An incest survivors' therapy group

A weekly therapy group for women who have been incest victims and are residents of Odyssey House, a therapeutic community for drug abusers, is described. Women participating in the group have a significantly greater retention and graduation rate than other women in the program. The group reduces isolation; helps in dealing with denial; clarifies relations with children, other family members, and significant others; and facilitates dealing with incest-related guilt and shame. The impressive therapeutic progress of the incest survivors, which is attributable to the group, suggests the possible utility of such a group for other therapeutic communities and treatment programs.