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SOUTH PORTLAND

Healing Circle

for women who have survived trauma and traumatic loss

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You may find yourself on edge — anxious, depressed, panicky, or sometimes just numb. Shame, worthlessness, and emotional overwhelm can creep in, leaving you feeling hopeless or cut off from others.

For some, it shows up as chronic pain, headaches, or stomach distress; for others, as doubt and mistrust of people’s intentions. This is a hard way to live, and you know it.

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Healing Happens in Circles

Healing is possible. In Healing Circle, you’ll find skills, support, and a safe space to relate differently to past trauma and loss. Together we’ll gently forge new ways of caring for yourself when emotions surge, and open space for stories of courage, strength, and sweetness alongside the pain.

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Next Healing Circle starts July 14th, 2026

Tuesday 5:15p - 7p

Heart Stone Counseling ~ Carriage House

967 Broadway South Portland, ME

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Healing Circle

IN-PERSON SUPPORT AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP FOR WOMEN IN SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE

Each week, Healing Circle draws from Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma by Janina Fisher, Ph.D., which provides structure and guidance for our sessions. Alongside the workbook, we may incorporate poetry, gentle movement, or visualization, while leaving space for participants to share their successes, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Workbooks are available for $20 through Heart Stone or online.

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What to expect

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  • Healing Circle is offered in six week commitments. The groups are held on Tuesday evenings from 5:15pm- 7pm. The next Healing Circle starts July 14th, 2026.

  • Becky Anderson LCPC-C, LADC is the main facilitator of Healing Circle.

  • A variety of grounding and mindfulness skills are practiced in the group setting including using sensory anchors, Vergence technique, visualization, somatic approaches to connecting to the body.

  • The group is open to cis, queer, trans women who have experienced trauma and traumatic loss. The group runs with a number of participants between 4-8 people.

  • Healing Circle provides basic material needed every week. You are encouraged to purchase the workbook, Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma. Participants are also encouraged to have your own notebook.

Cost of Six Sessions

$135 x 2

Option 1: Two Installments

You will be charged 135.00 after you have been accepted into the group and 135 after the 3rd session.

Save $15

$255

Option 2: Pay in advance

You will be charged $255 after you have been accepted into the group.

spots are limited

♥

spots are limited ♥

Themes we cover

Relating to the symptoms differently

Many survivors blame themselves for “not being okay.” We explore how symptoms are often the body’s way of adapting, creating space for compassion instead of shame.

Activation and Triggers

We learn what it really means to be “triggered,” what’s happening in the body, and what helps in those moments of activation or shutdown.

Window of Tolerance

This model shows how the nervous system responds to stress and helps expand your capacity to tolerate distress without feeling overwhelmed.

Body Memories

Even without clear narratives, the body remembers trauma. We learn how these responses show up and begin to trust our intuition again.

Traumatic Attachment Patterns

Early attachment shapes how safe we feel with closeness or distance. We begin to notice these patterns and care for the younger parts of ourselves.

Regulating your Nervous System

Each group includes practices to restore balance so that grounding yourself in daily life feels more within reach.

Noticing Brain vs. Thinking Brain

Instead of being caught in past worries or future dread, we practice noticing present-moment experiences that are actually safe and steadying.

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Destructive Patterns of Coping

From addictions to self-destructive habits, we bring awareness to these cycles and explore safer ways of managing pain and survival.

Healing Circle is led by Becky Anderson, LCPC-c, LADC, who has long been drawn to the power of community. Beginning her career as a teacher and now as a therapist, Becky has seen that learning, healing, and growth happen most powerfully in connection with others. Prior to joining Heart Stone Counseling, Becky worked in residential treatment, where she facilitated daily clinical groups for individuals in the earliest stages of recovery. This included trauma-focused groups where participants gained insight into the impact of trauma on their lives. She also facilitated outpatient treatment groups for women with eating disorders. Becky brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her groups, creating spaces where participants feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow together.

Get Started

  • Inquire

    Fill out the form below. Or 207-613-2470. We will send you a questionnaire and schedule a time and date for your screening to be in the group.

  • Screening

    If you are new to Heart Stone, we schedule a 15 minute video consult with the group facilitator to determine good fit and answer questions you might have.

  • Register

    Once you are accepted into the group, you will pay the fee and we will send you a welcome letter and the start date for your group.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • We can accept HSA/ FSA, debit, credit and checks. We are not using insurance for groups.

  • Depending on where you are in your healing process, this group might not be a good fit for you if you are inclined towards certain types of self-harm or suicidal ideation when feeling emotionally activated. If you experience internal stimuli such as voices or hallucinations, this group won’t be a good fit. If you struggle to notice others’ emotional experience or group dynamics, individual therapy might be a better fit.

  • In registering, you are reserving one of the limited spots in the group. To get the most out of the group, you should plan to attend all six scheduled dates. We understand that things come up; however, we are unable to provide refunds for missed sessions.

  • The minimum number of participants is four and the maximum number is eight.

  • This is a personal decision. Some people are interested in spacing out (i.e., going from weekly to biweekly) individual therapy while participating in the group. Some people want to continue to do both. Some people take a pause of their individual sessions altogether while attending group.

Testimonials

  • Our Inner Circle gatherings are a sanctuary of healing and peace. It is a safe space to open your heart. The women in the circle have a common thread that connects us. I no longer felt alone carrying the shame and fear that consumed me. I was honestly afraid to begin this process and am very grateful I took the leap because I have been able to release so much pain-so much fear. I'm learning to live fully again.

  • Heading into the first meeting - I was terrified. Would I be judged? Would people take my pain seriously? The group aspect ended up being what brought me back for a second healing circle. The bond that was created with this group of women was what kept me going week after week. Their support and (quite frankly) validation was invaluable. For the first time in many years I didn't feel alone or ostracized. Take a leap of faith, I PROMISE you, you won't regret it.

  • Participating in the Women's Healing Circle for survivors of trauma has been a transformative experience. The shared experiences, the witnessing of our collective pain, and the insight and clarity that comes to light has given me hope for a future beyond the past that has so deeply impacted how I move through the world. I'm learning to carry my trauma with grace and honesty through this group experience. The shame no longer has a hold over me. — A.G. Winter 2025

  • Dear future member, I have been in women's therapy groups for two years now, and I can't imagine my life without it. These groups have been the source of the most valuable and meaningful growth I have ever experienced in my life so far. The parts that I love about it are that even if you are not the type of person to feel comfortable sharing the deepest and scariest parts of yourself with others, you can gain an authentic feeling of safety and experience true growth by simply witnessing others share. Of course it is important to contribute meaningfully in the group, because the group is only as meaningful as the members make it, but I have learned so much more about myself by witnessing the experiences of others. It is also invaluable to be placed in a room of people, of women, who have gone through some of the exact same experiences, happy or sad, that I have - something that I have never been able to find outside of group. Emily and the professionals that build this group are so knowledgeable about how to foster safety and community, and I genuinely think every woman on earth would benefit greatly from being a part of this group. I hope you are able to give it a shot, because I promise it will be something you'll thank yourself for for the rest of your life!