A separate juvenile justice system was established in the United States with the goal of diverting youthful offenders from the destructive punishments of criminal courts and encouraging rehabilitation. More than 1 million American youth end up in juvenile court every year, and 160,000 of them are referred to residential placement (DeAngelis, 2011). Research shows that settings likes these (e.g. residential placement, detention centers, correctional institutions) produce higher rates of recidivism. However, an understanding of psychological explanation and perspectives have led to the growth of various training and counseling programs (Whitehead & Lab, 2013). Among treatment programs there exists two broad approaches–family and individual therapy.
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As mentioned previously, the study of psychotherapy encompasses a variety of theoretical approaches. Each form of therapy borrows elements from each other, while building upon new ideas and techniques to call their own. Psychotherapy is described as “A collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows [the client] to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental” (“Understanding Psychotherapy,” n.d.). Psychotherapy assists people in modifying their emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Among the variety of theoretical approaches cognitive–behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy, stands out in the criminal justice system the most. Cognitive–behavioral therapy is among the most promising rehabilitative treatments for both juvenile and criminal offenders. This form of therapy assumes that once thoughts and behaviors become conscious, people can make positive changes to them. In other words, cognitive deficits and distortions are learned rather than inherent. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be effective with juveniles, adults, substance abusers, violent offenders, probationers, prisoners, and parolees (Clark, 2010). It has been effective in various criminal justice settings and addresses a host of problems associated with criminal behavior. In most cognitive–behavioral therapy programs, offenders improve social skills, problem solving, critical reasoning, moral reasoning, self–control, impulse management, and self–efficacy (Clark,
As mentioned previously, the study of psychotherapy encompasses a variety of theoretical approaches. Each form of therapy borrows elements from each other, while building upon new ideas and techniques to call their own. Psychotherapy is described as “A collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows [the client] to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental” (“Understanding Psychotherapy,” n.d.). Psychotherapy assists people in modifying their emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Among the variety of theoretical approaches cognitive–behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy, stands out in the criminal justice system the most. Cognitive–behavioral therapy is among the most promising rehabilitative treatments for both juvenile and criminal offenders. This form of therapy assumes that once thoughts and behaviors become conscious, people can make positive changes to them. In other words, cognitive deficits and distortions are learned rather than inherent. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be effective with juveniles, adults, substance abusers, violent offenders, probationers, prisoners, and parolees (Clark, 2010). It has been effective in various criminal justice settings and addresses a host of problems associated with criminal behavior. In most cognitive–behavioral therapy programs, offenders improve social skills, problem solving, critical reasoning, moral reasoning, self–control, impulse management, and self–efficacy (Clark,