Correctional Counselors

Paper Summary:

Therapists who enter the prison system are often new and eager to make a difference in the world. They often go in eager, get burned, get angry and then settle into middle ground if they are going to survive as a prison therapist. This paper presents a detailed examination of correctional counselors and their jobs. The writer explores why they come into the job, what their initial efforts are and what happens after the honeymoon phase is over. The writer also explores the punitive attitude the counselors often develop toward their clients after they discover prisoners have manipulated them.

From the Paper:

"This lasts a while until the counselor begins to recognize that they are being manipulated and at times intimidated by those they are charged with helping. Many inmates are master manipulators and they have spent years honing their lying and conning skills on others who are experts as well. When a new and eager therapist enters the institution the prisoners see a chance to play games, get out of work duty, get some undivided attention and get some favors. It is not uncommon for a prisoner to manipulate a therapist into suggesting to the warden that the inmate needs certain things to help with his or her emotional health. The initial euphoria ends as the therapist begins to understand that he or she has been taken for a ride."

More papers on Correctional Counselors:

• Essay # 65390 : "Ethical Issues of Counselors"
• Analytical Essay # 150366 : "Diverse Nature of Psychology"
• Research Paper # 68593 : "School Counseling"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: