Unlocking the Key to Compassion
A 3-day trauma-informed training for prison staff
Duration:
Delivery:
3 Days
In person, experiential and
educational training
Group Size
Cost:
Minimum 8, maximum
16 participants
£300 per staff member
(includes workbook and materials)
Facilitator:
Jessica Charles, Psychotherapist and Founder of Healing Beyond Bars
Overview
This practical, relational training equips prison staff with the tools to recognise trauma-driven behaviours, de-escalate safely, and respond with confidence and compassion. The course is grounded in psychotherapeutic, trauma-informed, and somatic approaches tailored to the prison environment.
Training Objectives
Understanding Trauma and Behaviour
Emotional Regulation – For Self and Others
Relational De-escalation Techniques
Confidence in Managing Difficult Situations
Creating Safer, Trauma-Informed Environments
Personal Insight and Reflective Practice
Staff will gain a foundational understanding of how trauma shapes the brain, body, and behaviour. This includes recognising how past experiences, especially early adversity, impact present-day reactions—such as aggression, withdrawal, or dysregulation.
“What’s wrong with them?” becomes “What happened to them?”
Participants will learn practical tools to support their own emotional regulation in high-stress environments, as well as techniques to help prisoners regulate their responses. This includes breathwork, body awareness, and grounding strategies that reduce escalation and promote emotional safety.
Staff will explore trauma-informed approaches to de-escalating challenging behaviour—not through control, but through connection. They’ll learn to read non-verbal cues, respond to triggers with awareness, and build trust even in moments of tension.
“Connection before Correction”
Through experiential learning and reflection, staff develop the confidence to respond—rather than react—in emotionally charged situations. They’ll leave with a greater sense of clarity, calm, and relational authority when navigating everyday challenges.
Participants will understand their role in contributing to a trauma-informed culture. They’ll explore how relational safety, empathy, and emotional awareness can reduce incidents, improve staff-prisoner relationships, and contribute to a more connected, humane custodial environment.
The training creates space for staff to reflect on their own emotional responses, relational patterns, and stress signals. This increases self-awareness, reduces burnout, and strengthens their capacity to show up with compassion and clarity—without compromising boundaries or authority.
“We can’t offer regulation if we’re not regulated ourselves.”
Ready to Bring Trauma-Informed Practice Into Your Prison
This training isn’t just about new tools, it’s about a new way of seeing, responding, and relating. When staff feel more confident, connected, and supported, the whole system changes.
When staff feel more confident, connected, and supported, the whole culture begins to shift.
We offer this programme by request and adapt it to suit your team, your environment, and your goals.
Enquire Now to explore availability, delivery options, or simply to start a conversation.
