Keeping the music alive: Using the "grief and hope box" with adult offenders with co-Occurring mental health and substance use issues

Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder (COD) present unique challenges for counselors. When individuals are incarcerated, they suffer unique forms of losses, including the loss and grief of their family members. In addition, they often struggle with stigma and cultural stereotypes that are oppressive and devastating. The purpose of this manuscript is to help counselors and clients access creativity in a manner that facilitates client self-disclosure about grief and loss related issues, leading to a more coherent personal narrative, increased social integration, and enhanced psychological and physiological health.