A Woman's Journal

Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW, is an internationally recognized clinician, author, lecturer, and organizational consultant and is a pioneer in the field of women's issues, addiction, trauma, and recovery. With over thirty-five years of experience, she is noted for her work in the design and implementation of gender-responsive and trauma-informed treatment services in public, private, and institutional settings. She is the author of numerous books, as well as ten research-based, manualized treatment curricula, including Beyond Trauma: A Healing Journey for Women, Helping Women Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction, and Voices: A Program for Girls. She is the co-author of Helping Men Recover. For the past twenty-five years, Dr. Covington has worked to help institutions and programs in the criminal justice system develop effective gender-responsive services. She has provided training and consulting services to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; the Ministries of Justice in England, Scotland, and Switzerland; the Correctional Service of Canada; and, in the U.S., the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the National Institute of Corrections, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and many other state and local jurisdictions. In addition, she helped to design women's services at the Betty Ford Treatment Center and was the featured therapist on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) TV show entitled Breaking Down the Bars. Dr. Covington has served on the faculties of the University of Southern California, San Diego State University, and the California School of Professional Psychology. She is co-director of the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender & Justice in La Jolla, California.

About the Author ix

Books and Programs x

About the Cover xi

Introduction xiii

Opening Session: Introduction to the Program 1

Optional Yoga Exercise: Seated Centering and Breathing 12

Module A: Self 13

Session 2. Defining Self 15

Session 3. Sense of Self 25

Session 4. Self-Esteem 31

Session 5. Sexism, Stereotyping, and Power 35

Yoga Module A: Breath of Joy to Rag Doll to Lip Flutter 43

Module B: Relationships 47

Session 6. Family of Origin 49

Session 7. Mothers 55

Session 8. Mother Myths 59

Session 9. Fathers 63

Session 10. Understanding Abuse and Trauma 67

Session 11. Interpersonal Violence 79

Session 12. Creating Supportive and Loving Relationships 91

Yoga Module B: Feminine Warrior Sequence 107

Module C: Sexuality 113

Session 13. Sexuality and Addiction 115

Session 14. Body Image 127

Session 15. Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation 135

Session 16. Challenges to Healthy Sexuality 145

Session 17. Healthy Sexuality 155

Yoga Module C: Essential Oil Embrace into Awesome Arms/Goddess Pose 167

Module D: Spirituality 171

Session 18. What Is Spirituality? 173

Session 19. Mindfulness, Prayer, and Meditation 179

Session 20. Creating a Vision 185

Yoga Module D: Blessing Body, Mind and Spirit 193

Appendix 1. Additional Recovery Resources 197

Appendix 2. Redefining Gender 203

Feedback Form 207