CVB LIVING
where insight meets action
Therapy for Exonerees &
the Wrongfully Convicted
Specialized psychological support for individuals navigating the aftermath of
wrongful conviction and the transition to life after incarceration
Exoneration is
only the beginning.
For many, exoneration is the culmination of years spent fighting for freedom. But freedom doesn’t restore the years, relationships, opportunities, or sense of security and identity that may have been lost along the way.
Sometimes, it doesn’t feel much like freedom at all.
The experience of wrongful conviction can have lasting psychological consequences, many of which emerge or become more apparent after the dust settles post-release:
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Trauma: Grappling with experiences that fundamentally challenge your understanding of the world.
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Identity & Loss: Reconciling lost years, disrupted life plans, and changes to your sense of self.
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Relationships & Connection: Rebuilding relationships and navigating altered family dynamics.
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Trust & Safety: Redetermining what it means to trust others, institutions, and the world around you.
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Reentry & Reintegration: Navigating unfamiliar expectations and establishing a sense of direction.
There’s a difference between being released and being ready
to rebuild a life.
We recognize that supporting exonerees extends beyond a traditional model of outpatient therapy. It requires flexibility, specialized knowledge, and an appreciation for the extraordinary circumstances individuals are navigating.
Above all, we approach this work with deep respect for the complexity of the experience and an understanding that rebuilding a life after wrongful conviction does not follow a clear blueprint.
Our goal is not simply to help individuals process what happened, but to support them in reclaiming their identity, developing meaningful connections, and creating a life that feels like their own.
A collaborative approach to care
In collaboration with Dr. Claire Lankford, Dr. Alisha Desai provides coordinated psychological services designed to offer both consistent therapeutic support and more intensive treatment when needed.
Our work is informed by our joint backgrounds in forensic psychology and specialized postdoctoral
training in trauma.
A resource for professionals & organizations
Supporting individuals after wrongful conviction often requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.
Attorneys, innocence organizations, medical providers, reentry professionals, and other advocates play an essential role in supporting individuals’ transition from incarceration to life beyond prison.
Whether you are seeking an ongoing therapeutic resource, support for an individual navigating a particularly challenging transition, or consultation around a client’s psychological needs, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with those working with individuals impacted by wrongful conviction.
We also serve as a clinical and educational resource for professionals seeking to better understand the psychological impact of wrongful conviction and the complex needs that may arise during reentry and beyond.
If you’re interested in making a referral or exploring a potential partnership, please reach out.