Get to know Support Group for Women.

Basic Information

• Fees Type: Paid
• City: Pune
• Facilitated By: A Mental Health Professional
• Languages: English, and Hindi
• Address: Online
• Meets: Every alternate Sunday
• Participant Limit: We are yet to have our first meet for this group - we are planning to have a maximum of 8 participants in the group
• Everyday Concerns

What is the group about?

"Women are the silent and steady protectors and providers of communities. Albeit that, existing as a woman means a lot of things to a lot of people. This is an open group space for women to come in, share, feel supported, and exchange resources & wisdom. In this support group, you can expect a consistent space facilitated by mental health professionals. We will be exploring themes of: power, hope, despair, rage, shame, responsibility, …"

What is your founding story?

"In our everyday psychotherapy practice (and well, life), we see the impact 'being a woman' in this system has on people's mental health. We wanted to create a space that is bigger than 1:1 therapy; a space where you feel supported, seen, and held by fellow women who go through life facing similar (sometimes different) challenges. We have always found strength after connecting with fellow women, and we wanted a space where others could …"

Who is your group for?

"This space is for all individuals who identify as a woman. In our Indian society there is a strong framework for how a woman should be and who 'a real woman' is. This image is often hurtful to many from a psychological, social, economical, and health perspective. We hope to explore the intricacies of having this identity. This support group is for people above 18 years of age."

How does one sign up? What’s the coordination process like?

"A dedicated google form that collects information of the participants. The google form has details regarding payment and the option to submit your payment screenshot to ensure the slot."

Walk us through the average format of your group session.

"* Opening ritual: a feelings check in one by one (tagging the next person) * Group agreements/Guidelines: regarding confidentiality, listening without interrupting * Check ins * A soft theme for todays session for example 'what does it mean to be a woman in Indian society today' * Open space to share related to unrelated to the prompt * Exploring feelings associations imagery * Closing ritual check ins"

What do you hope for participants in your group to take back with them after a session?

"a feeling of having been free to express themselves without judgment and a feeling of being supported by other women. The desi idea of ideal women or even an ideal feminist for that matter, is quite narrow (and flawed). It causes hurt to many and we hope to make this a space for free expression, growth, pause, and even leisure! We have often found that talking to fellow women holds immense power and not to feel preachy, but it feels...healing. we …"