Group Therapy With Homeless Women

Women's groups are a treatment of choice for homeless women who have been abused, used substances, have mental health concerns, and have suffered traumatic events that have ruptured their attachments. Women in dialogue can learn to see themselves reflected, find each other's strengths, and make advances in empathy, which can alter relational abilities. Their experiences of sharing similar traumatic events in a safe and containing environment can increase a sense of belonging. Psychoeducation and advocacy can further foster knowledge and self-empowerment. Leadership issues are important as the leader must create safety and serve as a model, but may also be used as a object of displacement for disavowed negative feelings among group members.