positive regard

• Shame and Dependence by Dorothy Chance, 8/6/97
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    • See if this works by Jim Duffy, 8/20/97
      
      

Thanks for the lead to the article. I find that we currently utilize similar approach to forgiveness of shame based emotions, through group discussions. We use a modified therapeutic community within a prison and have noted marked recidivism decrease for graduates of the program which have attended eight months or more prior to going back into society. Facing shame and finding a form of self forgiveness are absolutely necessary for offenders. We find that substances are used, ie alcohol, crack, etc., to ease the "pain" of their past behaviors. I totally agree that learning to control emotions is the key to maintaining a "happy" or enjoyable lifestyle. The use of a "community" within the prison, one that gives positive regard for proper behaviors and also can suggest learning experiences for negative behaviors, works due to its ability to be instantaneous, ie controlled environment brings about immediate positive or negative reinforcements. Communities work - however one has to want them to, and have the want to make personal changes.

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