Support Groups

Survivor Support Group

Do you want to connect with other trauma survivors?

The Haven’s Survivor Support Group is a social and educational support group for students who have experienced trauma, whether physical, sexual, or emotional. The purpose of this trauma support group is to build social and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of safety and resiliency, through connection and support with other trauma survivors. This is a closed group, meaning the same participants are in the group together over a series of weeks. This group will be held on campus and facilitated by graduate professionals in the Master's in Counseling program from the School of Education under the supervision of the Director of The Haven. 

Graduate Student Survivor Support Group

Do you want to connect with other graduate students?

This group is specifically for graduate students at William & Mary (in any graduate program and master's or PhD level). The Haven's Graduate Student Survivor Support Group is a social and educational support group for graduate students who have experienced trauma, whether physical, sexual, or emotional. The purpose of this trauma support group is to build social and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of safety and resiliency, through connection and support with other trauma survivors. This is a closed group, meaning the same participants are in the group together over a series of weeks. The group will consist of a blend of talk activities, supportive activities, group activities, and wellness activities. This group will be held on campus and facilitated by graduate professionals in the Master's in Counseling program from the School of Education under the supervision of the Director of The Haven.

To register for this group, please use this form. 

Relationships Support Group

Have you ever thought to yourself, "is this healthy?"

This is a group where students can talk about how to build skills to have healthy intimate-partner relationships. In this group, students will discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy partnerships, strategies to improve relationships, boundary setting, communication, and conflict resolution. This group is facilitated by graduate professionals in the Master's in Counseling program from the School of Education under the supervision of the Director of The Haven. 

Creative Arts Group

Healing and connection through creating art is a powerful tool.

The Haven, in collaboration with Health and Wellness, offers a Creative Arts Group specifically designed for students who have experienced trauma. This is a closed group, meaning that the same participants attend all sessions offered over the course of 6-10 weeks. The Haven offers one group each semester for up to six students per group. There is no obligation to share your story in the group and you do not need to have art experience to participate in the group. This group is facilitated by staff from William & Mary's Health and Wellness department. Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis and whether their schedule can accommodate the time the group is offered. A waiting list will be maintained if the groups fill up.

Rising Above

Recovery from Childhood Abuse

This confidential support group is for students who have experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse as a child. In this group, members will learn about how to build safety, support, coping skills, and resiliency. This is a closed group, meaning the same participants are in the group together over a series of weeks. This group is facilitated by graduate professionals in the Master's in Counseling program from the School of Education under the supervision of the Director of The Haven.

Trauma-Informed Yoga and Movement

The mind-body connection can serve as a healing resource.

This group will explore yoga and movement through trauma-informed practices. Group members will gain insight into the mind body connection, learn skills for coping with distress and triggers, and practice breathing and meditation techniques through a safe and welcoming environment. This group welcomes anyone who has experienced past trauma. This group is sponsored by The Haven and facilitated by staff from William & Mary's Health and Wellness department who are registered yoga teachers.

Healing from Harm Series

Relaxation, mindfulness, nature, compassion can bring joy.

This series is sponsored by The Haven and facilitated by staff from William & Mary's Health and Wellness department. Each workshop is specifically designed for students who have experienced past trauma. Workshops are facilitated by Martha Rouleau who has a background in teaching from a trauma-informed lens, which she weaves into her work. Martha believes that healing is accessible to all even in the smallest of moments with the smallest of steps. The series includes the following workshops.

• Reiki for Relaxation

• Mindfulness in Nature:  Connecting to Heal

• Mindfulness:  Skills to work with Anxiety

• Compassion: Skills for living with Ease

Trauma-Informed Self-Defense Series

A self-defense and wellness group.

This group is for any W&M student who wishes to learn physical self-defense techniques from a licensed SASS Go Instructor, as well as learn about the emotional benefits empowerment and body confidence. 

LGBTQ+ Relationships Support Group

Building interpersonal relationships.

This is a group where LGBTQ+ students can talk about how to build skills to have healthy interpersonal relationships with friends, partners, and family members. In this group, students will learn strategies to improve relationships, boundary setting, communication, and conflict resolution skills. This group is facilitated by graduate professionals in the Master's in Counseling program from the School of Education under the supervision of the Director of The Haven. 

To register for this group, please use this form.