Health Trauma Support Group

“Someone . . . please listen to me!”

Our new Health Trauma Support Group has evolved due to the understanding that people need to share their story. In the face of serious physical and psychological threats we know that patients, families and caregivers feel alienated and alone and need to be empowered to be their own best advocate. Lingering feelings of helplessness, vulnerability and disappointment are possibly signs of PTSD and make life-changing decisions in the midst of a crisis extremely difficult.

We find that by providing a warm and accepting space to process a myriad of emotions, people begin to develop a proactive strategy that will help them move through these challenging experiences, deal with change, and find hope again.

Common themes that may be addressed:

  • Sharing your journey through illness, diagnosis, treatment and recovery
  • Feeling lost in the maze of treatment
  • Accepting physical change and dealing with body image: weight, scarring, and hair-loss . . .
  • Knowing that you have options and that it is important to find an advocate
  • Being entitled to be heard and valued by your doctors
  • Understanding your losses and being able to process your fears while you recover your strength and balance
  • Believing you still have the right to complain, receive treatment and feel acceptance—regardless of whether your pain and symptoms have been “officially” diagnosed
  • Giving voice to the Caregiver’s emotional experiences, such as; fear,loss, frustration, exhaustion, anger and sadness  
  • Recovering from financial loss and stress
  • Learning how to live again; find fun, romance and contentment

Our therapists recognize the trauma created by significant health and psychological issues, the fortitude it takes to rebound, and the need to find your “new normal.” We get it and have even been there too. Imagine being told by your doctor, over the phone, to bring Kleenex, a best friend and prepare for a 45 percent chance of survival. Or, that your pain and symptoms are imagined or unheard of and being told that you have “a deep seated psychological problem.” We invite you—the patient, caregiver or loved one to come share your story with us and connect with others who are interested in listening.