The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Helping Women Recover (HWR) program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Substance Abuse Treatment (Adult), but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given a Scientific Rating.

• Types of Maltreatment: Sexual Abuse, Physical Neglect, Emotional Abuse, Exposure to Domestic Violence
• Target Population: Women and girls in recovery from substance abuse.

HWR (with a special edition for criminal justice settings) is an integrated, manualized curriculum for treating women with histories of addiction and trauma. It is grounded in research, theory, and clinical practice. The foundation of the treatment model is the integration of three theories: a theory of addiction, a theory of women’s psychological development, and a theory of trauma. The therapeutic strategies include psycho-educational, cognitive-behavioral, expressive arts, and relational approaches. The facilitator’s manual for the 17- session program is a step-by-step guide containing the theory, structure, and content needed for running groups. A Woman’s Journal, the participant’s workbook, allows women to process and record the therapeutic experience. The program model is organized into four modules: self, relationships, sexuality, and spirituality. These are the four areas that recovering women have identified as triggers for relapse and as necessary for growth and healing. The materials are designed to be user-friendly and self-instructive.

Helping Women Recover consists of four modules with specific topic areas for each of the 17 sessions. (There is also a self-administered recovery scale for each module).

Module A: Self

4 sessions with a total of 13 activities:

• Defining Self
• Sense of Self
• Self-Esteem
• Sexism, Racism, and Stigma

Module B: Relationships

5 sessions with a total of 18 activities:

• Family of Origin
• Mothers
• Mother Myths
• Interpersonal Violence
• Creating Healthy Relationships and Support Systems

Module C: Sexuality

5 sessions with a total of 14 activities:

• Sexuality and Addiction
• Body Image
• Sexual Identity
• Sexual Abuse
• Fear of Sex while Clean and Sober

Module D: Spirituality

3 sessions with a total of 10 activities:

• What is Spirituality?
• Prayer and Meditation
• Creating a Vision

Helping Women Recover (HWR) was not designed with a child component.

Helping Women Recover (HWR) was designed with a parent/caregiver component that addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms:

• Substance abuse, interpersonal violence.

Helping Women Recover (HWR) was designed to be conducted in a group setting; but has not been tested for use in a group setting.

Recommended group size:

6-10 women with one facilitator.

Recommended Intensity:

One or two 90-minute sessions per week.

Recommended Duration:

17 sessions

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

• Community Agency
• Outpatient Clinic
• Residential Care Facility

Helping Women Recover (HWR) includes a homework component:

Women have a journal to process group experience and practice skills.

Helping Women Recover (HWR) does not have materials available in a language other than English.

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

• Facilitators guide
• Flip chart
• Workbooks
• Room with chairs in a circle
• A group facilitator

There are no minimum provider qualifications.

There is a manual that describes how to implement this program, and there is training available for this program.

Training Contact:

• Stephanie S. Covington
  www.stephaniecovington.com
  SSCIRD@aol.com
  phone: (858) 454-8528

Training is obtained:

Training can be provided onsite. There are also trainings available at various sites in California (some are free) and other parts of the U.S.

For more information see, www.stephaniecovington.com and www.centerforgenderandjustice.org

Number of days/hours:

Generally 2 days

This program has been reviewed and it was determined that this program lacks the type of published, peer-reviewed research that meets the CEBC criteria for a scientific rating of 1 – 5. Therefore, the program has been given the classification of "NR - Not able to be Rated." It was reviewed because it was identified by the topic expert as a program being used in the field, or it is being marketed and/or used in California with children receiving services from child welfare or related systems and their parents/caregivers. Some programs that are not rated may have published, peer-reviewed research that does not meet the above stated criteria or may have eligible studies that have not yet been published in the peer-reviewed literature. For more information on the "NR - Not able to be Rated" classification, please see the Scientific Rating Scale.

Child Welfare Outcomes: Not Specified

Currently, there are no published, peer-reviewed research studies for Helping Women Recover (HWR).