Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Correctional Workers: A Helpful Guide

The mental well-being of correctional workers is incredibly important. These individuals work in a very demanding environment. This article provides an overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a tool to support these workers in Alberta.

Understanding CBT for Correctional Workers

CBT emerged as a significant therapy in the late 20th century. Its use in prisons and jails began in the 1980s and 1990s. Initially, CBT in correctional settings focused on helping inmates change unhelpful thinking patterns, as explained in this source.

Early CBT programs addressed issues like substance abuse, anger control, and overall rehabilitation. The focus of these programs was on tools to rethink actions and reactions, with more information found here.

Applying CBT to correctional workers shifted the focus. The adapted programs targeted the stresses and challenges faced by those who are working in these demanding environments, acknowledging the unique needs of correctional workers in Canada.

Stressors and Challenges: A Closer Look

Correctional work is demanding, presenting difficulties that can impact the mental health of even the most resilient individuals. A significant statistic shows a difference in mental health disorder prevalence between Correctional Service of Canada recruits (4.9%) and actively serving officers (54.6%), reported here.

Constant exposure to violence, or its threat, creates a high-stress environment. Shift work and irregular hours disrupt natural sleep patterns, affecting mood, cognitive function, and overall health. A workplace culture that is often characterized by a need for toughness can also contribute to stress, causing some workers to feel the need to suppress emotion. Details are further available here.

These stressors can result in mental health challenges:

Burnout: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situations. Symptoms are emotional exhaustion (feeling drained and unable to cope), depersonalization (a detachment from the job and the people one serves), and reduced personal accomplishment (feeling ineffective and that you have a lack of achievement).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Correctional workers may witness traumatic events that can lead to PTSD. Effective PTSD treatment for correctional workers includes addressing symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and hypervigilance.
Secondary Trauma: Correctional workers can develop trauma symptoms from hearing inmates’ graphic and disturbing stories.
Anxiety and Depression: Higher rates of anxiety and depression than in the general population necessitates specialized mental health therapy.

Correctional Worker Stress Relief

Applying CBT: Tools and Techniques

CBT provides a collection of techniques to address the unique challenges of correctional workers.

Cognitive Restructuring: This key component of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts. For example, a correctional worker might think, “I’m always going to be unsafe at work.” Cognitive restructuring helps challenge this thought by looking at the evidence and building a more balanced perspective, like, “While there are risks, I take precautions, and most of the time, I am safe.”
Behavioral Activation: This focuses on increasing engagement in enjoyable and meaningful activities, helping to reverse withdrawal caused by stress or depression.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment, helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, as discussed by Neurolaunch.
Relaxation Techniques: These techniques reduce physical tension and anxiety. Common techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, providing immediate relief from stress, as noted by Neurolaunch.

CBT programs for correctional workers can be in the form of individual therapy, group therapy, or online programs. Programs typically span several weeks or months, providing time to learn and practice techniques. Online CBT, described in this study, offers a convenient option.

Effectiveness of CBT: Results

Research shows CBT can significantly improve the mental well-being of correctional workers.

Stress Levels: CBT can lead to reductions in perceived stress.
Burnout Rates: Research has found that CBT can reduce burnout rates.
Anxiety and Depression: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and treating depression in correctional workers.
The Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program: This CBT-based group program, detailed here, enhances positive mental health habits among correctional workers.

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of CBT for Correctional Workers

The success of CBT also depends on several factors:

Individual Worker Characteristics: An individual’s ability to bounce back from adversity (resilience) can influence how easily they implement CBT.
Organizational Factors: Support from supervisors and workplace climate significantly affect CBT’s effectiveness.
Specific Role: Different roles within a correctional facility have different stressors, requiring adjustments to CBT interventions.
Delivery Method: The method of delivery (online, in-person, individual, or group) impacts CBT’s effect.

CBT Compared to Other Interventions

CBT isn’t the only approach; other interventions include:

Stress Management Training: Teaches coping skills but may not address underlying thought patterns, unlike CBT.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Emphasize present moment awareness but may not actively change negative thoughts, a key part of CBT.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer a range of services but may not always provide CBT-specific interventions.

CBT’s focus on both thoughts and behaviors sets it apart, as noted in this research.

CBT Cognitive Restructuring

Current Trends and Innovations

The field of CBT is constantly evolving.

Technology Integration: Mobile apps and virtual reality are being explored to deliver CBT.
Culturally Adapted CBT: Efforts are being made to adapt CBT to diverse cultural backgrounds.
Online CBT programs: Increase access to care, particularly for workers in remote areas, as discussed in this article.

Debates and Areas of Concern

Accessibility: Access to qualified CBT therapists can be a challenge.
Feasibility: Implementing CBT programs can face time, logistical, and resistance-to-change challenges.
Alternative Explanations: Some argue CBT doesn’t fully address broader socio-economic factors or underlying trauma. This is on a case-by-case basis.
Funding: Debates exist on allocating resources for CBT, as described here.

Focus on Canada and Alberta

CBT for correctional workers is a focus in Canada and Alberta.

Canada: Research on online CBT programs is underway, shown here. Queen’s University has researched interventions in correctional facilities, with findings available here.
Alberta: Specialized CBT programs, including online options, are available, as highlighted by Queen’s University’s project. Alberta Health Services offers support within correctional facilities, detailed here. Recovery Alberta provides recovery-oriented mental health and addiction services, with information available here.

While the focus tends towards those who are incarcerated, similar programs can be adapted for those who are working in correctional facilities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a solid strategy to tackle the mental health issues that correctional workers face. Although there are difficulties with access and putting programs into action, current research and the creation of new ways to deliver CBT, like online programs, offer hope for enhancing the well-being of these crucial workers. If you are an Alberta correctional worker seeking support, contact Responders First to explore how our programs, including CBT, can help you.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.