Stephanie S. Covington 
A Woman’s Journal [PDF ebook] 
Helping Women Recover

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

Stephanie S. Covington, Ph.D., LCSW, is an internationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer and a pioneer in the field of women’s issues, trauma, addiction, and recovery. With more than thirty years of experience, she has developed an innovative, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed approach that results in effective services in public, private, and institutional settings. Her clients include the Betty Ford Treatment Center, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in Washington, D.C., the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional Service of Canada, the Ministries of Justice in England, Scotland and Switzerland, and numerous other treatment and correctional settings. She is the featured therapist on the Oprah Winfrey Network TV show Breaking Down the Bars and the coauthor of a three-year research project, Gender-Responsive Strategies: Research, Practice, and Guiding Principles for Women Offenders, for the National Institute of Corrections. She also has served as a consultant to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and was selected for the federal Advisory Committee for Women’s Services.
Educated at Columbia University and the Union Institute, Dr. Covington has conducted seminars for behavioral health professionals, community organizations, criminal justice professionals, and recovery groups in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Iceland, Brazil, and New Zealand. She has served on the faculties of the University of Southern California, San Diego State University, and the California School of Professional Psychology. She has published extensively, including ten gender-responsive, trauma-informed treatment curricula. Dr. Covington is a board-certified Diplomate of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Board of Sexology and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Psychological Association. She is based in La Jolla, California, where she is co-director of both the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender & Justice.