What to expect
Participants can expect a structured, trauma-informed environment where the 12-step framework is used as a flexible tool for empowerment rather than a rigid set of rules. Each session is designed to foster mutual respect, active listening, and the protection of individual autonomy. Members can anticipate finding a community of peers who offer validation and shared lived experience, helping to break the cycle of isolation that trauma often creates.
Short-term benefits may include enhanced emotional regulation, improved communication skills, and increased self-awareness. Members may begin to experience a sense of belonging and support from peers who understand their experiences.
Long-term benefits may encompass sustained improvements in emotional well-being, stronger interpersonal relationships, and a greater sense of personal agency. Participants may develop practical tools for nervous system regulation, boundary setting, and reclaiming their personal narrative.
The group aims to provide a safe container to practice vulnerability and develop communication skills, which are often impacted by traumatic experiences. It offers a spiritual or philosophical framework for recovery that is inclusive and non-dogmatic, allowing each person to define their own path to healing.
By joining, participants agree to uphold the principles of anonymity, confidentiality, and non-interference, ensuring that what is shared in the circle stays in the circle. In return, the group commits to providing a reliable, empowering, and compassionate atmosphere where every member is seen as the expert on their own life.
It is important to note that while the group provides a supportive environment, the therapeutic process involves emotional ups and downs. Progress may be gradual, and each individual's journey is unique. The group is not a space for "trauma dumping" or detailed graphic descriptions that might trigger other members; instead, it focuses on the current impact of trauma and the steps toward empowerment. Additionally, while deep connections are encouraged, the group is not a social club or dating platform, as maintaining clear, recovery-focused boundaries is vital for everyone’s safety.
