Appreciation is the Secret of Authentic Living: My Story of Appreciative Rehabilitation

Abstract

In 1994 the author sat in a cell in Mule Creek State Prison, California, wondering if it was possible to change inmates’ resentment- and grievance-filled conversations to positive ones. His discovery of Appreciative Inquiry led to two ongoing programs: Bridging the Gap and, during the Covid pandemic, the Offender Narrative project. By the time he left the prison system, his programs had the support of the administration, staff, inmates – and thousands of participants. He plans to continue as a volunteer staff member.