Voices: A Program of Self-Discovery and Empowerment for Girls: Second Edition
[Covington, S., Covington K. and Covington, M. (2004, rev. 2017). Carson City, NV: Change Companies]
Voices was created to address the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women. It encourages them to seek and celebrate their “true selves” by providing a safe space, encouragement, structure, and the support they need to embrace their journeys of self-discovery. The program includes modules on self, connecting with others, healthy living, and the journey ahead. Today we are hearing more about girls and bullying, the pressures of social media, early puberty, gender exploration, human sex trafficking, and binge drinking. Texting, social media, and online or “in real life” (IRL) friends are part of the changes in girls’ social lives. These are some of the topics added to the 2nd edition. It is used in many settings (e.g., outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment, schools, juvenile justice, and private practice).
Voices is based on the realities of girls’ lives and the principles of gender responsivity; it is also grounded in theory, research, and clinical experience. The Voices curriculum advocates a strength-based approach and uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychoeducational, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, body-oriented, and expressive arts.
The facilitator’s guide includes background information about young women, gender-responsive principles, the theoretical foundation of the program, and trauma-sensitive yoga exercises. It provides information about running the eighteen group sessions that are the core of the program (the structure and content for each topic and activity), as well as a program overview and lists of materials needed for the sessions. The program materials also can be used to train staff members in working with girls.
The participant’s journal utilizes a research-based process called Interactive Journaling.® which is listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) website. The summary is available on the NREPP web site. In the context of girls’ lives, structured journaling provides an outlet for creativity, personal expression, exploration, and application of new concepts and skills.
- See more information on Voices.
- See the Voices Table of Contents.
For international shipments, please contact kim@stephaniecovington.com.
