Mental health services where they are needed
Incarcerated people face numerous psychological obstacles, past and present. Often, they have experienced trauma, sometimes repeatedly; many have been abused or neglected, faced violence at the hands of law enforcement, or struggled with poverty. Yet, jails seldom offer psychological support, and very often mental health deteriorates during incarceration. Since 2015, MAYA has provided mental health services to local incarcerated women. Our recently named "HIP" - Hope for Incarcerated People - program works to reduce recidivism, foster healthy families, and cultivate skills for identifying and managing difficult emotions.
MAYA's group counseling focuses on mindfulness, stress management, and an understanding of trauma, and supports clients as they face the day-to-day adversity that comes with imprisonment, interactions with the legal system, and a history of struggle. Participants learn techniques for recognizing and responding to intense emotions, including guided meditation, focusing on sensations, and deep breathing methods. They also discuss the nature and effects of trauma, and explore their interests and strengths to develop and implement personal goals. Contact MAYA's counseling coordinator to learn more about HIP.
MAYA's group counseling focuses on mindfulness, stress management, and an understanding of trauma, and supports clients as they face the day-to-day adversity that comes with imprisonment, interactions with the legal system, and a history of struggle. Participants learn techniques for recognizing and responding to intense emotions, including guided meditation, focusing on sensations, and deep breathing methods. They also discuss the nature and effects of trauma, and explore their interests and strengths to develop and implement personal goals. Contact MAYA's counseling coordinator to learn more about HIP.
"[Group has been] very beneficial for coping with my time here. I would tell others to attend and keep an open and optimistic mind and allow yourself to heal"
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Every birthing person deserves a doulaDelivering a baby while incarcerated is fraught with challenges. Jails lack the resources to provide the social and medical supports that pregnant people need, many women experience the environment as hostile to mental and physical well-being, and expectant parents live with the painful knowledge that they will have to give up their babies right after birth.
Having a birth doula can make all the difference. Our doulas are advocates, mentors, and teachers, and provide the uncritical support and care that pregnant incarcerated people so badly need. MAYA's jail doulas fill a gap in services with childbirth education, compassionate care, and an informed and experiences birth companion, trained in trauma-informed care. |
