When I first embarked on my career in psychology, I never imagined it would lead me to work within the prison system. My early days as a therapist were spent guiding teenage boys through the complexities of adolescence—many of whom were navigating the challenges of residential placement due to behavioral issues or histories within the foster care and juvenile justice systems. I was passionate about my work at the agency, but building meaningful dialogue with these young people often felt like a silent struggle. They carried their stories close to their chests, making the therapeutic process a delicate dance of patience and persistence.
Despite the challenges, I found immense value in my role as a psychologist—listening to people, thinking about and helping solve problems, being part of a community of like-minded professionals, and having many opportunities to learn. Counseling gave me the rare privilege of truly seeing who people are and helping them bring their best selves forward. I witnessed profound transformations: kids reunited with their families, individuals putting substance abuse behind them, and clients replacing harmful habits with healthier lifestyles. One of the most important lessons I learned was that therapy isn’t just about aha moments—it’s about relationships with others and making steady, intentional steps toward change. During this period of introspection, an unexpected opportunity arose—a call from the Department of Corrections inviting me for an interview. Initially, I was hesitant, but curiosity led me to explore this new avenue.
A New Chapter: Stepping into the Unknown
Walking into a Michigan prison for the first time was an experience filled with mixed emotions of nervousness and anticipation. The warm, inviting counseling offices and family-oriented environments were replaced by razor wire-adorned fences, security gates, and rooms with mismatched, severely worn office chairs. Distrustful eyes followed me as I moved through the facility, a reminder that this was a world governed by suspicion and control. Adapting to this environment required personal resilience and the support of those who had walked this path before me. The transition was challenging, but within these challenges, I found surprising growth.
Breaking Stereotypes: What Prison Really Teaches Us
Looking back, it’s clear that each step has shaped me both personally and professionally. One key lesson I’ve learned is that prison isn’t what you see on television. While TV often compresses events into an hour of constant drama and violence, the reality is far more nuanced.
Yes, prison can be a place of despair and trauma, but it can also be a place of hope and transformation. From the outside, we tend to focus on its punitive nature. However, there are individuals inside who are actively working to change their trajectories, learning new skills, and adapting how they relate to others in positive ways.
The Power of Patience in Bureaucracies
Change can be slow in governmental bureaucracies, but with persistence and patience, I was fortunate enough to contribute to and witness numerous positive initiatives. While many of these efforts took months or even years to come to fruition, collaboration was the driving force behind their success. I worked alongside state departments, private organizations, and dedicated volunteers to improve systems and outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and the staff who support them.
One area of progress was expanding mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. I participated in efforts to enhance access to these services, ensuring that incarcerated individuals received evidence-based care that could help them address underlying issues and reduce recidivism. Re-entry services also became a priority, which helped prepare individuals for life beyond prison walls by equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in their communities.
On the clinical side, I contributed to improving practices such as suicide risk assessment and group therapy facilitation. These changes not only improved the quality of care but also supported staff by providing them with better tools and training to navigate complex situations. Additionally, I was involved in addressing the overuse of restrictive housing (solitary confinement) and advocating for alternative approaches that emphasized rehabilitation over isolation.
Prison systems can be both surprisingly progressive and surprisingly outdated compared to life outside the fences. For example, while everyone in prison has equal access to healthcare—a stark contrast to many underserved communities—there are still significant gaps in technology and infrastructure that require innovative solutions.
These experiences taught me that meaningful change is possible when people come together with shared goals and a commitment to progress. While the process often tested my patience, it also reinforced my belief in the power of persistence and collaboration.
Unsung Heroes: The Corrections Staff
Corrections staff work is often thankless and goes unnoticed by the general public. Yet, behind the razor wire and locked gates are thousands of professionals who dedicate themselves to maintaining community safety while supporting the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.
From officers who take time to de-escalate tense situations with patience and understanding, to counselors who help individuals confront a lifetime of trauma, these professionals embody what it means to serve others under challenging circumstances.
Corrections staff are also instrumental in driving systemic change. They implement new training on trauma-informed care or evidence-based interventions, often rethinking long-standing practices to better serve both incarcerated individuals and their colleagues. Their willingness to adapt and grow has been pivotal in creating safer, more rehabilitative environments within the system.
Corrections staff are not just enforcers; they are mentors, mediators, and advocates working within a system that offers little recognition for their efforts. They witness some of society’s most difficult realities while striving to create an environment where growth and change are possible.
Challenging Misconceptions: A Call for Change
It’s time we challenge some deeply ingrained beliefs such as “people who commit crimes can’t change” or “harsh punishment is an effective deterrent,” which have contributed to making the U.S. the most incarcerating nation in the world. We must also confront misconceptions about addiction being a moral failing or mental illness equating to danger.
Throughout my journey in corrections, I’ve been inspired by countless success stories and transformative programs within the prison system. My focus areas have evolved over time: improving transition processes for those leaving incarceration, addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), promoting trauma-informed care, advancing evidence-based treatments for mental health and substance use disorders, and enhancing suicide prevention efforts within justice settings.
A Vision for True Safety
Reflecting on my unexpected path into corrections has reinforced one truth: true safety comes from addressing root causes like inadequate healthcare access and untreated mental health issues. If we want safer communities, we must break cycles of recidivism by fostering rehabilitation over retribution.
Achieving this paradigm shift requires a collective societal effort to challenge misconceptions about incarceration, combat stigma surrounding mental health issues, and support those affected by these systems. By embracing compassion alongside evidence-based practices, we can move beyond fear towards a more rehabilitative approach.
Join Me in Advocating for Change
The road ahead is challenging, especially in the face of a shifting political climate that may not be friendly to reform efforts. Now more than ever, we must stay committed to advocating for a justice system that values healing over punishment.
I invite you to join me on this journey towards meaningful reform—whether through advocacy for policy change, supporting programs that promote rehabilitation, or simply challenging misconceptions in your community. Together, we can push back against regressive policies and build a society that believes in second chances and works toward breaking cycles of harm for good.
