Join a Wings Support Group
Wings Support Groups can be a transformative part of the healing process for many adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their loved ones.
What are Wings Support Groups?
Wings Support Groups offer a safe space to connect with other adult survivors or other loved ones, and many group members report feeling understood and less alone for the first time in their lives.
Groups are peer-centered and therapist facilitated. That means group members take the lead on what topics to discuss based on what is relevant to their lives today. Masters’ level counselors serve as Facilitators to ensure safety, stability and structure.
Wings Support Groups are different than therapeutic groups and are not a replacement for individual therapy. We require all group members to first work with a trauma therapist for the initial stages of healing and to develop healthy coping skills. This ensures that group can be a healing experience for all.
What will we talk about in group?
Adult survivors and loved ones choose topics to discuss based on the Wings Survivors’ and Loved One’s Guide to Healing. Some topics include establishing healthy boundaries, accepting love, managing overwhelming feelings, and communication skills.
When and where do groups meet?
Most groups are held in the evenings 6:30-8:30pm M-T though some follow a different schedule. We have support groups that meet in-person along the Front Range of Colorado* as well as virtual groups open to anyone living in Colorado. If you live in another area, Wings can help you locate healing services where you live. (We are working to offer our support group program more widely in the future.)
*All groups are currently virtual due to COVID-19 and some groups will return to in-person in the future.
Who can join a group?
Wings Support Groups are for people who are age 18 and older who are survivors of sexual abuse before the age of 18. We also have groups for loved ones of adult survivors.
Many survivors find the safest environment for support when they share identity or experiences with those in the group. For this reason, our groups are designated in the following ways:
- Men
- Women
- LGBTQ+ (all gender)
- Loved Ones (all gender)
Am I ready for a Wings Support Group?
Survivors who are just beginning their healing journey or loved ones brand new to the issue may find a Wings Support Group overwhelming. Moving through the stages of recovery happens at a different pace for each person, and it’s okay if you are not yet ready for group.
Holding space for your own painful past and the issues of others can bring up a lot of emotions. You may want to discuss whether you are ready for a Wings support group with your individual therapist or with a Survivor Services Navigator at Wings.
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- Live in a safe environment that is stable and free from abuse
- Have worked with a trauma therapist for the initial stages of healing and are continuing to do so at a pace that supports your healing process
- Have time in your schedule to commit to regular, weekly attendance
- Able to use basic coping skills and self-care when difficult emotions arise
- Are substance-free when attending group and have no active substance abuse issues or are actively working a program for substance use recovery
- Are not experiencing thoughts of suicide or a recent attempt
That’s totally okay! If an adult survivor has not worked with an individual therapist or similar provider on the initial stages of trauma recovery, we suggest they start there. Preparing to be ready to join a Wings Support Group may be a goal to work on in therapy. This may include initial trauma work, learning coping skills, and developing healthy ways to take care of yourself.
Please know: We’ll be here when you are ready. In the meantime, Wings can help connect you to the right support for where you are right now.
You can work with your individual therapist to create a self-care plan as part of your prep work for coming to group. Self-care plans may include the following:
- Exercises that help you cope with strong emotions or triggers, like breathing or grounding skills
- Reframing negative self-talk
- Taking care of yourself in other ways like walking, yoga, reading a book, arts and crafts, or spending time with friends, family or pets
Wings also offers specialty groups for aspects of healing that may resonate with some adult survivors at various points in their healing journey. These include:
Writing group (monthly) For survivors who want to express themselves through writing.
Speak Out (10 week) This short-term group is for survivors who want to tell their stories publicly and craft them with other survivors in a facilitated group experience. At the culmination of the workshop, Wings hosts a Speak Out event where survivors can share their stories with guests of their choosing and the Wings community. Many survivors feel empowered in owning their own narratives and experience a turning point in their healing process through Speak Out.
How do I join a Wings Support Group?
The first step is contacting Wings for a 30-minute phone consultation to determine if a Wings Support Group is a good fit at this time. Our Survivor Services Navigator is here to talk you through whether you are ready to join now or as a future goal.
If you are not ready for group right now, Wings can connect you with other services.
Trust yourself and honor where you are in the healing journey. Take each step that feels helpful to you right now. This is how you walk your path of healing, with your own inner guide leading the way
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