Is there a doctor in the house?  San Quentin Utilization of Inmate Resources Experiences and Studies (S.Q.U.I.R.E.S.) has once again been given the opportunity to emphasize there are men here who stand accountable for their actions and are willing to do the work it takes to give back to their family, friends and communities. The Dr. Phil show and the S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. program established a collaborative effort to motivate two young men, Chris, 14, and Brit, 18, to change their negative attitudes and behaviors before serious consequences take control of their lives: jail, prison or death.
Chris and Brit are two vibrant young men who are fighting the inner child within, while trying to understand family dynamics, unhealthy friendships and the right of passage into manhood. Chris and Brit arrived here in SQ around 9 a.m. on a Friday morning. The camera crew and one of Dr. Phil’s directors, Stephen Doran came in.  The doctor himself was not in the house, but there were eight “therapists” prepared and ready to build some emotional and sociological motivation within these two young men’s hearts and minds. As Chris, Brit and the camera crew came through the many gates, bars and doors of SQ, they were met by eight S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. members: Ernest Morgan, Michael Taylor, James Housten, David Monroe, Shaid Rouse, Jerry Elster, David Pretzele and myself.
As Chris and Brit shook our hands, each had a façade of assurance on the outside but we were able to sensed their fear. We quickly let Chris and Brit know they are not welcome here. As we began to walk through the lower yard we asked Chris and Brit to look the men in the eyes. We wanted them to get a feeling of the intensity and mixed emotions of fear and uncertainty that comes from walking for the first time across the SQ big yard with all eyes on you.
Once we arrived in the classroom we quickly began the S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. introduction, which prepared Chris and Brit to be open and honest.  Each S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. member gave a brief introduction of themselves, what kind of crimes we committed (murder, kidnap, robbery), and how much time we had spent inside. Between the eight of us we had over a hundred years served.  More importantly, we spoke about getting to the point of no return with irresponsible behavior: drugs, alcohol and negative influences. Chris seemed to be pretty straightforward and open and honest with us. With his belligerent attitude and sarcasm, Brit thought he could BS his way through the whole process, but he soon realized he was dealing with the best therapist he had ever met. Slowly but surely he dropped the façade and came to the surface of truth.
Chris described himself as a teenager struggling with anger issues. Brit was a seemingly bright young man with arrogance and an ego so big that you could smell the stench.  The experience and challenge for the S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. members was liberating and fulfilling. As
S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. members we emulate the mode, “We don’t scare straight, we communicate!” Our goal is not only to share our experience, but our hearts as well. We believe that troubled youth are motivated by examples that offer insight and encouragement. Our hope is that the kids we come into contact with will learn from their mistakes and make better choices in spite of the effects of dysfunctional households, friendships and communities.
The end result of Chris and Brit’s experience with S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. was inspiring for everyone. Chris learned that his father’s insults (stupid, worthless…) may be reflections of how his dad felt about himself. So Chris doesn’t have to take it personally. Brit learned that although he says he doesn’t care about his mom abandoning him, there are resentment and denial issues that are influencing his abuse of drugs and alcohol. Like many of us, Chris and Brit are trying to find answers to a never ending story — the effects of dysfunctional households. Although Doctor Phil was not in the house, we feel that some serious emotional healing took place. As S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. members, once again we accomplished our goal through the planting seeds of insight and offering the gift of hope.
The Doctor Phil Show should air Chris and Brit’s story sometime in November or December.  Member’s of the S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. hope that those who read this article, or see the show, learn from the Chris and Brit stories.