“The solidarity of a group provides the strongest protection against terror and despair, and the strongest antidote to traumatic experience.”

-Judith Herman, MD

What are HEAL Groups?

HEAL Groups are weekly support groups for survivors of sexual violence who want to heal in community. Designed for undergraduate and graduate students, these groups are created for individuals who have been directly impacted by sexual assault. Led by a trained clinician or survivor advocate, each group offers a supportive, grounded space where survivors can connect with one another and build a support network of peers who understand the experiences of trauma survivors. Members of HEAL Groups face the dual challenge of managing academic demands while carrying the weight of trauma, and these weekly meetings provide room to talk about both day-to-day stressors and the broader experiences of trauma recovery. Through shared understanding and gentle guidance, HEAL Groups help counter feelings of isolation and disempowerment that often follow sexual assault. The meaningful connections that develop in group can become an important source of strength and a vital part of healing.

What can students expect to gain from a HEAL Group?

A better understanding of trauma and the healing process

New tools and coping strategies to help manage stress and emotions

A sense of connection and belonging with others who understand their experience

What kinds of topics are discussed in these groups?

HEAL group meetings are intentionally unstructured, meaning there is no set agenda. Each week, conversations naturally unfold around the challenges and successes members are experiencing in their daily lives. It’s important to note that HEAL Groups are not designed for detailed trauma processing. Instead, discussions focus on current struggles and the ways trauma impacts members in the present, rather than on sharing or revisiting one’s full trauma story. The aim is to provide a supportive, grounded space that prioritizes coping and connection.

Examples of themes discussed in meetings:

Managing everyday life after experiencing trauma

Rebuilding trust and safety

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 challenges at school or work

Finding connection and community with others who understand

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

Who is a good fit for HEAL Groups?

This group is well-suited for students seeking connection, community, and a space to feel less alone in the aftermath of sexual trauma. Participants should have enough stability and coping skills to manage daily life and not be in acute crisis currently.