About The Author

“In the day-to-day operation of a treatment program for adolescent girls, it is easy to focus on staying sober without looking at the teenager’s heart. As a consultant at such a program, I can remember being impressed about the way Rev. Loper’s ‘spirituality groups’ stuck to the ribs of the participants. She seemed to enable the opening of the heart and the soul of many of these young girls. Sobriety is one thing and healing may be another. ‘Spiritual groups’ tie the knot together, releasing strength and a self-reliance these girls didn’t know they had or misplaced as bullying and self-destructive behavior. Get the heart and the mind and body will follow, spirituality is a very powerful part of recovery that once embraced, is hard to leave behind.”
-Sheldon L. Rosenzweig, LPC, CCS
Tuscaloosa, AL

“The author speaks (or writes) compassionately from the heart in a very engaging way. The idea of a higher power could not be told in a better format. Clear, concise, and to the point. She speaks (or writes) with integrity to the twelve steps. This is a must read for anyone in recovery or the recovery field. Our residents gave her two thumbs up and hope that she returns to share more knowledge and wisdom.”
-Sarah Coleman
Wellness Director at the Foundry,
Steamboat Springs, CO

“I have personally and professionally interacted with Helene for over twenty years. Her creativity and expansive insights are therapeutically user friendly. Her group ideas stimulate personal growth and transformation.”
-Katie Reich, LCSW, BCD
Tuscaloosa, AL

Excellent ideas for therapy groups! Rev. Dr. Loper’s principles and methods are useful and applicable not only to those in substance use recovery, but also to anyone who has suffered from trauma and wants to learn healthier ways of thinking and communicating.
-Jackie Brodsky, Ph.D.
College of Communication and Information,
University of Kentucky

“Simple and straightforward.”
“Spoke about real stuff.”
“It was very helpful to discuss naming a God of MY understanding
and how it can look different.”
“This [totem activity] helped me to see myself as important in a group,
and now I can be more open-minded toward others who are different.”
“Wow! Now I understand why doing this [recovery] is so important to ME.”

A wife, mother, grandmother, pet lover and creative person, Helene is a dreamer of what could be. She has over thirty years of pastoral experience and using this creativity in liturgical resourcing, educational materials and facilitating interfaith dialogue. She began developing recovery spirituality groups for adolescents in residential treatment in 2010.