Women of Color Connection Group

What is the Women of Color Connection Group?

It is a process and support group for cis and trans women of color to explore, share, and learn how their multiple identities impact their personal and interpersonal experiences. Members have the autonomy to choose topics that will be the most helpful and empowering for them. This can include cultural identity, family dynamics, gender roles, life stress, romantic relationships, friendships, social justice concerns, and mental health and well-being.
With the various identity markers that women of color hold, it often places us in positions of less power and privilege, and more vulnerable to oppression and marginalization. The cultural environments and contexts that we are living/have grown up in may stigmatize mental health and caring for our overall well-being. WCC Group is intended to be a place to foster community rooted in celebrating our unity in diversity and journeying together toward collective healing and liberation.

What are the expectations of a group member?

The group will begin with check-in to assess how everyone is doing and the needs of individual members and group as a whole. From there, it is an open space for processing, supporting, and connecting. As women of color, we are often not given the opportunity to consider and tend to our own needs. Each individual member has the autonomy to choose how much/little they would like to engage on a weekly basis to honor their needs. It is also understandable that it takes time to build trust to share and open up. Although there may be more benefit from sharing, your timeline and amount of engagement is honored. Your commitment to show up and your presence in group is valuable.

What if I’ve never done group therapy?

You are welcome here, and it is understandable and normal if you are nervous or hesitant. Group therapy is a place where you can share your stories safely, build awareness of areas that may hold shame or hurt, celebrate aspects of your culture and uniqueness, and be validated to show up compassionately as your full self. Group therapy can be valuable in providing some aspects that individual therapy cannot such as learning from different perspectives, connecting with others of similar experiences, and receiving support/validation within community.

What if I’m in individual therapy too?

That’s wonderful and we’re glad you’re using various resources to care for yourself. Although some people have an individual therapist while doing group therapy, it is not necessary or a requirement. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to connect.