sisters in solidarity
This 10-week experience provides an opportunity for growth and support through the philosophy of SHEâ„¢ (sisterhood, healing, and education).Â
sisterhood
Participate in a community of mutual support with Black women from diverse backgrounds.
healing
Activities and strategies are rooted in research on us/by us & facilitator's professional experience with us. This is where education and sisterhood intersect.
education
Deepen your understanding of challenges we face as Black women historically and presently.
We all can win.
But we must win together.
Hey, sis! I am a licensed therapist who has been facilitating this group since 2018. Before and beyond that, I am a Black woman passionate about co-creating healing spaces for other Black women. I, too, navigate the many challenges we will be exploring together.Â
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This is where self-care meets community-care.
SAMPLE TOPICS
To help you get a sense of the group, below are some past session topics. Topics vary according to the needs of each cohort and general issues in the community at the time of the group.
Working While Black
This topic is often a group favorite. It explores various aspects of our work experience such as Black women navigate communication in environments in which we face microaggressions, discrimination, pay gaps, stereotypes (e.g., the “Angry Black Woman” trope) and much more.
Brown Skin Girl
This session explores how Eurocentric beauty standards inject racism, colorism, featurism, and fatphobia into our views of ourselves and other Black women. It also examines the way beauty conventions impact disparities in outcomes for women across health, justice, career, and more–disproportionately impacting Black women.
Co-Facilitators
UPCOMING COHORTS
Note from Cori: All groups since summer 2020 have been offered virtually. I definitely miss gathering in-person, but it has still been amazing to connect across the screen! We hope to offer in-person options in Dallas in Spring 2024.
*NEW: oaSIS*
Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:50 pm
$50/session paid monthly
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This is an ongoing support group.
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Begins July 5, 2023
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Sisters in Solidarity
10-week class on Black women’s mental health and how to build community.
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Tuesdays 6:30 pm to 7:50
Next course: September 5 – November 7Â
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$500 paid in two installments of $250
SIS in Solitude
10-week self-guided course on Black women’s mental health and how to build community.
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*Recommended to do with at least one friend.
30-minute Intake Session
Click "Sign Up" anywhere on this page and book a SIS Intake with Cori.
Be sure to pay attention to your email--a link will be sent to you to complete initial paperwork and the intake payment in the client portal.
Paperwork and Payment
After attending the intake, you can commit to the group by signing the group agreement in the portal.
Then, you will make a payment through the client portal by the specified deadline.
The Journey Begins!
You will receive a welcome email with any access information you will need for participation.
If you don't already have one, we recommend a journal to help you process the experience.
What previous members say
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 fee
The standard and discounted pricing are available always. The sponsored pricing is dependent on funding available. Since summer 2020, we have partnered with generous donors to decrease the cost of the group.Â
standard pricing
$455
Intake plus sessions at $40 each in two monthly payments
Intake Session - $55
Payment at session 1 - $200
Payment at session 5- $200
discounted pricing
$405
Intake plus sessions at $35 each in one discounted payment
Intake Session - $55
Payment at session 1 - $350
No other fees due
sponsored pricing
$55+
Intake plus session fee determined by member’s need & sponsorships available
Intake Session - $55
Payment at session 1 - as low as $0
No other fees due
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Who can participate?
Any woman (18+) who is and identifies as Black can participate.Â
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In the past, our members have ranged in age from 20 to 50 with most falling in the 25 to 40 age range. Despite being virtual, participants must also be physically in the state of Texas for all sessions.
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Can I try it out first?
The group is a 10-week commitment (or a 4-5 week commitment for the abridged groups). The initial intake is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. While participants often create genuine bonds that endure after the group, we support each other in a spirit of sisterhood.Â
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Technically, you can discontinue attending sessions at any time. However, you agree to the financial commitment for the full group. As indicated in the fees above, payment is due a week before the first session and only members who have paid may attend.
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Can I choose which sessions to attend?
The group is a 10-week commitment and its effectiveness depends on the group dynamic. 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. I offer discounts to clients who participate in both group and individual counseling with me (or another counselor at Chill Counseling) concurrently. If I am not the best fit for that part of your journey, I am more than happy to connect you with someone else within or outside the 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 therapist and facilitator, I 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 two years, I 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?
I love that you and your friend are committed to your healing. For this particular group, contact with other group members beyond the approved group platforms is not permitted until the 10 weeks have concluded (by the way, this is not a requirement for the oaSIS group!). However, I am thrilled to have observed that genuine friendships develop through the group and continue thereafter. If you are interested in healing opportunities within friendship groups, please contact me to discuss your options. I would love to help create an experience for you and your friends.Â
Will my intersectional identities be affirmed?
Yes.
While I cannot prevent all possible biases, blindspots, or potentially harmful perspectives that other group members may have, I am clear in the intake that this group is inclusive to all Black women. I 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.Â
Can I join if I'm nervous or a reserved person ?
Absolutely– we will meet you where you are. I 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 ?
If you participated in the past and found your way to this page, please reach out! I would love to hear from you. The group is currently for new members, but if there is enough interest, I would be happy to create a workshop or group for alumni!
If I change my mind, can I be refunded?
All payments are non-refundable. Payment is due to confirm intake appointment. However, if you have paid and have to cancel prior to the group starting and we are able to secure someone else to take your spot, we will refund 90% of the session fees (not the intake).
