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" . . . You identified the secreted anger, loss, pain, denial, and causes of criminal behavior. You gave us a How To manual on surviving prison. You gave us a practical and spiritual guide out of this nightmare time loop in hell." —Frank, Danville Correctional Center, Danville, IL
"This book reflects the author's understanding of the tremendous human potential lying dormant in our prisons." —Dorothy Walsh, Violence Prevention Coordinator STEP, Inc., Boston, MA
Comments from prison librarians:
"These books do not stay on the shelves. They are constantly checked out!"
"When Houses of Healing first arrived, all the copies were checked out immediately and a long wait list formed. I had to work hard to get borrowed books back so that everyone had a chance to read it."
"I've had over 250 requests for this book. Please send us as many as you can spare."
"Inmates always recommend the book to other inmates."
"It's people like you that enable us to operate effectively under severely limited budgets."
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- A book written for and to prisoners – available in English and in Spanish
- Used as a self-help book individually, in small informal groups, and in facilitator-led classes
- Over 75,000 copies distributed to prisons and jails nationwide
- Facilitator’s manual and supporting videos available
"Like no other book in recent times, this one caught on quickly and deeply. All of the supervisors in the Human Services Department unanimously agreed to recommend to the Sheriff’s administration that a copy of Houses of Healing be purchased for all inmates." *
ddBrian Murdoch, Director of Recovery Programs,
dddSuffolk County House of Corrections, Boston, MA
* In December 1999, the Sheriff purchased 1,500 English and 180 Spanish copies of Houses of Healing for Suffolk inmates.
Prisoners and prison staff around the country are praising the power of Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom, the groundbreaking book for prisoner healing and rehabilitation by Robin Casarjian. This book is a guide that instructs, encourages, and speaks to prisoners, providing a path to behavioral change, dignity, and respect—for oneself and for others.
Working with hundreds of prisoners over eight years, veteran teacher and counselor Robin Casarjian developed a program that taught incarcerated men and women how to confront issues that were central to their criminal and addictive behavior. Through group sessions and independent work, prisoners learned how to deal constructively with conflict and hostility. They learned ways to break lifelong patterns of dysfunction in order to find greater emotional balance, a sense of self-esteem, and the power to choose positive behavior.
In 1992, Ms. Casarjian created the Lionheart Foundation for
the purpose of making this emotional literacy curriculum (see
What Is "Emotional
Literacy"?) available to prisoners around the country.
To achieve this goal, in 1995 the Lionheart Foundation funded
the publication and free distribution of Houses of Healing:
A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom. This
project, called the National
Emotional Literacy Project for Prisoners, continues to expand
today.
How It Works
Houses of Healing draws the readers in by speaking clearly and directly to the situations and feelings that almost all incarcerated men and women struggle with. It guides and supports prisoners in confronting issues such as childhood wounding, grieving, managing anger, facing the impact of crime, and taking ultimate responsibility for themselves and their actions. Interspersed throughout the book are numerous firsthand accounts of prisoners who have worked the program.
Houses of Healing offers guidance in stress management techniques and healthy, practical coping strategies. It addresses, in depth, the necessity of self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others – subjects that are often overlooked and misunderstood despite the fact that they are essential to the cultivation of empathy and emotional and spiritual maturity.
Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power
and Freedom can be used, as thousands are using it today,
independently or in group courses in many settings and formats.
Prisoners use the book for self-study over months and even
years. Counselors and chaplains use Houses of Healing
to complement their treatment programs and/or create entirely
new programs. Houses of Healing courses are led by mental
health and substance abuse counselors, chaplains, volunteers,
and even prisoners. For additional guidance or assistance,
they often use The Houses
of Healing Training Manual and the Houses
of Healing Educational and Training Video Series.
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