Support Groups
A Safe Place To Talk
Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. Sexual Assault Center is currently offering two support groups, all of which are free and confidential. Support groups are a great way to connect with other survivors and those affected by sexual assault. In our support groups, you can share experiences, engage in discussions, and receive support in a safe, facilitated setting. All of our groups are mixed-gender, and support group attendees are welcome to share as much or as little as they want. All support groups are free and confidential. To learn more about a support group, please call our hotline at 843-745-0144.
Art Therapy Session
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Art therapy effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. See below for upcoming session dates:
- Nov. 30
- Dec. 14
- Jan. 4
- Jan. 18
- Feb. 1
- Feb. 15
- Feb. 29
- March 14
Empowerment and Resilience Support Group
Location: Contact our advocate Jackie
Every Thursday from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
- This group runs for 6 consecutive weeks.
- To maintain consistency within the group, I will not accept new clients once the first week starts.
- Clients are asked to turn off their camera and mute themselves BEFORE joining the group. Clients will have the chance to turn on their cameras and unmute themselves after I conclude the topic discussion.
- Each week I will be introducing a new topic which will be followed by a facilitated group discussion.
- Each topic aims to inform and educate its members about the benefits of each topic and how it can potentially help redirect negative thoughts or patterns into something positive.
Disclaimer: Due to the sensitivity of the topics that are discussed during the support group sessions, the facilitator will pre-screen potential clients before enrolling them into the support group and will determine if they are a good fit. If they are not, the facilitator will provide appropriate referrals.
*Note: This is a peer lead support group; this is not a therapy-based group. If you wish to seek therapy services, I can speak with you and provide more information about therapy services.
Self Care Tips for Secondary Survivors
Seek help from a professional. They can help you understand your feelings and come up with solutions moving forward. Many secondary survivors benefits from therapy.
Encourage the primary survivor to seek professional help. To promote healing, help the primary survivor establish healthy coping mechanisms that they can use with or without you.
Clearly communicate your needs and wishes to the primary survivor. Focus on their healing as well as your healing. Listen without judging, and accept each other’s feelings.
Recognize that what you are feeling is normal. You have been through a trauma, even though you were not directly involved. Your feelings are valid!
The traumatic effects of sexual assault can last a lifetime for both the primary and the secondary survivor. Don’t expect to snap out of it; give yourself the time you need to heal!