Transforming Lives Behind Bars: Forensic CBT and Systemic Reform in Indian Prisons

This volume emerges from the author’s extensive professional journey spanning over two decades, drawing from her work in behavioural sciences, training, and applied psychology. Rooted in research and fieldwork within Indian correctional institutions, it brings together internationally validated psychological assessments adapted for forensic populations, biopsychosocial evaluations, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It offers a compelling fusion of narrative case studies and evidence-based forensic psychology, bridging scientific inquiry with real-world complexity, moving beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Drawing on global frameworks such as Forensic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and therapeutic jurisprudence, the book highlights the Samarth: Breaking Barriers initiative launched at Ahmedabad Central Jail and then extended in other central prisons of Gujarat, as an applied model tailored to the Indian correctional context. The initiative ethically adapts international best practices to align with institutional realities and cultural dynamics, making it a potential reference point for similarly under-resourced or high-need environments.

Aimed at policymakers, forensic psychologists, criminologists, penologists, mental health professionals, and those working in correctional administration and criminal justice reform, the volume illustrates the potential of structured, ethical, and culturally responsive rehabilitation. It will also be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners across psychology, psychiatry, penology, correctional administration, social welfare, and correctional mental health.

Reena Sharma, PhD, is a forensic psychologist and criminologist whose work focuses on criminal thinking, behaviour, and offender rehabilitation. She developed the Samarth Model and founded Samarth: Breaking Barriers – India’s first therapeutic prison-based centre, housed within Gujarat Central Prisons.

She has worked in correctional settings including Tihar Jail and Bhondsi Jail, and collaborated with the Gujarat City Police to design, train, and develop a Victim Assistance Programme. Among various other trainings, she is trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Forensic CBT, and neurocriminology-based rehabilitation.

With over two decades of experience across behavioural training, mental health, corrections, and applied behavioural sciences, she is also the Founder of The Mind Practice, offering psychological and consulting services to a wide range of populations, including forensic clients, corporate professionals, and the public. She is an independent researcher actively contributing to the field through practice-based insights and programme development.