I want to take a few minutes to post on my profile about a few more accomplishments I have achieved recently. A little over a week ago I finished a class called “Criminal Thinking” – This course was very much like a lot of the other classes that they offer here in the BOP. I was previously in the BRAVE program in Greenville, IL. BRAVE taught me many of the same things that were also taught in Criminal Thinking. I just want to say that even though the classes may have been very similar in content, I am grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to learn some great tools from each of these courses. The BRAVE program was an intensive residential program that I learned a great deal about impulsivity and how to control the decision making process and like Criminal Thinking, it was also great that it too taught the RSA process and how to recognize and make better consequences out of irrational thinking and decision making. Both classes cover the SMART goal process and how to set goals that are acheivable, measurable and time-frame oriented. Another great thing I learned was how to recognize negative thought processes that a person doesn’t normally realize their engaged in creating energy that is unhealthy and not condusive toward creating a successful outcome toward situations you deal with in your day-to-day life.
I also just completed the course “Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.” This was one of my favorite courses of the many that I have completed in the BOP. I would recommend to anyone regardless of whether you are an AIC or a “free” person. DBT is a class that is OVER a YEAR LONG in length and intensive in its curriculum. I started the class just after being transferred here last April, I was the second bus to “re-open” Thomson, IL USP when they converted it to a low security facility. DPT has taught me a great deal about how to understand the interations that you have with others, the effect on people you have when speaking and the energy being transacted. Some of the things I learned are how to understand and control your emotional responses to situations and people. How to “take hold of your mind” by noticing body sensations, controlling your attention and observe both inside and outside of yourself. I also learned a great deal about building healthy relationships and ending destructive ones. The importance of learning new tools like how to obtain your objectives skillfully, interpersonal effectiveness and the “DEAR MAN” techniques. All of these tools have taught me a lot about myself and dealing with others and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to take this class.
I am currently in the Non-RES Drug Treatment class and Non-Resolve Psychology class. I just recently learned that I should be transferring to a camp facility by the end of Sept or October. My family and I are looking forward to making this transition as we are hoping to be able to spend more time together. I am hopeful that it will open more opportunities I can take toward my education and advancement in my goals towards preparing for success upon my release. Thank you for taking your time in reading about my progress. Have a great day! – A.R.Holcomb 19260-030
