HEAL Support Group

Weekly support for undergraduate and graduate student survivors of sexual violence

Facilitated by: Johanna Malaga, PsyD

  • HEAL Groups are created for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who have been directly impacted by sexual violence. Led by Johanna Malaga, PsyD who has been facilitating HEAL support groups since 2012, each group offers a space where survivors can connect with one another and build a support network of peers who understand the dual challenge of managing academic demands while carrying the weight of trauma.

    HEAL Groups focus on present-day coping, connection, resilience, and recovery within the context of student life. Participants are never required to share details of their traumatic experiences, and discussions are guided with attention to safety, choice, and individual readiness.

    Topics can include but are not limited to:

    • Managing everyday life after experiencing trauma

    • Rebuilding trust, safety, and relationships

    • Exploring identity, self-esteem, and self-worth

    • Understanding emotional and physical effects of trauma

    • Navigating relationships and decisions about disclosure

    • Learning and practicing coping skills to build resilience

    • Managing academic challenges

    • Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

    HEAL Groups take place once a week for 75 minutes.

  • A screening appointment with the group facilitator is required before joining. This meeting helps us understand what you’re hoping to gain from the group and ensures that a HEAL Support Group is the right fit for your needs.

    Contact HEAL Psychotherapy Group to schedule a screening or for additional information.

HEAL Next Chapter

Weekly support for young adult survivors of sexual violence who are managing life and healing post graduation

Facilitated by: Johanna Malaga, PsyD

  • HEAL Next Chapter Groups are designed for recent graduates who have been directly impacted by sexual violence. Led by Johanna Malaga, PsyD, who has been facilitating HEAL support groups since 2012, each group offers a supportive space where survivors can connect with peers navigating the transition after college or graduate school while also carrying the impact of trauma.

    This stage of life often brings new responsibilities, shifting identities, and increased independence. HEAL Next Chapter provides a space to process these changes in the context of trauma recovery, while building meaningful connections with others who understand the complexity of this transition.

    Discussions focus on current experiences and the ways trauma shows up in day-to-day life, rather than on sharing or revisiting one’s full trauma story.

    Topics can include but are not limited to:

    • Navigating the transition from school to the workforce or other post-grad paths

    • Managing independence, responsibility, and life decisions after graduation

    • Understanding how trauma impacts daily functioning

    • Rebuilding trust, safety, and relationships in new environments

    • Exploring identity, purpose, and self-worth beyond academic roles

    • Navigating friendships, dating, and evolving social networks

    • Making decisions about disclosure in professional and personal settings

    • Learning and practicing coping skills to support resilience and stability

    • Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in work and personal life

    HEAL Next Chapter Groups take place once a week for 75 minutes.

  • A screening appointment with the group facilitator is required before joining. This meeting helps us understand what you’re hoping to gain from the group and ensures that a HEAL Group is the right fit for your needs.

    Contact HEAL Psychotherapy Group to schedule a screening or for additional information.