Acknowledging Soul Loss from an Indigenous Perspective to Promote Healing in Prison

AbstractPeople incarcerated in the United States suffer disproportionately higher rates of substance use and mental health diagnoses than the general population. Treatment as usual is not sufficient, as evidenced by extremely high recidivism rates. Established links between trauma, depression and criminal behavior make it apparent that incarcerated people have many vulnerabilities underlying their maladaptive behaviors. The author ’s use of self and an Indigenous perspective illustrate the concept of soul loss, which is when a part of one’s vital essence fragments to escape the full impact of anguish from a traumatic event. Soul loss exacerbates shame, hopelessness, and an overall visceral sense of spiritlessness evidence d by feelings of emptiness and disconnection. Indigenous wisdom can provide a nuanced understanding of incarcerated individuals’ moral and emotional experiences. From this perspective, it is essential to balance head and heart wisdom for a holistic appreciation of the human experience. Addressing soul loss in a supportive therapeutic context promotes self-compassion, forgiveness, and the integration of fragmented parts for healing, ultimately reducing relapse and recidivism. This paper shares a journey of growth, demonstrating how clinicians may use integrative psychotherapy for people who a re incarcerated to heal within the intersubjective space and themselves.
Source: Clinical Social Work Journal - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research