In the realm of rehabilitation, creative psychotherapy serves as a powerful tool for change, especially for those within the justice system. My recent conversation with Belong’s dedicated creative psychotherapist sheds light on the transformative power of creativity in healing and expression for imprisoned individuals. Here’s a glimpse into our enlightening dialogue. 

Belong’s Creative Psychotherapist works as part of a multi-disciplinary team at HMP/YOI Isis, delivering creative therapy interventions as part of PLAN A. Through PLAN A, young people can access three interventions concurrently: mentoring, restorative justice and creative psychotherapy. They also deliver therapy interventions as part of Me:Time, a specialist service delivering emotional wellbeing support and therapeutic interventions to young people from Global Majority ethnicities.  

The Journey to Belong 

The path to working with Belong was fueled by a desire to make a difference in the lives of those often overlooked by society. With a background in forensic hospital work, our creative psychotherapist was drawn to the importance of supporting individuals within the justice system.

“There’s something about working with populations that people write off straight from the beginning… I just wanted to be where other people might not be keen on being and working”.

 Defining Creative Psychotherapy

Creative psychotherapy incorporates traditional talking therapies with various mediums of non-verbal expression, such as dance, movement, and art. This approach allows individuals to explore their experiences, senses, and emotions in a more holistic and inclusive manner. “Sometimes language is not enough” the therapist explained, highlighting the importance of offering alternative communication styles to support healing and self-exploration. 

No one psychotherapeutic session looks the same. It is up to the individual to express themselves in the most suitable way, they might check-in through dance, movement, making an image or bringing in their own creative work, choose to use language to expand and explore or continue through creative expression. The space can be playful and everchanging and at the same time provide safety and bravery to look at the participant’s life experiences. 

Young people currently engaging in creative psychotherapy, explore themes such as identity, violence, care, familial trauma, attachment, guilt and change in weekly, one-to-one therapy sessions whilst in prison or community.  By addressing these complex issues, therapy helps individuals to understand and process their emotions and behaviors, fostering personal growth and resilience. This process not only aids in their healing but also plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of future harmful behavior, thereby diminishing the potential for future victims. 

 Building Rapport and Trust

Establishing trust and rapport with participants, particularly those who are imprisoned, involves recognising them and meeting them as human beings first. Our therapist emphasises the importance of offering choices, leveling hierarchies, and allowing individuals to lead their therapeutic journey.

“I always let the participants lead the sessions… I’m just kind of like a scaffolding, something to hold the boundaries so it can be safe enough for them to experience their emotions”

She also emphasized giving people choices and not enforcing participation, asking people what they need from the therapy space to feel safe. She stressed the importance of therapists viewing themselves not as experts on the participants experiences but as supportive partners walking beside them. “I always ask them to think back to past relationships because even though I am your therapist we are building a relationship, regardless of whether it is professional, we are still two human beings meeting in a room and I need you to tell me what you expect of me and I can also tell you what I expect of you”. This approach aims to level the power dynamics and ensure mutual consent and understanding. 

Creative Psychotherapy and Restorative Justice

Our conversation also touches on insights into restorative justice and creative psychotherapy. As we reflect on the power of restorative justice, it’s clear that such therapeutic interventions are not just about reforming individuals but about rebuilding lives with compassion and dignity at the forefront.  The therapist’s work with a young person who, over the course of their sessions together, shifts their stance to begin considering engagement in restorative justice, exemplifies how creative psychotherapy can pave the way for healing, aligning with restorative justice’s aim to repair harm and rebuild relationships.

“I have a young person that I’ve been working with…they didn’t even want to think about the possibility of restorative justice or thinking about their conviction of what has happened, Now leading to the end of our work together…they want to engage in restorative justice.” 

She emphasized the importance of understanding the broader context of an individual’s actions, stating, “They feel like they should think about how what has happened has impacted them, impacted their environment, the people around them, the victim, the victim’s family.” This holistic approach to therapy encourages individuals to consider the effects of their actions, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. By addressing the root causes of harmful behavior and promoting a deeper awareness of its impact, therapy helps individuals avoid future harmful actions, thereby reducing the potential for future victims. 

 Creativity as a Tool for Inclusivity 

Creativity psychotherapy serves not only as a means for expression and healing but also as a crucial means for inclusivity. It provides a sometimes more accessible avenue for individuals who are neurodivergent, non-verbal, or have any form of disability to engage in therapy. “Being as inclusive as possible is something that’s very important… we’re trying to really reach all these people and not leave anyone behind,” our therapist emphasized. 

 Challenges and Rewards 

The work is not without its challenges, particularly when navigating systemic barriers and societal prejudices. However, the rewards are immeasurable. Witnessing individuals gain insights, develop coping strategies, and envision a future beyond their current circumstances is profoundly fulfilling. “Seeing them leave and not come back or see them planning for their future… just seeing the joy, especially because I work with 18-year-olds and seeing them be kids and be playful,” reflects our therapist on the most rewarding aspects of her role. 

 Looking Forward

As our conversation concluded, the impact of creative psychotherapy in the justice system was palpable. The work of our creative psychotherapist at Belong underscores the power of creativity, empathy, and human connection in fostering healing and change. 

This insightful dialogue not only highlights the innovative approaches to rehabilitation but also serves as a call to action for more inclusive and creative therapeutic practices. As we strive to support those within the justice system, let us remember the value of seeing each individual as a human being first, deserving of respect, understanding, and the opportunity to heal and grow. 

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This blog post aims to illuminate the significant work being done in the field of creative psychotherapy, particularly within the context of the justice system. Through the lens of Belong’s creative psychotherapist, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, rewards, and profound impact of this therapeutic approach on individuals seeking healing and transformation.