Virtual Support Group for Black Women
who
Women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences who navigate the world as Black. Must be physically in the state of Texas.
what
A safe and empowering virtual space for Black women to come together, share their stories, and engage in therapeutic discussions.
why
The group aims to foster healing, personal growth, community, and empowerment by offering a space for shared experiences, empathy, and understanding.
when
Every Thursday at 6 pm
Virtually via Client Portal
Members commit, renew, and pay on a monthly basis
"Like Happy Hour...Without the Drinks"
We all can win.
But we must win together.
Hey, sis! I am a licensed therapist who has been facilitating the Sisters in Solidarity (SIS) group since 2018. Before and beyond that, I am a Black woman passionate about co-creating healing spaces for other Black women.
I am excited to support the newest iteration of the group, oaSIS, a group running since December 2023 that was created by and is facilitated by interns I have the pleasure of supervising. They share my passion for holding sacred spaces for other Black women and are committed to showing up weekly for those who can benefit connecting with other Black women.
This is where self-care meets community-care.
Facilitator(s)
"Healing Through Sisterhood"
SAMPLE TOPICS
oaSIS is a new “spin-off” group of the Sisters in Solidarity (SIS) group that has been offered since 2018. The SIS group will continue to be offered as 10-week course while oaSIS is an open support group not confined to 10 weeks. Themes will be chosen by the month based on the needs of participants.
Stuck Like Glue: Attachment Styles
A four- to five-week study on how your childhood impacts your adult relationships and how you can begin to heal old wounds and create better habits in your current relationships (dating, friendships, marriage, etc.)
Black Girl Magic
A four- to five-week study on discovering, exploring, and embracing your passions, gifts, and the things that bring you joy. Create a vision for your best life and develop a plan to help you realize that dream.
UPCOMING COHORTS
All groups since summer 2020 have been offered virtually. We hope to offer at least one in-person option in Dallas in 2025
oaSIS Support Group
Thursdays 6 pm to 7:30pm CST
$25/session paid monthly
This is an ongoing support group, limited to 8 participants.
New members who complete intakes generally begin the first THURSDAY of each month.
Must complete intake at least 3 days prior, so schedule accordingly
Sisters in Solidarity Class
10-week class and group on Black women’s mental health and how to build community.
Tuesdays 6:30 pm to 7:50
Next course: February 2024
SIS in Solitude
10-week self-guided course on Black women’s mental health and how to build community.
*Recommended to do with at least one friend.
30-minute Intake Session
Complete the Interest Form to request an intake.
Be sure to pay attention to your email and phone. We will reach out to schedule your intake.
The intake is $25. If you participate, this will be applied to the total cost of the group for your first month.
Paperwork and Payment
After attending the intake, you can commit to the group by signing the group agreement in the client portal.
Then, you will make a payment for your first month in the group through the client portal by the specified deadline.
Payment information is below.
The Journey Begins!
After signing the group agreement and making the payment, you will receive a welcome email with any information you will need for participation.
If you don't already have one, we recommend a journal to help you process the experience.
You can renew your membership the last session of each month.
feedback from previous participants
I didn't realize so many other Black women felt like I do. It felt good to leave a space where I'm the only Black woman to sit and talk with people who get it.
I was so nervous our first session. I was like 'I gotta do this for ten weeks?!' By week eight, I was so sad we only had two sessions left! I'm so glad I did this and for the first time, I can really say I have experienced sisterhood.
I don't think I probably would have met most of the other women in real life and now [after the group] I'm looking forward to brunch with these ladies!
This was so well organized and you can tell how much passion is put into the group. I looked forward to every Wednesday! It helped me get through the week.
This is unsolicited feedback members consented to have shared anonymously with future cohorts.
Choose Your package
To increase access to services and to support our counselor interns in completing their degree requirements, we offer packages to help new clients participate in group and individual therapy.
Prices below are per month. $25 Intake Fee will be applied as credit to the cost of your first month. if you participate. Payment for the coming month is due one week before the first session each month (e.g., payment for a November package is due the last Tuesday of October).
Current Chill Clients
$0
$100
If you currently see a therapist weekly or biweekly at Chill Counseling, you can participate at no cost.
Group Sessions (4) at $25 each
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any Black woman (18+) can participate. We find that most participants tend to be in the 25 to 45 age range. If this sounds like the group for you but you fall outside this range, we encourage you to meet with us for an intake.
Despite being virtual, participants must also be physically in the state of Texas for all sessions.
Can I try it out first?
This group is a monthly commitment. The initial intake is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have to the facilitator. Mutual support is an important aspect of the group and consistency in attendance helps promote this.
That said, you can discontinue attending sessions at any time. However, you agree to the financial commitment for the full month. Payments are final, and we will not refund money for sessions not attended nor roll them over to the next month.
Can I choose which sessions to attend?
We expect that, barring an emergency, all members attend the sessions for the month(s) they commit to. The group is a monthly commitment and its effectiveness depends on the group dynamic and mutual support. This means that members are there to give as well as to receive. While a session topic may not be particularly relevant to you, your perspective can be beneficial to others in the group. Members are surveyed about their interests in each topic prior to starting so that the curriculum can be adjusted if necessary.
Can I do this instead of individual counseling?
Group counseling is not a replacement for individual counseling. However, you may experience some similar benefits. You may find that some group topics unearth some areas for further exploration for you. If you do not have an individual counselor currently to help you process more deeply and thoroughly than the group can provide, we can discuss your options. We offer packages (discounted individual sessions) to clients who participate in both group and individual counseling with the facilitators or other clinicians at Chill Counseling concurrently. If no one on our team is a good fit for that part of your journey, we are more than happy to connect you with someone in our network beyond our practice.
What topics are discussed?
Among others, we discuss racial trauma and other concepts relating to Black women’s mental health, generational cycles, relationships, sisterhood, career woes, body image, vulnerability, and more. Members are surveyed about topics prior to the start of the group so that curriculum can be adjusted if necessary.
Is it confidential?
As the therapists and facilitators, we will uphold my ethics to keep everything shared in the group confidential. While members do not have the same professional obligations, the group depends on mutual trust and respect of each other and each other’s privacy. In five years, we have not become aware of a breach of confidentiality, but any such breach will result in automatic dismissal for a group member.
Can my friend join with me?
Yes. However, we expect that your participation will foster the sense of safety and trust required for this group. This means that what happens in the group stays in the group (you and your friend discussing group with each other outside of the group space is a violation of this). If you are interested in healing opportunities within friendship groups, please contact us to discuss your options. We would love to help create an experience for you and your friends!
Will my intersectional identities be affirmed?
Yes. While we cannot prevent all possible biases, blindspots, or potentially harmful perspectives that other group members may have, we are clear in the intake that this group is inclusive to all Black women. We want to also stress that we will all hold each other mutually accountable for providing a safe space to each other. It is and must be a space that disallows perspectives that uphold the oppression of any of us. (If you’re thinking “I love everyone, but I don’t know if I’m ‘woke’ enough for this group,” don’t worry! We are ALL learning and unlearning and growing and connecting in this space and part of the safety is creating a culture of support and not shame.
Can I join if I'm nervous or a reserved person ?
Absolutely– we will meet you where you are. We also invite you to challenge yourself and expand your comfort zone. We can process together (or you can do so alone in individual counseling) what may be stopping you from speaking up more.
Can I do the group if I've participated in the past ?
Yes! One reason oaSIS was created is so that those who have already completed the structured 10-week SIS group may still have a place for community and support. (No, you do not have to complete that group to attend.)
If I change my mind, can I be refunded?
All payments are non-refundable. Intake: Payment is due to confirm intake appointment and will not be refunded or transferred (if you need to reschedule with less than 24 hours notice, you will have to pay again). The intake fee will apply to the total cost of your first month. Monthly Fee: If you have paid and have to cancel before the due date and we are able to secure someone else to take your spot, we will refund 90% of the monthly fee (aside from the intake.)
Ready to Get Started?
Click the button below to fill out the intake form to get scheduled for your one-on-one intake assessment with one of the group facilitators.
The intake assessment is designed to support the oaSIS group before it begins and lay the foundation for our sacred space. During the intake, we will begin building our therapeutic relationship (especially if you are also signing up for individual sessions), identify your therapeutic goals, and ensure that the virtual group meeting space is the best platform fit for you to meet those goals.
If it is determined that the group will not be the most suitable option for meeting your needs, we will assist you in finding a mental health provider or resource better aligned to meet your specific needs.