Uniting Against Isolation: Strengthening the Correctional Services Community

By Satia Kavanaugh Vanderloop, MS, CRC, LPC, CSAC, and Erin Malone, MS, CRC, LPC, SAC

The world of corrections presents unique emotional challenges for workers in this sector. Correctional officers, social workers, counselors, nurses, physicians, educators, and more all navigate a climate marked by high stress, safety risks, and significant levels of professional isolation, a sense of being cut off from others. Professional isolation exaggerates feelings of loneliness or separation and the desire for support and understanding. In exploring this lesser-discussed aspect of correctional work, we hope to initiate progress toward connection.

Correctional facilities have a distinct culture and unique practices that can lead to feelings of professional isolation. As a social worker working in a secure treatment institution said, “Isolation is real for those working in the correctional setting; the setting has its own culture, practices, and language unique to itself.” He emphasized that employees become cut off and isolated from friends, family, and the community if a healthy lifestyle is not embraced. It may feel easier to keep concerning or traumatic experiences from work inside, and over time, that can cause feelings of disconnect and discouragement. Despite frequent collaboration with external agencies, correctional settings often remain separate from the broader community by design, which can affect professional and personal lives.

The demanding nature of correctional work can bring significant emotional strain and divisiveness. Communication barriers within the institution can exacerbate feelings of isolation, especially when other staff members lack insight into the nuances of different roles. A mental health clinician elaborated on the adversity faced in the field, which often seeps into personal life. She stated, “The inherently negative environment of corrections, compounded by various personalities among staff and inmates, creates a sense of divisiveness.”

A correctional nurse shared that working the second shift often left her feeling isolated despite having other nurses around. Patient care responsibilities limited opportunities for meaningful connections. Confidentiality and security concerns also contribute to this disconnection, making it hard for loved ones to understand. The potential for discouragement and burnout in this profession is high.

This isolation can be addressed, however. Initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, open communication, and understanding among staff can foster a more collaborative approach and more integrated and supportive environment, significantly reducing these feelings of isolation.

Strategies to Combat Isolation

1. Develop meaning and connections outside of work: Finding meaning outside work through enjoyable activities and strengthening connections with family and friends helps balance work and personal life. Work should not be our entire identity; we should push ourselves to participate in things we enjoy, even when we may not want to. Identify activities that “fill your cup” and engage in them regularly.

2. Form relationships within work: Building relationships within the workplace can help alleviate loneliness. Healthy relationships with colleagues from different disciplines promote teamwork and support, fostering unity and collaboration. Simple actions like greeting someone, inviting them into a discussion, asking about their role, or walking together can help cultivate a relationship.

3. Practice self-care: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle through exercise, healthy leisure activities, and a nutritious diet is essential. Decompressing from work prevents burnout. Engaging in activities that help us “take off our work hats” promotes personal wellness. Setting limits on work time and recognizing that money and overtime do not equal happiness is vital. Self-care combats isolation, giving our minds, bodies, and souls a chance to rest.

4. Encourage employers to model self-care and connection through policies and procedures: Correctional service employers can foster a supportive workforce by implementing policies that promote well-being, such as self-care incentives. These can include access to wellness programs, mental health resources, stress management workshops, physical fitness activities, relaxation spaces, and team-building events. By normalizing self-care and reducing the stigma around seeking support, employers can help staff manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance, enhancing job satisfaction and retention and creating a safer, more effective environment.

5. Improve communication and support: Encouraging open communication and supportive management fosters team unity. Introducing new staff members to the broader team helps build trust and improves communication, offering crucial support. Peer and professional support helps staff overcome isolation and opens lines of communication within and between facilities. Open conversations about mental health and workplace stress are vital for overcoming barriers and building a supportive community. Multiple support channels, including peer support and professional counseling, are essential. Continuing education on self-care and mental health and initiatives to foster communication help create a strong support network. Regular check-ins with ourselves and colleagues can make a significant difference. Seeking support is a sign of strength; our vulnerability creates opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and greater cohesion, normalizing and modeling support.

6. Recognize and accept boundaries: Recognizing the limits of your role is essential to avoiding overexertion and burnout. Setting personal boundaries and prioritizing well-being is crucial. It’s important to remember that it is okay to say “no” to additional tasks or responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed and to ask for help with extra tasks and duties. Additionally, respecting colleagues’ boundaries and supporting their decisions to prioritize self-care can enhance a supportive work environment, reducing feelings of isolation.

7. Educate: By providing comprehensive training and educational opportunities, correctional service agencies can equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their roles effectively. Educating about mental health awareness, trauma-informed care, and communication strategies can enhance empathy and understanding among team members. Extending educational initiatives to incarcerated individuals empowers them with the tools to engage meaningfully in their rehabilitation and reintegration efforts as well, fostering a sense of agency and connection within the correctional community. By prioritizing education as a means of promoting understanding and unity, correctional agencies can work to create a more cohesive and compassionate environment for all involved.

By focusing on mental wellness, fostering connections, promoting open dialogue, and supporting initiatives that encourage community building and comprehensive training, we can enhance the well-being and performance of correctional service professionals, transforming the field into a more connected and compassionate community.

Satia Kavanaugh Vanderloop, MS, CRC, LPC, CSAC, is a doctoral candidate in counselor education and supervision and a psychological associate in Wisconsin; Erin Malone, MS, CRC, LPC, SAC, is a doctoral candidate in counselor education and supervision and a dual diagnosis clinician and owner with Slainte Clinic in Wisconsin.