Finding Freedom in a Place of Control: Teaching Stoicism in Prison

The room was quiet. A group of men sat in thoughtful silence, reflecting on an idea that challenged everything they had known about control. One of them finally spoke: "I don't think I've ever been spoken to like that before."

For many of us, life feels like a series of external forces pushing and pulling us—circumstances, people, past experiences. We react instinctively, often believing our emotions and responses are out of our hands. Nowhere is this feeling more intense than in prison, where autonomy is stripped away, and every aspect of daily life is dictated by external authority.

But what if control isn’t about what happens to us, but how we respond?

The Problem: The Illusion of Control

As human beings, we tend to process external events in the way we’ve been taught, often believing that our emotions and reactions are dictated by the world around us. This can be especially overwhelming in environments like prison, where choices are limited, and a sense of powerlessness is heightened.

When people believe their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours are purely reactions to external forces, it can lead to blame, frustration, and resignation. This is why so many struggle with change—because they believe their circumstances dictate their identity.

But what if there was another way to think about control?

The Solution: Stoicism as a Path to Inner Freedom

This is where Stoicism offers a transformative perspective. Ancient philosophers developed Stoicism which teaches that while we cannot control external events, we can control how we think about and respond to them.

Despite these ancient philosophers being long gone, the way they explain human behaviour is not a minute out of date. And whilst we can’t bring these philosophers through the gates of HMP Dovegate, we can bring their teachings and their philosophy to the men we work with in order to use stoicism to create change. 

Bringing Stoicism to Life: Teaching in Prison

Peter, ex-army, trained Psychotherapist and long time member of the 3Pillars team. 

Peter kicked off the session with a quote from Marcus Aurelius, and it would be hard to find a more pertinent one for his audience. 

"Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending."

In other words, freedom isn’t about changing our circumstances—it’s about changing our mindset.

"Stoicism brings a sharp focus into ourselves," Peter explains."It makes us look at what we can and can’t control. And anything we can’t control—we should let go of."

Peter has a unique approach—blending philosophy with psychotherapy to help participants connect deeply with these ideas.

This concept resonated powerfully with the men. Instead of seeing themselves as victims of their past or their circumstances, they began to shift their attention to what was within their power: their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Peter’s sessions were dynamic and interactive. "I’m very theatrical when I present," he said. "No interaction is wasted. There is no subject which is off-limits." By using real-life examples and visual tools from psychotherapy, he helped participants understand not just the philosophy, but also the science behind human behavior—how our minds are shaped by experiences and how we can rewire them.

The Impact: A Shift in Perspective

After just four sessions, the impact was undeniable. When I asked Peter about the participants' reactions, he smiled. "It was very human—which is exactly how it should be. There’s no predetermined outcome when you teach Stoicism. It simply holds up a mirror so that people can see themselves through a different lens. Self-reflection is the only outcome."

The men shared their thoughts:

•  "We should be teaching this in schools."

•  "I’ve never considered that there is another way to think about my experiences."

•  "I didn’t realise we had this in us. Now I get it."

Some even started applying Stoic principles in their relationships. Some participants use what they are learning to assist them in their relationship with their peers, prison officers and families, demonstrating that inner change has a ripple effect.

Final Thoughts: True Freedom Starts Within

Epictetus once said: "People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them."

This is the essence of Stoicism. It teaches that our thoughts shape our reality. While we can’t always control what happens, we can control how we interpret and respond to it.

As this course continues until December, we look forward to seeing how these men continue to transform—not because their circumstances have changed, but because they have.