Sexual abuse survivors may know that other people have experienced violence, but it is a very different feeling to be in a room with other people saying “I felt this,” or “I lived this,” and knowing that you are not alone in your healing.
SACHA offers closed groups for survivors who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Registration is ongoing, so if you are interested please call and chat with a counsellor. We will run a group as soon as we have enough people registered. This happens usually twice a year — in the spring and fall.
Closed group has the same members coming each week from beginning to end. This consistency helps folks to develop trust and safety in the group process. Group members know that they will see familiar faces each week.
Uncertainty is a worry for many new group members. Over the course of group many people surprise themselves when they felt comfortable sharing their feelings and their life experiences.
There is no expectation for you to share more than you are comfortable with. There is an expectation that you will participate in discussions but that can look very different for each person.
Each group looks different depending on the participants. Group members shape the experience and structure.
Some group topics may include:
- Healthy relationships
- Understanding the impacts of sexual violence
- Feelings
- What healing can mean?
- Coping
- Grief and loss
- Strengths
It is ok to have fears about group. You may find reasons that prevent you from wanting to join a SACHA group. We encourage you reach out and chat with a counsellor about your concerns. Meeting with a counsellor might help you feel more prepared, braver and see that you have something important to offer to the group.
If closed group sounds like something you are interested in, call SACHA to chat with a counsellor – 905.525.4573.