Core curriculum

A Friend's House offers women training on developing healthy relationships, managing emotions, handling anger, identifying lies we tell ourselves and exploring worldviews. Residents attend several therapeutic groups each day, and meet with a licensed therapist regularly.

Each woman must successfully progress through four stages before graduating. Women work through the core curriculum, and additional independent study topics based upon a woman’s individual needs. The length of time within each stage is individualized based on her effort to meet the goals and expectations of her current stage. However, some stages have specific time limitations.

Residents have the opportunity to complete psychological assessment with Dr. Tom Dettmer. Dr. Dettmer also leads regular group discussions and training about handling emotions in a healthy manner.