Bisexual+ Trauma Recovery Support Group

New series begins Monday February 12th! Online from 4:30 to 6 pm.

Bisexual+ people make up over half of the LGBTQ+ community but bi+ people are often excluded from accessing queer community and denied affirming mental health care due to social stigma and institutional obstacles.

It’s time we found solidarity and support.

Despite a long history of activism and care work, many of our cultural contributions have been erased and our identities questioned by people who don’t understand fluidity. I developed this group so bi+ folks could learn therapeutic skills to support trauma recovery, connect with people who can understand and validate our experiences, and celebrate our power and resilience.

This group is specifically designed to be affirming of fluid and multi-spectrum sexual identities, and is open to people of all genders who feel comfortable using a liberation psychology and queer feminist lens.

We’ll explore the unique challenges that bi+ folks face, such as navigating the complexities of attraction to multiple genders (and the ongoing pressure to “pick a side”), coping with biphobia or bi-erasure, and managing the impact of interpersonal and systemic trauma.

Bisexual Trauma Recovery Support Group Flyer Online in California

  • Open to people of all genders within the bisexual/pansexual+ umbrella (omnisexual, fluid, mspec, nonmonosexual queer, unlabeled, etc) recovering from traumatic experiences who are comfortable in a space that uses intersectional feminism to analyze systemic and interpersonal violence.

    Open to people 18 years and older in California.

    Your facilitator: Josephine Kelly (they/she) is a bi and nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with queer, trans, nonbinary, and other LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. They’ve facilitated trauma-informed groups for the past 7 years in domestic violence shelters, juvenile justice centers, schools, and in-patient rehab facilities.

  • Bisexual+ Trauma Recovery Support Group is a twice monthly therapeutic group combining education on trauma, peer support, somatic coping skills (mindfulness, yoga, movement) and expressive arts activities. Maximum 8 participants. Minimum 3.

  • Mondays 4:30 to 6 pm starting February 12th! We’ll meet every other week from February 12th to June 3rd (excluding May 6th) for 8 sessions.

    Dates:

    February 12th

    February 26th

    March 11th

    March 25th

    April 8th

    April 22nd

    May 20th

    June 3rd

  • Online, available to people currently residing in California. Hosted via a secure and private HIPAA compliant platform, Zoom for Healthcare.

  • Attendees can expect to:

    1) learn the basic science of trauma and the nervous system

    2) practice somatic coping skills for emotional regulation and managing trauma responses.

    3) use art and journaling as an integration tool

    4) connect with a community of people who understand the unique struggles of bisexual/pansexual+ folks

  • $80 per session. $640 for full series.

    2 spots available at reduced fee of $50 per session, available to people who could not afford to attend otherwise (with priority given to trans, BIPOC, and/or disabled folks who are working class, underemployed, or unemployed)

What are the benefits of group therapy?

I love facilitating groups for so many reasons. Not only does it give people a chance to bond over shared identities but groups also allow us to practice creating relationships built on respect, honest and direct communication, and emotional vulnerability. Some other key aspects of group therapy are:


1. Remembering You’re Not Alone: we’re living in a world that feels evermore isolating. Group therapy helps us realize they we’re not alone in our suffering. Sharing experiences and hearing others' stories can provide a profound sense of connection.


2. Support and Validation: group members can offer support, empathy, and validation to one another. Being in a bisexual group therapy space can feel so affirming and give such a sweet sense of feeling seen and accepted.


3. Diverse Perspectives: we’re a part of a beautifully diverse world, and bi+ folks have many intersecting identities. Exposure to people with different identities can broaden members' understanding of themselves and others, bringing increased empathy and compassion.


4. Social Skills: group therapy offers a safe environment to practice communication and conflict resolution skills. Members have the option to receive feedback and learn from others.


5. Cost-Effective: group therapy is often more affordable than individual therapy, making mental health support more accessible to a broader range of people. I also have two low fee spots open ($50 per group as opposed to $80) for people who need financial support to attend.


6. Normalization of Feelings: we all have feelings but we live in a culture that doesn’t support healthy processing of emotions. Witnessing others express similar emotions or struggles can normalize one's own experiences, reducing feelings of shame and self-judgment.


7. Peer Accountability: Group members often hold each other accountable for their goals and commitments, providing motivation and encouragement.


8. Long-Term Support Network: Group members sometimes form lasting connections and build a support network that extends beyond the therapy sessions, providing ongoing support and understanding.