Introduction
This topic covers the basic Do’s and Don’ts of ME. Bear them in mind throughout all stages as you work with a prisoner to exert influence and help them to be motivated to change.
Do’s
The following is a list of the Do’s of ME:
- Have a positive approach. Believe that you can influence the person, and that they can change.
- Be sensitive, but gently persuasive.
- Accept the person’s right to make their own choices. Say frequently, “It’s up to you.”
- Give your own view only if asked, e.g. “Well, seeing you’ve asked me, yes, I think that unless something changes, you probably will come back to jail.”
- Respond to reluctance or denial with a comment such as, “That’s OK, it’s the way you see it now – perhaps it’s too soon for you to be thinking about change.”
- Know facts and figures about re-offending rates:
- the characteristics of prisoners most likely to re-offend
- the statistical likelihood of reconviction
- the success rates of treatment, etc.
- Remember that crime is a serious business and that positively influencing prisoners is very important and worthwhile.
Don’ts
The following is a list of the Don’ts of ME:
- Don’t tell the prisoner what they “must” do.
- Don’t be dogmatic, pushy or argumentative. If you find yourself arguing with the prisoner, you are not doing ME.
- Don’t attempt to confront denial. Trying to pressure someone to recognise or do something almost always provokes resistance.
- Don’t label the prisoner, e.g. “Admit it – you’re a criminal or junkie.” Instead encourage them to see themselves as facing some major problems that can be solved.
- Don’t agree with the prisoner’s negativity – not needing to change, that programmes are a waste of time, etc.
- Don’t be in too much of a rush. You can almost always come back to the prisoner at a later time if you find you are not getting through to them.
- Don’t give up because you seem to be making no progress.
