Customer Reviews

A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps

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3 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

For over 70 years 12 step programs have proved to be a highly successful means for recovery from a wide range of issues. But all 12 step programs are based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization founded by men for men. Women have traditionally had difficulty fitting these steps into a recovery program that they can be comfortable with.

Stephanie Covington, Ph.D. addresses the difficulties women have with the traditional, male oriented, step language. Rather than alter the traditional 12 steps she focuses on the healing message in the 12 steps using the original step language, making them accessible to women from a wide range of backgrounds. Each step is explored and the various issues and reservations women have with the 12 steps are addressed utilizing the experiences of women in recovery and how they came to terms with the difficulties that women often experience with the traditional 12 steps. Although the main thrust of the book is addiction she carries over the ideas of the addictions based programs and looks at the experience of women in such areas as relationships, sexuality, spirituality and everyday life.

A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps is a comprehensive resource for women in recovery no matter what 12 step program they participate in. It is the rare woman that won't see herself somewhere in it's pages and come away with something that can enhance her recovery.

I really like this book, as a formal reference used with sponsees, and as a refresher / breath of fresh air for my own program. The official literature of AA is often difficult for newcomers who have survived sexual trauma, don't read at all well, or have been badly hurt by a mainstream religion. This book works well in conjunction with the official literature to address all three of those concerns. It's readable, in plain English, and deftly sums up a wide range of current approaches to the steps. Not perfect, but a major improvement!

Clearly written and with a real understanding of female approach to a 12 step program, this book is useful for women in recovery. I think it also has something to say to those who are seeking an approach to deal with other issues, such as emotional or anxiety disorders, etc. In any case, it expands on the basic themes of the program and helps expand their meaning to fit the different viewpoint many women bring to the process. I liked the compassionate tone; the forgiving and self-accepting meaning of the original message is only amplified in the author's discussions of the steps. It makes you feel as if you have another ally in your work. Well worth reading, and I'd even say it has something to say to you even if you are not in a recovery program.

This book and the workbook effectively speak to the unique experience of women with addictions, and offer strong insights and guidance to aid women in recovery that go beyond what the 12 & 12 offers. Of all the literature I've used both as a participant and moderator/leader of step groups over 21 years, this is by far the best for women.

I like this book. Being in a 12 step program for over 20 years I the woman's perspective given in this book is a breath of fresh air.

This is a well written and thought provoking addition to my resource library. I don't find it heavy handed in it's message about there being a 'woman's way' with the 12 Steps. Quite the opposite; the book presents subtle information culled from thorough research.

The language of the 12Steps, writen over 70 years ago, primarily for male alcoholics is a tried and true series of 'suggestions' that have seen many men and women find sobriety and a better way of life. A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps is very faithful to the 12 Steps as written in the Big Book but 'plumps out' the language in a way that is helpful and speaks to the spiritual and emotional needs of women. We have used this book in several groups and found the content to be so rich that we have to often take the Steps in two or three sessions. Its a gift!

This is a great book. Consistent with the "Big Book" of AA but without much of the dogma, he this and he that, dated language and acknowledges that woman are socialized differently, conditioned differently and may have to approach rigorous honesty from a different tact.

This workbook is a great accompaniment to the original. Gently provocative in its mission to guide recovering women through the 12 steps. A good investment for anyone doing step work.

This is an excellent book! I have recommended to several friends how also love it. Women and relate to this book very easily. It is a bit feminist at times and occassionally critical of the Big Book/Twelve and Twelve, but I have learned to take what I need and leave the rest. I would definitely recommend it, but I can't agree with any negative comments about the Big Book or Twelve and Twelve. They are the foundations of AA.