FAQ

Are the materials evidence-based? In addition you will find research data on specifc programs in the research section of the website.

There are a variety of definitions of “evidence-based”, we use the following definition:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as the integration of the best available research and clinical expertise within the context of patient characteristics, culture, values, and preferences.
- American Psychological Association (APA) Presidential Task Force, 2005

All of Dr. Covington’s materials fall under this definition of evidence-based.

What is the difference between a facilitator guide and a workbook/journal?

The facilitator guide is designed for the person leading the group. It describes step-by-step instructions on how to conduct each session; it is similar to a lesson plan. It also contains specific information on the intended audience for the program, as well as special tips on program facilitation. It also includes:

  • Goals, activities, and supplies needed for each session
  • Scripted text for the facilitator's suggested language during each session
  • Background information for the facilitator on each session's topic
  • Suggested time for each activity is listed

The workbook/journal is designed for the person attending the group as a participant. It helps increase the understanding of the topics covered in a session and brings them to life with simple exercises and journaling activities for the participant. It also contains self-tests, checklists and other information that the participant can reference even after they have completed the program.

Does the gender of the facilitator leading groups matter?

We always recommend you have female facilitators running women’s groups, and male facilitators running men’s groups. Research shows that participants feel more comfortable sharing very personal information with a same sex facilitator. (This is particularly true for trauma survivors regardless of the sex of the abuser).

What are the requirements to be a facilitator?

People with a wide range of educational background are facilitating the program materials. Dr. Covington tries not to stipulate a specific level of education because often it is the personal qualities of the facilitator that make the most difference. We have had licensed professionals (masters and doctoral level) as well as addiction counselors, paraprofessionals, and peers provide facilitation. If the program materials are delivered to people with mental health issues, it’s a good idea for the facilitator to have some clinical expertise when facilitating. We recommend co-facilitation (and understand it is a luxury) as this helps with providing support when supervision is limited.

A list of common traits of a good facilitator include:

  • Trustworthy
  • Credible
  • Available
  • Reliable, consistent
  • Hopeful
  • Warm, compassionate
  • Emotionally mature
  • Energetic
  • Healthy boundaries, respects confidentiality
  • Committed to and interested in women’s issues
  • Multi-cultural sensitivity and responsiveness
  • Appropriate gender - a female should facilitate the all-female groups
  • If trauma survivor, she needs to feel confident that she is at a place in her own recovery that will allow for healthy and positive outcomes for herself and the women in the group.
  • Content expertise, if possible
  • Skills as a facilitator

I would like to duplicate your workbooks. Is it legal to do this?

Most of the programs have both a facilitator guide and a participant workbook. These materials can not be duplicated. However, there are materials you can duplicate after purchasing a "master copy" on a flash drive/CD-Rom. The materials you can duplicate are Healing Trauma+, Exploring Trauma+, Moving from Trauma-Informed to Trauma-Responsive handouts, and Becoming Trauma Informed.

What is the difference between the community version and the criminal justice version of Helping Men Recover and Helping Women Recover?

Both of these programs are based on the same theoretical foundation (Theories of Addiction, Trauma, and Psychological Development). However, the criminal justice versions include information about justice-involved people as well as the challenges of working in the criminal justice system. While many of the exercises are identical, the language acknowledges that people are in custodial settings. If you are working in community corrections, either version will work for you.

How do I order materials?

You may order materials via any of the following methods:

  • Credit cards are only accepted via our online bookstore. We are unable to take credit cards over the phone.
  • Complete our Book Order Form and mail along with your check/money order payable to “Covington Books” to the Resue, California address shown on the Book Order Form.
  • Complete our Book Order Form and submit to our office along with purchase order (obtained from your accounting department) to kim@stephaniecovington.com. We will process your order immediately and bill you under Net 30 terms.
  • Contact kim@stephaniecovington.com for international order shipping quote. Good guestimate for international shipping is about 25% of the cost of materials.

Where can I find the Table of Contents or a sample session of the materials?

The following are the Table of Contents available:

What materials are available in Spanish?

The following items are available in Spanish:

What materials are available in e-format?

The following programs/materials are available in e-format:

How do I get a quote for materials?

You may complete a Book Order form to calculate the cost of materials, including shipping and tax. You may also email kim@stephaniecovington.com for a personalized quote.

Do you have Assessment Tools or Fidelity Scales for the program materials?

Yes, you may find them here.

I need another copy of the What I Want My Words to Do to You DVD that comes with the Beyond Anger and Violence/Beyond Violence facilitator guide. Can I purchase just the DVD?

You may order the DVD directly from PBS here.