Exploring Shame, Love and Healing within Women’s Recovery: An Analysis of a Trauma Specific Intervention

This chapter evaluates the Griffin Programme, a trauma-specific intervention tailored to support women with sex-working histories in residential recovery settings. Qualitative data is presented from an evaluation of the programme, adding to an under-developed area of trauma theorising. Firstly, recent innovation within women’s recovery and rehabilitation is considered, to explore the role of trauma-informed practice and associated developments within the field. Secondly, the design of the Griffin Programme is discussed, in order to highlight examples of good practice when supporting women to recover from the long-term effects of sex working. The chapter then introduces the reader to three key emerging themes, ‘Relational Association: Healing, Shame and Intimacy’; ‘Implicit Knowing’ and ‘Nurturing, Love and Healing’. The findings of this research demonstrate the importance of developing love and meaningful connection when delivering trauma-specific programmes. Women who had taken part in the programme acknowledged the importance of sharing lived experiences in order to promote intimacy and powerful connections with others, during their healing and recovery. In addition, findings indicated that the above themes should be considered, in order to harness a transformative impact within the context of women’s healing, recovery and rehabilitation. Finally, the chapter concludes by outlining areas of future direction and aspects of good practice when working with women who have trauma histories associated with sex working.

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