IFS, lived experiences, polyvagal applications, therapy, Uncategorized

The power of a group (therapy)

aleksandrastaneva

Why I created (and named) my practice HORÓ [from my mother’s tongue – a dance usually in a circle ⭕️]?
Well, because of Community. I needed one but also because healing ❤️‍🩹 happens in a community, in a relationship, in a relational context-where one feels like they belong, they are safe, accepted, and appreciated.

Being part of a community is crucial in the journey of healing from trauma. Trauma, by its nature, can lead to a sense of isolation, but a supportive community provides a real sense of belonging, understanding, and shared experiences. This connection becomes invaluable in the recovery process, providing a space where individuals feel heard and validated.

In a safe and healing community, the exchange of compassion and support fosters resilience. Shared stories of triumph over adversity create a sense of hope and inspiration. In the embrace of understanding peers, survivors of trauma often find a safe haven where they can communicate without judgment. The collective strength of such a community can be a stabilizing force, empowering individuals to confront their trauma, break the silence, and work towards reclaiming their lives.

Moreover, a safe community plays a significant role in breaking down the stigma around trauma. By engaging in discussions and addressing the impact of trauma, it creates an environment that prioritizes education and awareness. This not only reduces the isolation felt by survivors but also encourages seeking professional help without concerns about judgment. In essence, the role of a safe community in healing from trauma extends beyond emotional support; it’s about creating a space for growth, understanding, and recovery.

If you’re on the path of healing from trauma, if you’re on the path of recovery, or simply if you’re a human – FIND YOUR TRIBE. Start small, join a group, a circle, a choir, a music festival, a knitting club, a mothers group, a photography class, a pottery workshop… anything anywhere that makes you feel SAFE.

Join a women circle ⭕️ and show up for yourself ❤️

The benefits of being part of a therapeutic community cannot be overstated. Here are some:

  • Shared Understanding: Group therapy provides a space where individuals with similar experiences can connect, fostering a shared understanding of challenges and emotions.
  • Validation and Empathy: Participants often find validation and empathy from others who have faced similar struggles, reducing feelings of isolation.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Group therapy exposes individuals to diverse perspectives and coping strategies, offering a range of approaches to managing and overcoming issues.
  • Social Support Network: Being part of a group creates a supportive network, reducing the sense of loneliness and providing a safety net during difficult times.
  • Learning Opportunities: Participants can learn from others’ experiences, gaining insights into different coping mechanisms and approaches to problem-solving.
  • Increased Self-Awareness: Group therapy encourages self-reflection as individuals share their stories and receive feedback, contributing to increased self-awareness.
  • Camaraderie and Connection: Building connections within the group can lead to a sense of camaraderie, promoting a feeling of belonging and shared growth.
  • Cost-Effective: Group therapy is often more cost-effective than individual therapy, making mental health support more accessible.
  • Normalization of Struggles: Hearing others discuss similar challenges helps normalize personal struggles, reducing stigma and enhancing self-acceptance.
  • Accountability: Group members may provide accountability, encouraging commitment to personal goals and self-improvement.
  • Skill Building: Group therapy offers opportunities to develop interpersonal skills, communication, and conflict resolution abilities in a supportive environment.
  • Long-Term Support: Establishing connections in group therapy can lead to long-term friendships and ongoing support beyond the formal sessions.

Find your TRIBE and THRIVE ⭕️

HORÓ Counselling is holding a 7-week Internal Family Systems Healing Circle for Women starting April 15 2024. Get in touch for details!

📧horoforwomen@gmail.com

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Published by aleksandrastaneva

Aleksandra She, who remembers. I work at the threshold, where psyche speaks in symbols, and the soul remembers. Rooted in Jungian depth psychology and Internal Family Systems, my work invites women and seekers into the quiet, often forgotten places within: the underworlds of grief, the wild terrain of desire, the sacred chambers of the inner child, inner mother, the Shadowlands, and Self. With a background in women’s heath research, in ritual, and in lived experience spaces, I do not offer diagnosis or treatment, I offer devotion to the unfolding Self. On the threshold of becoming- where we always are. Through dreams, parts work, myth, and the body, I walk beside those ready to meet themselves fully, fiercely, and tenderly. This is not fast work. It is sacred work. It is not about fixing, it is about remembering. I do not promise certainty. I promise presence, and a deep trust in the wisdom already within you. My work is rooted in the wild: in the seasons and the body, in the wisdom of the land, and in the deep ecology of the soul. I honour the personal as political, and the psychological as inseparable from the cultural. Feminism, ecopsychology, and embodied awareness are not add-ons here, they are the soil this work grows from. I offer one-on-one soulwork sessions, women’s circles, and immersive psychoeducational experiences that weave together depth psychology, parts work, and embodiment. Some of this work unfolds indoors, some in wild places—always with reverence for the wisdom of nature, the nervous system, and the feminine psyche. Welcome to the HORÓ nest. I think you might just be ready to re-member your Self.

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