HEALING MEDICAL TRAUMA: A 6-week Group for LGBTQIA+ People

TUESDAYS at 6:00 PM - START DATE IS TBD

As many as one in four adults may suffer from PTSD-like symptoms caused by negative medical or mental health experiences. Many people experiencing these symptoms display self-destructive behaviors around healthcare (like avoidance and denial) as well as other classic symptoms of trauma, like agitation, irritability, and hypervigilance. We may feel isolated from our loved ones who have never shared these experiences. In particular, LGBTQIA+ people are at a higher risk for certain other types of trauma, which predisposes us to experiencing amplified post-traumatic stress following  negative interactions with medical or mental healthcare systems.

Many survivors of medical trauma have difficulty naming and processing the changes medical trauma has affected our lives and worldviews; once we're able to understand and acknowledge this impact, we can begin allowing ourselves to experience post-traumatic growth.

Important details about HEALING MEDICAL TRAUMA: This group is open to anyone over the age of 21 who lives in the United States and will be capped at 12 participants; please register early. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, the group will be closed following the first session. In order to encourage group cohesion, all members are asked to attend all six groups. The full cost of this group is $489 for 6 sessions. Attune & Embody offers a sliding scale; please contact us for further information.

HEALING MEDICAL TRAUMA will be facilitated by Karalyn Violeta, LCSW. Karalyn has presented on this topic to both mental health providers and members of trans and LGBQIA+ communities at USPATH, ICP's Trans Mental Health Symposium, and the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference. Meetings will take place weekly via Zoom at 6:00 EST on Tuesdays. The start date is TBD; please email Karalyn directly for more information.

STRONGER TOGETHER: Support for Parents of Trans and NB Young People

WEDNESDAYS IN NOV & DEC at 6:15 PM

GROUP MEETS ON: 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21

As parents, we want nothing more for our children than to live happy, authentic lives. When our child comes out as trans or nonbinary, we may experience a range of emotions and have many questions.

Whether your child recently came out or wishes to take steps to pursue gender-affirming medical care, this group will help you build knowledge and a sense of community with other parents and caretakers. There will be structured time for education, Q&A with facilitators, socialization, and thoughtful reflection.

During group sessions, we will address issues such as:

  • Understanding or expanding definitions of gender

  • The impact of culture on our experiential understanding of gender

  • What to say when a child comes out 

  • Sharing information related to gender-affirming medical care

  • Coping with isolation from friends, family, and peers who may not understand or agree with our parenting decisions

  • Reflecting on how our relationships with our children may change

  • Navigating local and national resources and accessing care

This group will be facilitated by Candice Comisi and will take place via Zoom on Wednesday evenings in November. Please email Candice for more information or to register!

GROWING TOGETHER: a Support Group for Partners of Trans and NB People

WEDNESDAYS IN FEB & MARCH at 6:15 PM

GROUP MEETS ON: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, ⅜, 3/15, 3/22

We often celebrate life's major milestones with the ones we love. When our loved one decides to take the important step of coming out as transgender and planning their social and/or medical transition, what does that mean for our own identity and sense of self?

While we may want to support our trans loved one, partners are also in need and deserving of support; often, partners feel isolated from their communities and even feel guilty or selfish about having their own needs. We may feel isolated from our communities or feel invisible. This weekly group will provide space for partners to process their own experiences.

This group will be facilitated by Candice Comisi and will begin in February; the days and times are TBD. Please email Candice for more information or to register!


The Parents and Partners of Trans & Non-binary People Need Support, Too!

This fall and spring, we'll be offering two Zoom groups on Thursdays at 6:15pm; Stronger Together, for the parents of trans and non-binary young people (October 8, 15, 22 & 29), and Growing Together, for the partners of trans/nb adults (Nov 5, 12, 19 & Dec 3rd). 

Has your loved one recently come out to you or are they considering coming out to friends, family, classmates, or co-workers?  Perhaps your loved one is contemplating social or medical transition and you have some questions or concerns of your own. It's common to experience worry about their safety and well being, or even a sense of grief over how your relationship may change as your loved one transitions. Resources can be scarce for partners and families; as facilitators, we hold space for you to be able to process thoughts and feelings so you can support your loved one while also caring for yourself.

If any of the above scenarios resonate with your current experience, one of our support groups may be for you! Karalyn Violeta (LCSW) and Dr. Ronica Mukerjee (DNP, FNP) will facilitate info sessions and discussions so you can get the answers and knowledge you need from your peers and from a behavioral health and medical professional. Click the flyer below for more information and contact us with any questions. We hope to meet you and welcome you into our community soon!