New Approach to Fraud Prevention: Bade Minimum-Security Prison Uses Sandplay Therapy to Improve Inmates' Mental Health

To prevent recidivism in fraud cases, Bade Minimum-Security Prison, Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, launched a unique fraud prevention group in October 2024. Through sandplay therapy, the group helps inmates explore the inner motivations behind their behaviors. By engaging in group sharing and creative activities, participants are encouraged to reflect on their past choices and life experiences, leading to deeper contemplation of the consequences of their criminal actions.

In the first session, participants used board games to break the ice and establish initial group cohesion. The second and third sessions featured sandplay activities, with the themes "The Me Before Imprisonment: My Journey" and "What I Miss Most Beyond the Loss of Freedom." Through the selection of objects and sharing of their creations, group members gradually opened up, confronting their inner worlds with honesty and acceptance.

This sandplay therapy effectively reduced participants' psychological defenses, fostering a more trusting and supportive group atmosphere. Many participants expressed that this creative process not only allowed them to release long-held emotions but also helped them find resonance and support in the stories of their peers. It is hoped that continued participation will lead to even greater success in preventing criminal behavior.

The successful implementation of the fraud prevention group represents a significant breakthrough in fraud prevention efforts, offering new possibilities for other inmate rehabilitation programs. By combining psychological counseling with creative expression, inmates gain a deeper understanding of themselves and discover the strength to reform and pursue a better path.