WOMEN'S GROUP
It is imperative that women feel safe when entering treatment.
Often, due to the trauma experienced in ongoing addiction, women tend to gravitate towards a gender specific evidence-based substance drug and alcohol abuse therapy program.
Our women’s program addresses the underlying trauma causing the distress in all aspects of life, and the root cause of the substance use disorder(SUD). The collaborative and mutual support of peers to process past trauma, and the various therapeutic approaches will empower the individual to make good choices in daily life.
Participants will learn the six principles that guide a trauma informed approach which includes:
1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and transparency
3. Peer support
4. Collaboration and mutuality
5. Empowerment and choice
6. Cultural, historical, gender issues
Our therapists are trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is a type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) that focuses on the psychosocial aspects of drug and alcohol substance abuse treatment. DBT has been found to be an effective therapeutic program in treating women with a co-morbid diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). DBT is implemented for those individuals who have difficulty regulating emotional reactions to specific situations. Their response is intensely disproportionate to the event, which can lead to questionable behavior.
Trauma has been identified as a main cause of this maladaptive behavior. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol becomes a primary coping skill which ultimately numbs the emotional state. By implementing DBT, it can address the root cause and individuals will not feel the need to use drugs and substances to suppress the emotional pain. Individuals learn a variety of coping skills to utilize in their everyday lives.
DBT is a strength-based support–oriented form of therapy. Individuals are able to identify their strengths and build upon them to become empowered and more confident in their daily lives. DBT is a type of CBT. This cognitive approach assists individuals to identify their negative thoughts and shift to positive ones. It is a collaborative approach with the therapist in individual sessions where the individual may be assigned homework and or role play to interact with others. The ability to have positive relationships and work with others is key in developing trust, good conflict resolution skills, and build ego strength to be an emotionally and physically health individual.