A six-day tailored capacity building programme held in Tsaghkadzor strengthened the capacity of psychologists and social workers from Armenia’s penitentiary institutions to plan and facilitate effective group therapy sessions aimed at supporting the reintegration of inmates.

Supported by the Council of Europe, the programme brought together national and international experts to provide participants with practical guidance, interactive exercises, and hands-on simulations to enhance rehabilitative practices in penitentiary institutions.

Through the capacity building, the participants improved their skills in managing group dynamics, building trust and encouraging meaningful engagement among inmates. They also deepened their understanding of trauma-informed, ethical, and evidence-based approaches to group therapy— essential elements for creating a safe and structured environment that promotes psychological growth and behavioural change.

The programme enhanced participants’ capacity to tailor group interventions to inmates’ needs and improve psychosocial support. They also developed strategies to strengthen resilience and teamwork within penitentiary institutions.

Participants highlighted the practical value of the training programme in providing tools and approaches that can be immediately applied in their daily work, reinforcing the role of structured group therapy as a key component of rehabilitation and reintegration for people deprived of liberty.

This event was part of the Council of Europe project “Further Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty”, implemented under the Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026 .