Human beings are social beings and thus we have this innate need to belong. This is exactly what a support group aims to create. A sense of community and belongingness. It is a space facilitated by professionals to address a specific mental health concern or disorder. Individuals who have shared experiences participate in the support group. This coming together to share certain difficult experiences that are not otherwise openly spoken about gives an opportunity to gain wisdom and knowledge from other group members, learn and try new coping strategies, look at life from a different lens, and find a hopeful outlook towards life.
It is but natural to feel anxious about joining a support group as it demands a certain level of vulnerability. Being vulnerable takes courage. However, vulnerability is also liberating in many ways especially when it is respected on the receiving end. The facilitators in the group will ensure that every participant is reminded to be mindful of their fellow group members’ courage. Each session is structured around reflection, feelings and the self. The information shared within the group will be kept confidential.
The September Circle of Support, is an initiative started by Richelle Brito Carvalho, a Counselling Psychologist practising in Goa and Dr. Denise Rodrigues, a practitioner of Homeopathy and a Guidance Counsellor. This September, the theme is – Exploring The Aftermath of a Break- up. The group will gather every Thursday in the month of September. The meeting will be held virtually via Google Meet. The group has a restricted age limit, 20- 40 years to ensure that the group dynamics doesn’t get affected.
Why join a support group?
It is well documented that receiving support while attempting to get over an ex partner can make a big difference in coping with the loss of a relationship. This is where a break- up support group can help!
Why talk about break ups?
In the Indian context, break- up is a taboo topic to discuss and it requires you to either get over it quickly or your experiences are minimised/ dismissed altogether. A break up can be a challenging event to endure. It can lead to feelings of depression, anger, guilt, shame and decreased self esteem and confidence. Research points out that the emotional pain of a break up (rejection) and physical pain have something in common- they both activate the same neural pathway in the brain. Thus, indicating that it does feel like being under a roller coaster!
How will the support group help?
Your well- being is important when going through a significant change, like a break- up. A support group ensures you remain in touch with yourself throughout this process. Many individuals resort to substance abuse, self- harm, indulge in rebounds, make reckless decisions with life or withdraw from all social contact, hoping to get over their ex immediately. This however, may not always be helpful. It is important that you take care of yourself during such a distressing period by talking about it to people that care about you, seeking therapy, reading self- help books, or joining a support group.
Who can join this support group?
This support group is for you if:
- You have recently got out of a relationship and you feel helpless navigating through this break up alone.
- You have been out of a relationship for a while, but you’re still feeling hopeless about engaging in future romantic relationships.
- You’ve experienced another break up and you’re curious to know why does this keep repeating itself?
- If you are currently undergoing a break- up and experiencing feelings of loneliness.
Bottling up emotions about what you are going through during a break up can be unhealthy even if it seems like the only choice you have. Even if you’re nervous to talk in front of your peers, sometimes sharing how the break up made you feel is more important than sharing details of a break up. Here is an opportunity to get curious about your feelings, share your story if that is what feels comfortable, seek new perspectives and coping strategies from those with lived experiences.
Healing your heart break in isolation can be a slow and painful journey but help is available and you can find support if you reach out!
Richelle and Dr. Denise understand that talking to a group might feel scary, especially if you haven’t been a part of support groups before. Therefore, they are opening the first session as a single session to explore the expectations, hesitation and resistance that comes from being part of a support group.
Register for the first session for just Rs. 700 only.
You can reach out to Richelle and Dr. Denise via Instagram if you have any further queries about the support group. Their Instagram handles are:
Richelle Brito Carvalho: @wholistic.connect.counselling
Dr. Denise Rodrigues: @evolvehomoeopathy
You can also message them via WhatsApp on the following numbers:
Richelle Brito Carvalho: 9767969405
Dr. Denise Rodrigues: 9769922070
