S2E28 Why Prison Reform Resources Should Include Mental Health Therapy

Prisoner's Pardon

Guest: Phyllis Leavitt

Bio: Phyllis Leavitt is a Psychotherapist, with a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and Counseling. She initially co-directed a sexual abuse treatment programs before going into private practice, treating children, families, couples and individual adults for over 30 years. Phyllis is also an author and has written the book A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire. Now, that she’s mostly retired, she’s preparing for publication her latest book called America to Therapy.

Show

Highlights:

· Therapy Taboo

· Purpose of book America to Therapy

· Symptoms – How they act out in either two outcomes

· Therapy done by volunteers

· Media focus encouraging issues

· Catching abuse prior to violence

· Cycle of abuse

· Therapy for correctional officers

· Breakdown of family

· Family Therapy

· Balanced approach

· They have to see it themselves – heal

· Country has abuse from top-down

· American family breakdown

Takeaways:

1.) American family breakdown

2.) Mental Health Therapy added to Prison Reform

3) Education/self-reflection for anyone involved in prison reform. This would allow for a balanced approach where there is compassion as well as consequences.