In a perfect world, a relationship between therapy and parole eligibility merit systems would not exist. It accomplishes this by teaching inmates how to develop human relations skills and how to project a positive influence. When used properly, these methods can be the cornerstone of a stable, productive life. Prison therapy groups are a mandatory requirement in most cases.
Inmates attend therapy for the sake of meeting the requirements of their perspective program plan.
For years, I've been hearing about the necessity and even the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment for inmates from the president, the drug czar, politicians, the surgeon general and addiction specialists. However, the people making these statements come from the worlds of politics, academia, medicine and the recovery community. Many never have visited a prison, much less spent a career working in one. Based on years of experience as a prison counselor, I've found that inmates in a group therapy setting can be reluctant or unable to acknowledge pressing issues or emotional distress. Often, their perceptions are clouded by intense feelings of victimization, persecution and hostility, which prohibit any critical self-reflection.