Voices: A Program of Self-Discovery and Empowerment for Girls and Young Women

Voices: A Program of Self-Discovery and Empowerment for Girls and Young Women (3rd Edition)

[Covington, S., Covington K. and Covington, M. (2004, rev. 2017 and 2026). Carson City, NV: Change Companies]

NEW EDITION AVAILABLE FALL 2026!

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.

This thoughtfully updated edition preserves the core strengths of the original curriculum while incorporating new content that reflects the realities facing girls and young women today. Participants explore identity, relationships, self-esteem, emotional well-being, and resilience through activities that foster self-awareness, healthy decision-making, and personal growth. New content addresses the influence of social media, while also incorporating the most current understanding of neuro- and gender diversity. These updates ensure the curriculum remains relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the experiences of today's youth, while continuing to provide a safe and supportive space for girls and young women to discover their strengths, develop healthy relationships, and find their voices.  It is used in many settings (e.g., outpatient and residential substance use disorder treatment, schools, juvenile justice, and private practice) and is particularly beneficial for those struggling with substance misuse and experiences of trauma.

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 website. 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.

Voices Lite  –  The Voices Lite facilitator guide is a shorter 12-session version of the Voices intervention.  Each session is one hour.  The cost of the Voices Lite facilitator guide is $75.00 plus shipping/handling and is print-on-demand.  The standard Voices workbook is used for group participants of the Voices Lite program.  For more information, please contact info@stephaniecovington.com.