The  European Union and Council of Europe are helping domestic prison authorities to introduce Trauma Informed Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Albanian prisons.

In this framework the staff from the only women prison in Albania - “Ali Demi”, was part of the two-day training on Trauma-Informed Therapy held on 10-11 June 2024 at the Training Center for Prison staff, in Tirana. The first training brought together psychologists and social staff, as well as representatives from the Directorate General of Prisons who in co-operation with prison staff will define the modalities of programme to be tested in the following months.

The training covered key principles of trauma-informed practice and post-traumatic emotional growth in a prison environment, with a specific focus on women in prison. Participants engaged in interactive sessions to better understand and manage trauma triggers.

In addition, in response of the request of the Directorate General of Prisons for having a dedicated programme on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in Albanian prisons, a two-day training was held during 12-13 June 2024, involving 28 psychologists. The training included an overview of CBT theory and its application related to different mental health disorders. It relied extensively on practical exercises, therapy demonstration, case studies and role-play to increase participants skills in managing prisoner’s resistance to negative thoughts and emotions. The introduction of CBT and Trauma Informed Therapy constitutes a positive step in bridging mental health treatment and rehabilitation efforts for Albanian prisoners.

The training was conducted in the framework of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme ”Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye – Phase III”, and in particular Action on “Enhancing the protection of Human Rights of prisoners in Albania”.