For most men and women it is uncomfortable to initially open up and discuss issues in a group of their peers. This feeling can be compounded if the group is co-ed and if they are victims of crime that are sexual in nature. Many who are struggling with addiction turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with painful and embarrassing issues. They are issues that were never addressed in therapy. When the chemically dependent enters treatment, it is important that any issues be released into the open. This allows the patient to identify and move past their issues with persons who are going through the same thing. Because of this, most treatment facilities offer gender-specific group therapy options to combat any uncomfortable feelings found in a co-ed environment. Here at New Directions for Women, we take it one step farther and have exclusively served women since 1977. There are many advantages to being in a setting that serves women only.
A Set-Up for Success
These group therapy sessions are the key to many recovering dependent’s success. They are able to identify any issues that were bottled up inside for years. Both women and men that were victims of sexual abuse, understandably, have trouble opening up in a group setting. However, women only or men only groups are successful because of the gender specific setting. For patients, they report feelings of security. They feel that these groups are a safe environment of people who understand what they have gone through. Patients have identified that there is no longer any reason to keep secrets and releasing them takes a great weight off of their shoulders. The ability to speak freely releases them from the chains of shame and the cycle of chemical dependency. Groups such as these give counselors a chance to make patient observations and give recommendations on aftercare, continued care, or other programs, such as career training or anger management therapy.
Both men and women may avoid going to addiction centers out of fear of opening up to other people or showing up a certain way to members of the opposite sex. They should know that there is an alternative in gender-specific therapy. The answer to their trepidation is to look for centers that offer gender-specific options. In doing so, he or she can get the treatment they deserve in a safe environment. There are many treatment facilities across the country that have this option and it only takes a phone call to find the perfect match. New Directions for Women is a gender specific facility offering treatment to women, pregnant women, and women with children struggling with the disease of addiction. We acknowledge that the disease of addiction can be debilitating. We provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment to help heal those who are hurting. Drugs or alcohol only help cover up the pain; but know that you no longer have to be bound by the shackles of your past. Seek help today and allow us to walk with you along the path of lifelong recovery. Our caring admissions counselors are available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you may have on getting help. Reach us by phone at 800-93-WOMEN. We can help. Stay in the loop with New Directions for Women by connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
