Online workshop "Psychologist in the Prison Service" - event report.
On 6 May 2025, second and third semester psychology students had the opportunity to take part in a unique workshop organised by the Institute of Psychology at the College of Professional Training. The meeting, conducted in an online format, was led by Dr Marta Jastrzębska, a retired Prison Service officer, who shared her knowledge and experience of working as a penitentiary psychologist.
Practice and theory - two worlds of work in penitentiary units
The workshop entitled "Psychologist in the Prison Service (official pragmatics)". lasted two hours - from 18:00 to 20:00 - and attracted a group of 25 students interested in the specifics of working in prisons and detention centres. During the meeting, participants learnt about the key provisions of the Criminal Executive Law and other regulations concerning the role of a psychologist in penitentiary units.
The workshop addressed the following issues, among others:
- The legal basis of the work of the penitentiary psychologist;
- classification of prisons and typology of the prison population;
- The impact of prison isolation on the mental state - as a total and deprivational situation.
Real-life challenges and competences of the penitentiary psychologist
The workshop aimed to make participants aware of the realities of a psychologist's work in a closed environment. Dr Jastrzębska discussed not only the formal aspects of the profession, but also pointed out the practical skills that are required on a daily basis in a penitentiary department or diagnostic centre. Students learnt what qualities and attitudes are key to performing this role effectively and ethically.
Thanks to the professionalism of the presenter and the opportunity to ask questions, participants were able to better understand the challenges faced by a psychologist working in the Prison Service units. This event not only broadened the horizons of the young psychology students, but also encouraged them to further explore this demanding but much-needed professional path.