Focus and Refocus group leader, Tyrone Ferguson, and psychologist Dr. Patty Rebeck addressed the Fall Conference of the Missouri Corrections Association and the Missouri Probation and Parole Officers Association September 29th at the Lake of the Ozarks. Two hundred fifteen officers were in attendance at the conference. A brochure (below) was featured. It was a product of Focus and Refocus group discussions about the goals and values that are shared by a safe society.
Tyrone Ferguson co-led a discussion group of ex-offenders at Swope. |
The "Rules for Living in Safety", below, was part of our outreach to ex-offenders. Swope Health Services provided support for the health and well-being of formerly incarcerated patients through the Focus and Refocus group. Dr. Rebeck no longer directs this program but she can be contacted at the Leavenworth Detention Center, ([email protected]). |
Your first day in prisonYou have a new reality to accept. You will look around and try to figure out how to survive. Your best strategy is to shut yourself off from other prisoners. If you have the courage, you won't become anyone's punk. You don't want to be that guy who has everything. Let the time be hard. Let yourself fear that place more than you fear the streets. In prison they'll all know who you are because you are under a microscope. Take the time to know yourself. |
Your first day backYour first day out of prison you start from scratch again. Shutting yourself off no longer applies. You need to learn the social skills and norms. You need to find the best supports. Know your fears. Face your fears. Stay away from quick escapes. Self-awareness strengthens your internal supports. Focus and Refocus is one group where you can take the pain out of your past by sharing some of your burdensome thoughts. |
Re-entry requires new thinkingTo make it in prison you have to know the inmates constitution. What do you need to know to make it after prison? See our suggestions, above. |