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Rational Cognitive Therapy - A Model Program for Female Offenders

NCJ Number
167692
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 92-95
Author(s)
V S Lombardo; R R Smith
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is a description of the Rational Cognitive Therapy (RCT) program to stop violence in the home and in society.
Abstract
The RCT program is designed to help several groups of offenders, but is particularly applicable to female inmates and ex-offenders who are mothers or who are planning to have children. The program seeks to train offenders to understand the theory and application of RCT, to use RCT for decision-making and problem-solving, and to help spouses and children use it; and to deal rationally with stress provocation, anger and rejection, both their own and that of their spouses or other significant adults, and their children. RCT emphasizes the preparation of female offenders for their roles as parents and spouses, and teaches them to deal with related events using Rational Self-Analysis; the article includes an example of applying rational self-analysis. Through RCT, clients learn that life is not fair, and parents, spouses and children learn how to respond appropriately to the inevitable annoyances, irritations and disappointments. References