Abstract

In this article five guidelines have been developed for use in counseling a chemically dependent woman. These guidelines have been developed using the perspectives of Belenky, Clinchy, Goldberger and Tarule (1986). I have taken the valuable contribution of Belenky et al. (1986), to expand our understanding of the psychological development of chemically dependent women in particular. The guidelines offer concepts focusing on a woman's self-esteem and develop a positive self-image. Using these guidelines, a mental health treatment provider can consciously create a therapeutic relationship in which a chemically dependent woman develops interpersonal skills and her own personal resources. There is a growing body of literature proposing enlightening theories of women's psychological development, but only a small body of literature focusing on the psychological development of chemically dependent women. However, these theoretical constructs confront the clinician with the perplexing question: "How do I apply these theories to my clinical practice?" Building on the model of Belenky et al. (1986), this article sets forth five guidelines to assist clinicians to put theory into practice. It is hoped that these guidelines and the clinical examples discussed will generate more woman-sensitive treatment models and guidelines, thereby increasing our ability to comprehend what chemically dependent women's voices are truly articulating about their experience of living.