Exploring How Women Involved in the UK Criminal Justice System Experience Psychotherapy in the Community: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This study centers on women in the UK Criminal Justice System (CJS), a notably underserved and vulnerable population whose experiences and needs have historically been marginalized within criminal justice and support systems. The research delved into the experiences of women involved in community-based psychotherapy, aiming to understand their perceptions and approaches to therapy within the complex backdrop of the CJS. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), interviews were conducted with five women who had participated in therapy through two specialized charities.

The analysis yielded three main themes: "Trust and safety in therapy after a life full of unsafety", “From depersonalisation to personalisation”, and “Rise above adversity: growth and personal development in tackling distress”. These themes highlighted the complexities of the women's experiences, ranging from the struggle of establishing trust in therapy to finding empowerment amidst systemic powerlessness. The study revealed profound insights into the transformative nature of therapy, with participants describing significant intrapersonal growth and the challenge of overcoming systemic and internalized barriers.

The findings underscore the importance of a personalized, empowering approach intherapeutic interventions for women in the CJS. They challenge traditional, riskfocused perspectives and suggest the need for therapies that address the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of these women. The study recommends adopting holistic, trauma-informed models and stresses the need for integrating the women's voices in therapy design and implementation. It also emphasizes the role of therapy in facilitating reintegration from prison to the community and personal development. The study offers practical implications for service providers, suggesting the adoption of targeted interventions that focus on empowerment, resilience-building, and addressing the complex interplay of emotional, social, and systemic factors.