Psychological Practices in Mixed Prisons: An Experience Report

Abstract

This experience report aims to present my experiences, from the work as a psychologist in two mixed prisons in Minas Gerais, raising reflections on psychological practices in the prison context. Through the articulation between my experiences and the theoretical aspects based on critical criminology, the following challenges for Psychology as science and profession in prisons were described: the confrontation with the reality of the prison environment; the deep and complex knowledge of incarcerated lives; the shortcomings in Psychology graduation courses and the lack of training in prisons; the position of psychologists in the face of the disparate expectations for their work; work management. In spite of the limitations inherent to the prison, the possibilities and potentiating effects of Psychology in prison institutions were presented, based on the actions developed. The role of psychologists in alleviating psychic suffering and the deteriorating effects of incarceration has been highlighted, based on the offer of vivifying strategies that encompass the capacity for creation and resistance, aiming at promoting the rights and health of incarcerated people. The experience report demonstrated to be an important tool for the reflections carried out, as it encompassed the reality that crosses the social relations in prisons.