Understanding Post Incarceration Syndrome (PICS)

This workshop will provide vital education and resources for formerly incarcerated individuals struggling with the psychological effects of imprisonment, known as Post Incarceration Syndrome (PICS). Through expert-led sessions, personal stories, and interactive activities, attendees will gain powerful coping tools for the unique mental health challenges of reentry.

We will focus on understanding PICS, including the trauma of incarceration, institutionalized thinking and behavior, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health impacts. Powerful personal testimonies will demonstrate you are not alone in this struggle.

We will share resilience-building strategies, education on stress management, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, self-care, and tapping into local counseling and group therapy resources. The goal is to emerge with a toolkit to process emotions and overcome negative thought patterns.

Our goal is to strengthen social support systems. Families, friends, fellow returning citizens and the entire community play a vital role in uplifting one another and avoiding triggers that can disrupt reintegration progress. Fostering healthy relationships, finding mentors, and getting involved in PICS advocacy efforts will all be covered.

This workshop will confront stigmas head-on through open discussions on shattering myths about mental illness and incarceration. You'll get empowered to fight discrimination and have a voice in effecting change through sharing your truth.

Connections to community groups, healthcare resources, and other reentry services will also be provided.

This workshop aims to provide a safe, judgment-free space to understand you are not alone in your PICS struggle, while equipping you with the knowledge and tools to manage symptoms, build resilience, and embrace your journey of rehabilitation and growth.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library, 41 Geneva Avenue, Boston, United States