Exploring the Impact of the Physical Space on Therapeutic Processes: A Rapid Evidence Assessment (PID043)

9.15am – 9.45am EDT, 26 April 2024 ‐ 30 mins

Room: Meeting Room 9

Parallel Workshops

Research suggests a therapy room's condition impacts clients perceptions of their practitioner’s competence, and quality of care (Nasar & Devlin, 2011; Miwa & Hanyu, 2006). It can also impact therapeutic relationships, comfort and engagement (Sinclair, 2020). Research in prisons and general forensic practice in this area is scant, despite the challenges facing prison interventions being widely acknowledged (Farrant, 2012; Tite, 2013). The current REA evaluated evidence from forensic and psychotherapy literature to inform recommendations for delivering rehabilitative prison interventions.  A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was undertaken to synthesise findings from qualitative and quantitative research. The results indicated that physical space impacts therapeutic relationships, engagement, feelings of safety and comfort, and feelings of connectedness.  Several recommendations are offered for simple and low-cost changes that can improve the space were prison interventions are delivered.
 
Moderator Tony McDonnell, Head of Infrastructure & Asset Management, Northern Ireland Prison Service, Northern Ireland