Meet Leyna: Mount Gambier Prison Psycholologist

What inspired you to pursue a career in psychology, and specifically, what drew you to working with groups of prisoners in a correctional setting?

Crime was something that I found interesting in high school, so I set my sights from there in forensic psychology. After completing my undergraduate psychology degree I got into a forensic masters. I have since worked in various correctional settings including Yatala Labour Prison and Port Lincoln Prison, as well as Adelaide Community Corrections, Owenia House, and even at the Courts Administration Authority at the Magistrates Court Diversion Program. 

My love of group-based work was definitely influenced by my time working at Owenia House, a community-based assessment and treatment centre. I had heard that if there was ever going to be a therapeutic environment in prison for working with people who had been convicted of certain offences, Mount Gambier Prison (MGP) was that place, so when the role came up with G4S at MGP a mate told me about the advertisement, so I went for it. That was over 12 years ago now.

Can you describe a typical day or week in your role as a Psychologist at Mount Gambier Prison?

A typical day as a Psychologist at Mount Gambier Prison can be unpredictable. Currently I co-facilitate a 15-month program for individuals with cognitive or learning impairments who have been convicted of certain offences. This program involves two days of group sessions, with the other facilitator traveling from Adelaide. Over the years, I've worked with many individuals in various offending-focussed programs. It is rewarding to connect with them after their release and hear how they are doing. I also provide specialised handover to community corrections staff to support their transition.

My other responsibilities include supervising facilitators of our general offending program, offering guidance on managing suicidal or self-harming clients, reviewing annual reports for the Parole Board on life-sentenced or indefinitely detained individuals, conducting risk of re-offending assessments for specific offenses, and collaborating with other support staff on behaviour management within the prison.

What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of working as a Psychologist in a prison environment compared to other settings?

The environment is in itself unique. Being in an environment where we are locked in by several layers of static security measures and working with prisoners who have caused significant physical and emotional harm to others can be challenging. Lots of technological resources used in community-based settings are often not possible to have in the prison setting due to security restrictions. 

In terms of the rewards, even if I was able to help one person in my career make a different choice that prevents one more person from being harmed, that is an immeasurable reward. I cannot quantify that.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a Psychologist in a prison setting?

It is a privilege to work with people in prison. It is a huge responsibility to undertake sensitive work honouring victim survivors, while inviting people to be safer in the community. If you want interesting and challenging work then this is a great opportunity. 

What do you like about living in Mount Gambier? What do you enjoy about the community and lifestyle?

I moved to Mount Gambier for the job at the prison and I love the cold and quiet lifestyle. It is a 15 minute drive to work and I see cows, paddocks and some beautiful gardens on the way. Being into several team sports, I was accepted into the local community where I have met some fantastic people who have become lifelong friends. I enjoy seeing what ludicrous vocabulary I can get into print in the local papers as a part of my team’s softball write up too. My photo is from a recent long weekend country championships where I was fortunate enough to play softball for Mount Gambier.