thus affect our happiness and involvement in every sphere of lives. Furthermore, I always wanted that those seminars would help people to discover themselves as unique personalities and to face their challenges with dignity and strength. I am further pleased and thankful for the Leaders of the project,,psychodrama and Creative Education in Prison that the method of psychodrama has been used with ex-prisoners in Panevezys District Probation Service for the first time in Lithuania. The results of the survey show the importance of applicability of this method more widely in Lithuanian prison settings and other probation services. The last and foremost, I would like to thank the many people who have been part of the Grundtvig Partnership programme project Psychodrama and creative education in prison. These are the people who are in the field, who are on the front lines, so to speak. They are people who know the problems and are providing real solutions. They are people of faith, law enforcement officers, prison officials, social workers, psychologists, prisoners and ex-offenders. They direct, participate, advise, collaborate, and work on this project. Many thanks to them All. R. Januleviciene, 2015 INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH, METHODS, AND AIMS Psychodrama group is action oriented method of psychotherapy. Psychodrama is not therapy in the medical sense of the word, but an emotional experience within the framework of an interpersonal encounter with spiritual values of its own. This experience may or may not make the participants more aware of themselves or more balanced. In any case, the goal is not to produce cure, but simply adopt warm-up exercises of psychodrama in the work with exoffenders in order to help them become as spontaneous and creative as possible within the boundaries of each individual s personal limitations, develop their interpersonal skills and fulfill their personal aspirations. Aim:
The aim of this survey is to research the employers opinion regarding the use of psychodrama therapy in Panevezys and Panevezys District Probation Service. The research also includes comparative studies of the results of the same survey made in 2013. Objectives: To examine employers perception of psychodrama therapy in Panevezys District Probation Service and Panevezys. To analyze psychodrama therapy s impact as group therapy and role playing for prisoners and ex-prisoners in Panevezys District Probation Service and Panevezys Correction House. Method: The used method was a survey which contained seven items regarding personal information, information about general reintegration activities, information about psychodrama therapy in probation and prison settings (usefulness, known types of activities, frequency of use, the relationship between psychodrama therapy and different aspects of physical and psychological wellbeing and the relationship among psychodrama therapy and other types of therapies ran by Lithuanian prisons and probation services). The survey with staff was carried out throughout April to May, 2015. 60 questionnaires were distributed: 30 to Panevezys District Probation Service and 30 to Panevezys. Finally, 50 completed questionnaires were returned, amounting to a response rate of 83,3 per cent of respondents. SCOPE AND LIMITS OF THE STUDY: Psychodrama group therapy is now used as a significant and respected therapeutic method around the world. In Lithuanian prison settings and probation services psychodrama therapy has been known for the first time thanks to this project. Prior the distribution of survey, the following has been done: The sequence of questions has been changed. The items under the question No. 6,,What is Psychodrama therapy used for, and in which degree? have been adopted regarding programmes ran by Lithuanian prisons and probation services. The results of surveys made in 2013 and 2015 reflect strictly the subjective opinion on these investigated issues. RESPONDENTS DESCRIPTION A total of 50 staff were completed questionnaires between April and May, 2015, including Director General, Deputy Director General, Chief of Municipality Probation Office, Chiefs, Senior Inspectors and Inspectors from Administration, Probation, Social Rehabilitation, Guard and Security areas of Panevezys and Panevezys District Probation Service. Employers ranged in age from 18 to over 40. The majority of respondents were women over 40 years old. The study included 50 staff from the three main departments: probation, social rehabilitation and guard & security. Table 1 Profile of 2013 & 2015 Survey Respondents Staff of Panevezys and 41 in % 50 in %
Panevezys District Probation Service 2013 2015 Age: 18-25 N/A N/A 1 2 26-35 7 17 13 26 36-40 9 22 17 34 over 40 25 61 19 38 Gender: Women 30 73 44 88 Men 11 27 6 12 Departments: Guard & Security 1 2,4 11 22 Social Rehabilitation 10 24,4 11 22 Administration 4 9,8 5 10 Probation 26 63,4 19 38 Psychology N/A N/A 3 6 Other N/A N/A 1 2
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS The employers of both institutions consider that the quality of the social activities carried out in their organizations is quite efficient. In addition to this more and more inmates perceive participation in social rehabilitation programs not only as possibility to be conditionally released under probation supervision but as useful and meaningful activities. According to Simona Mesoniene (2009) successful resocialization of convicts requires not only social support, but also elimination of the underlying causes of criminal activity and reduction of the risk of recurrent criminal behaviour (risk). Research has proved that rehabilitation and correction programmes are quite effective at reducing recidivism. It is also proven that skill-improvement programmes can be successful in subjects on probation 1. 1 https://www.mruni.eu/upload/iblock/2d8/13mesoniene.pdf
The majority of respondents think that psychodrama therapy is useful in reintegration process of inmates. In Lithuania social rehabilitation of inmates is organized bearing in mind the possibilities and peculiarities of penitentiary institution, the length of the sentence, serving conditions and using individual, group or massive forms, psychological and pedagogical methods. The process of social rehabilitation is based on implementation of programs. Accordingly positive results of respondents show that psychodrama therapy might be used in combination with other therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, creative arts therapies and group analysis, depending on the training of the therapist and the nature of the problem. The negative responds show that some employers who have never experienced psychodrama for any substantial amount of time are afraid of psychodrama as a therapeutic method. Many tend to overdramatize its process and emphasize its presumed dangers.
The following results showed that majority of employers don t know the answer what role of Psychodram Therapy might play in Anger Management as well as in Release of Emotions process. Penitentiary Institutions and Probation Services in Lithuania ran behavioral correction program,,equip. Equip is a cognitive behavioral programme designed to teach young people to think and behave responsibly. It involves 40 sessions on anger management, social skills and mutual assistance. The goal of Equip is to motivate and empower young people to help one another. It applies to minors and young people in correctional institutions and probation
services 2. The Psychodrama Therapy might be applied in the above mentioned programme because it creates safe environment in which offenders and ex-offenders could play their involvement in a criminal action once again in order to increase their self-understanding about the nature of their crime and anti social behavior. Psychodrama allows for the safe expression of strong feelings and, for those who need it, moves from talking about into action and gives opportunities to heal the past, clarify the present and try out new behaviours. The following results showed that majority of employers don t know the answer what role of Psychodram Therapy might play in adjustment to prison environment. According to Good Practice Guide of the project,,psychodrama and Creative Education in Prison (2015) psychodrama therapy contributes efficiently to a creating a positive learning environment in prison. Using psychodrama techniques with inmates enhances their chances to change, to adopt appropriate behaviours, to succeed in cognitive reframing through exposure to new learning situations, and to assume a new socially acceptable role and identity 3. 2 Kal jim departamento prie Lietuvos Respublikos teisingumo ministerijos 2011-02-19 2010 met veiklos ataskaita Nr. NV- 74 [2010 Annual Report of the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania No NV-74 of 19 February 2011] [interactive]. [accessed on 27-09-2011]. <http://www.kalejimudepartamentas.lt/?item=vkl_at_mt&lang=1>. 3 http://psychodramainprison.ro/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/good-practice-guide-psihodrama_web.pdf
The majority of respondents do not know the answer. By implementing the project,,psychodrama and Creative Education in Prison it could be concluded that psychodrama therapy could be crucial not only for occupation of offenders and ex-offenders, but also for reduction of self harm and improvement of their well being. One of the best examples is HMP Grendon prison. HMP Grendon prison operates as a therapeutic community since 1962. Grendon is a Therapeutic community which involved Community Meetings; Group Meetings; Creative Therapy; Community Activities; Work and Education. There are special therapeutic units where inmates face up their crimes through group therapy, art therapy and psychodrama 4. Research studies show that this pioneering approach to rehabilitation produces extraordinary results. According to Jinnie Jefferies (2015) research shows by comparing Prisoners have attended Grendon and those on a waiting list who have committed violent sexual or any other offence and attend Grendon and who stays longer than 18 months reduce there offending compared to those who did not come 5. 4 Jinnie Jefferies, Head of Psychodrama HMP Grendon Underwood (2015) Progress Report HMP Grendon Underwood, Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire. 5 Jinnie Jefferies, Head of Psychodrama HMP Grendon Underwood (2015) Progress Report HMP Grendon Underwood, Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire.
Psychodrama therapy is an important activity that sustains the development of new skills and explores unresolved personal feelings and thoughts in the opinion of few respondents. Through this process, prisoners and ex-prisoners could be helped to bring to closure unresolved issues which have prevented them from developing more adequate life-coping skills. The half of respondents of both institutions considers the role of Psychodrama in behavioral correction program quite efficiently. Behavior-Interview-Change is individual program for motivation in changing antisocial behavior of ex-prisoners. Behavior-Change-Talk is a semi-
structured programme, which consists of 5 to 7 interviews. This program is basically designed for individual motivation of ex-offenders and ran by all Probation Services in Lithuania. The following results showed that majority of employers don t know the answer what role of Psychodrama Therapy might play in preventing collective tensions through self-groups of conviction of violent crimes. Based on project Psychodrama and creative education in prison partners experience it could be concluded that psychodrama is a key in the work with sexual and violent offenders.
The respondents of both institutions consider possible benefits of psychodrama therapy in social skills improvement. The psychodrama sessions organized with ex-offenders in the Panevezys District Probation Service showed that it helped them to develop their basic and interpersonal skills. During the psychodrama and creativity sessions ex-prisoners learned from each other, new ideas and transfer of,,what works. Target group learning in the Panevezys District Probation Service is not just about knowledge acquisition. It s about,,learning for life and,,finding good examples how to improve their relationship with family and loved ones in society. The majority of employers don t know the answer what role of Psychodrama Therapy might play in developing and maintaining a high self-esteem. The practical results of psychodrama and creativity sessions with ex-offenders in the Panevezys District Probation Service highlighted the fact that it helped them positively assess and love themselves and to increase their personal development, confidence and interpersonal skills. By attending the sessions ex-offenders improved motivation preparation for reintegration and employability. It also increased their capacity to act as responsible citizens.
The vast majority of emplyers of both institutions consider that the presentation of good practice examples of psychodrama therapy to the society may consolidate partnership between local authorities and non-governmental sector. The participating organisations benefited from the results of this partnership project Psychodrama and creative education in prison by gaining knowledge, skills, new competences and experiences regarding psychodrama and other intervention methods with prisoners and ex-prisoners. Through local and international media the activities and results of the project Psychodrama and creative education in prison has been highlighted to professionals and general public. The created website http://psychodramainprison.ro/ enhances the public perception on both custodial challenges and educational opportunities.
The vast majority of respondents of both institutions don t know what kind of role could play psychodrama therapy in prevention of criminal subculture indications in penitentiaries. The majority of Lithuanian penitentiary are colony type institutions, where criminal subculture, traditions and hierarchy has a significant impact on the behavior of convicts. Newly arrived convicts participate in adaptation program in order to eliminate violence and negative peer pressure in penitentiaries. Therefore it should be considered the possibility to involve some methods of psychodrama therapy in adaptation program with the aim to secure psychosocial environment of pedagogical interaction.
The less half of respondents consider that psychodrama therapy might play a significant role in social reintegration and problem solving. By using action methods of psychodrama prisoners and ex-prisoners can re-play past concerns and uncover thoughts and feelings that may not be accessed solely through talk therapy. Psychodrama enhances problem solving insight and encourages communication, clarifies issues, improves physical and emotional well-being, and fosters skills development necessary for social reintegration and problem solving. The majority of employers do not have answer how psychodrama therapy might be useful in risk reduction. However the UK experts of the London Centre for Psychodrama Individual & Group Psychotherapy emphasized the importance of creating a constant parallel between psychodrama therapy and risk reduction assessment. Once again it shows the wide possibilities of application of psychodrama method not only in rehabilitation programs but also in risk assessment. The prison settings of Lithuania confirmed and use the following methods of risk assessment of offenders: HCR-20 Assessing Risk for Violence; Historical, Clinical, Risk Management 20; PCL:SV Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version; SVR-20 The Sexual Violence Risk; SARA The Spausal Assault Risk Assessment; B-SAFER Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk The Panevezys District Probation Service organized once a month psychodrama and creativity sessions for ex-offenders. The target group consisted of women and men who committed: Murders Burglaries Sexual abuse Domestic violent offences or Offences made under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The group has got possibility to participate in the following themes of the sessions run by the project coordinator Ruta Januleviciene along with the Panevezys District Probation Service Probation Department senior specialist Lina Motuzien and/or inspector Irina Vitonien : What makes me happy? How to get rid of negative emotions? My life goals High-quality communication with close family members How to manage your anger? How to love yourself and be happy? How to create warm interpersonal relationship with other people? It has been received very warm and positive feedbacks from the participants who attended the sessions. In the psychodrama sessions have been used warm-up exercises, role-playing and role reversal, the empty chair technique, group mandala and interview/pairs: draw your hand The exercise draw your hand was very well received and has been transferred into the work with inmates and ex-offenders by All Project Partners as the best practice example proposed by the project coordinator Ruta Januleviciene. This exercise encourages group members to build interpersonal connection, enhances listening skills and empathy, and focuses a group on its task.
Almost the same results received while in 2013 regarding psychodrama therapy in practice. It highlights a demand of training in psychodrama therapy for employers of Lithuanian prison settings and probation services. When discussing in relation with other correctional and probation activities (work, educational programs, school, professional training, psychological counseling and sport activities), psychodrama therapy appears to have almost the same efficiency degree of importance. In psychodrama therapy offenders and ex-offenders confront their crimes, take responsibility for their actions and explore their lives, their pasts, their childhood, to try to uncover why they have done what they have done and how to avoid doing it again. It brings very significant changes in offenders social habits and criminal behavior. Therefore Psychodrama therapy becomes one of possibility to promote employers competences and skills as well as to enhance the new rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners and ex-prisoners. Psychodrama therapy is one of the methods used for this purpose. These results are shown below (pages 15-18).
CONCLUDING REMARKS International organizations as the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNEC) and the Council of Europe (Reccomendation Nr. R (89) 12 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on Education in Prison) endorse correctional education standards, which would not be listed all but the most important to this project,,psychodrama and creative education in prison are:,,creative and cultural activities should be given a significant role because they have a special potential for enabling prisoners to develop and express themselves,,educational opportunities should aim at developing the whole person, bearing in mind the prisoner s social, economic and cultural background... Grundtvig partnership project Psychodrama and creative education in prison brought an innovative approach, creativity, knowledge, training and exchange of good practice among participating institutions and provision of psychodrama therapy for offenders and ex-offenders at the highest quality level. Thanks to this project,,psychodrama and creative education in prison employers and volunteers of the Panevezys District Probation Service transferred new learning approach into the running program entitled,,education Groups for Men who Batter the Duluth Model. Involvement of ex-offenders into psychodrama and creative educational sessions ensured that educational activities are relevant and work for end users. This was seen as very useful activity for all participants because the use of psychodrama warm-ups exercises and techniques for ex-offenders brought the following advantages and limitations: Advantages: Brought experience into present, learned from each other and transferred of what works. Psychodrama sessions have been very creative, spontaneity, flexible and emotionally powerful for ex-offenders. Exchanged good examples from each other how to improve their relationship with family and loved ones in society. Practiced empathy, listening and interpersonal skills. Developed group cohesion. Increased ex-offenders employability and occupation. Limitations: Some clients resisted taking part in exercises in the beginning but after certain observations and group peer pressure joined the group. It could be very emotionally powerful not only by the person who shares personal life story and cries but also by other group members. It created group cohesion and intimacy among group members. The practical work with ex-prisoners showed that psychodrama and creativity sessions helped them better understand themselves and their history, overcome fears, improve their intimate and social relationships, express and integrate blocked thoughts and emotions, practice new skills or
prepare for the future. Based on these outcomes psychodrama therapy might be successfully applied in social reintegration programs for prisoners and ex-prisoners in Lithuanian prison settings and probation services. It also highlights the demand of capacity building in psychodrama therapy for personnel of the Lithuanian prison settings and probation services. The last I would like to close the results of this survey with poem from The Words of the Father 6 : There is a bond Between me and men. Between we and each man, separately, Between you and every other man; Between your race and every other race, Of whatever age, rank or future (1). All men are born to create. No one shall have power Who does not create No one shall have more power Than he creates You shall learn to create. You shall learn to create me (2). 6 The Words of the Farther, Beacon House, a book published by J.L. Moreno anonymously, Vienna, 1920, Beacon, N.Y., 1941, p. 115 (1); p.137 (2) (opus cited, p. 137).