ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how spiritually influenced group social work practice occurs and is perceived as helpful (or not) by group participants. It discusses some of the outcomes and challenges of a group work study funded by the Iris Addiction Recovery for Women (formerly called Northern Regional Recovery Continuum), a Canadian community agency that works with women and substance abuse. Overall, the participants reported that the group was helpful to them in increasing and further developing their self-esteem and self-awareness. For some the group was the missing link in their recovery. Mindfulness practice helped some women shift their self-perceptions; moreover, they learned that healing can be ‘fun’ and creative, and that creativity could help them build relationships with their children, others and themselves. Mindfulness is a good example of a helpful process that is rooted in spirituality but which can be learned by many people with both diverse spiritual beliefs or even no spiritual standpoints.
