Cognitive Restructuring is a correctional strategy utilized by the North Dakota Department of Corrections to teach offenders to manage their own risk. The Division recognizes that we cannot provide risk control for individuals throughout their lifetime. The goal of the program is to teach offenders to recognize the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are underlying to risky behavior which in turn will allow for the offender to manage his/her own risk. Risk is defined by "thoughts, feelings, beliefs that move an individual closer to behavior that is hurtful, harmful, dangerous, or destructive to themselves or someone else." We teach them to recognize risk themselves and for them to develop cognitive interventions so they may avoid behavior that falls under the definition of risk.
Cognitive Restructuring can be done on an individual or group basis. All staff in the Division are currently trained in Cognitive Reflective Communication and it is our goal to continue adding groups throughout the state and improve the utilization of the techniques by all staff.
