12. Group Counseling in Corrections

The counseling of juveniles and adults who are under the supervision of a criminal justice agency will generally involve some form of individual counseling as well as some form of group counseling. The specific situation or problem for which the counseling is needed, the setting, the resources available, and the desired outcomes from the counseling experience must be considered before a decision can be made on whether to utilize an individual or group method. Group counseling is often the preferred form of counseling for special problem individuals, such as substance abusers, sex offenders, aggressive individuals, family abusers, or those who are emotionally despondent. Such forms of group counseling as guided group interaction, transactional analysis, positive peer culture, conjoint family therapy, and self-help group counseling have been utilized in various settings, including the courts, private agencies, residential treatment centers, and secure correctional facilities.