Online Herpes Support Group for Women

If this feels like too much to carry on your own, you are not alone.

Receiving an HSV diagnosis can be one of the most painful moments of a woman’s life — not because of the virus itself, but because of stigma, misinformation, and the fear of judgement and rejection.

This small, trauma-informed support group offers a structured, confidential space to understand HSV, reduce shame, and build emotional resilience around disclosure, dating, relationships, and self-trust — without trauma processing or pressure to share personal details.

Next cohort begins Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Led by Miriam Chor Freitas, LCSW

Schedule Your 30-minute group screening

Online Herpes Support Groups for Women

For many women, the day they receive an HSV diagnosis often arrives unexpectedly and carries far more than medical information — bringing shock, fear, shame, and a deep sense of isolation.

Much of this pain is fueled not only by stigma, but also by widespread misinformation and judgment about a sex, sexuality, and sexually transmitted infections. Even when physical symptoms are minimal or nonexistent, the emotional impact can feel intense and destabilizing.

Fear of transmission, anxiety about dating and disclosure, and concerns about being rejected or misunderstood often become heavier than the virus itself. HSV can affect how you see yourself, how safe you feel in relationships, and how you imagine your future.

This small, trauma-informed psychoeducational group offers education, emotional grounding, and meaningful connection with other women who truly understand. Participants are encouraged to talk about their experiences, ask questions, and support one another in a respectful, confidential group setting.

The group is therapeutic in nature, but it is not psychotherapy. The focus is on reducing shame, increasing self-trust, and a sense of belonging, increasing resilience and building confidence around disclosure, relationships, and moving forward.

Schedule Your 30-minute Group Screening

Benefits of the Group

In this group, women often experience:

• Feeling less alone in something that can feel incredibly isolating

  • Relief from shame through shared understanding

  • A sense of connection and belonging

  • Greater confidence navigating dating and disclosure

  • Reduced fear of transmission through accurate, compassionate information

  • Increased self-compassion and self-trust

  • Emotional support that honors individual pacing and readiness

This group is grounded in a trauma-informed, nervous-system–aware approach to healing. My work is influenced by leading voices in somatic and trauma therapy, including the work of Arielle Schwartz, PhD, particularly in integrating mind-body practices and resilience-oriented healing.

A Grounding Perspective

HSV is one of the most common viruses worldwide, and many people carry it without ever experiencing symptoms or knowing they have it. Public health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have consistently noted that misinformation and lack of testing contribute significantly to fear, stigma, and misunderstanding around herpes.

Knowing this does not erase the emotional impact of a diagnosis — but for many women, accurate information can greatly reduce isolation, self-blame, and fear, freeing more space for healing and connection.

Who This Group Is For

This group may be a good fit for you if:

  • You are a woman living with HSV or herpes and feel overwhelmed, isolated, or alone

  • You are struggling with stigma, shame, or fear following your diagnosis

  • Dating, disclosure, or fear of transmission feels anxiety-provoking or confusing

  • You want to feel understood without having to explain or justify your experience

  • You are looking for a supportive, confidential space to heal in connection with others

  • You value a trauma-informed, compassionate, non-judgmental approach

This group is open to women at different stages of their journey — whether you were recently diagnosed or have been living with HSV for years. You do not need to be “ready,” confident, or healed to participate. Showing up as you are is enough.

Who This Group Is Not For

This group may not be the right fit if:

  • You are currently in an acute crisis or need immediate mental health support

  • You are looking primarily for medical advice or treatment

  • You are unable to commit to attending all group sessions

  • You are not open to participating in a shared, group-based space

If this group doesn’t feel like the right fit, I’m happy to help you explore other supportive options.

Logistics

  • Format: Online, closed support group

  • Group Size: Small group (up to 8 women)

  • Platform: HIPAA-compliant video platform

  • Length: 90-minute sessions

  • Duration: 8 consecutive weeks

  • Facilitator: Miriam Chor Freitas, LCSW, EMDR-CIT, CCTP-II

  • Location: Online (open to women worldwide who can speak English)

  • Dates:

    • Tuesday, March 31, 2026

    • Tuesday, April 7, 2026

    • Tuesday, April 14, 2026

    • Tuesday, April 21, 2026

    • Tuesday, April 28, 2026

    • Tuesday, May 5, 2026

    • Tuesday, May 12, 2026

    • Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Time: 4:30 PM Pacific Time / 7:30 PM Eastern Time
‍ ‍(90-minute session)

To support safety and trust, this is a closed group, meaning the same participants attend each session. Confidentiality, mutual respect, and emotional safety are core values of this space.

A 30-minute intake call is required before joining to ensure the group is the right fit for you and to answer any questions you may have.

Cost & Commitment

This group is designed to offer meaningful, consistent support over time — not just a one-time conversation

Total cost: $600 for the full 8-week group

Early Bird Option: $500 if paid in full by March 29th, 2026

Payment Plan:
Two payments of $300
– First payment due before the group begins
– Second payment due after the fourth session

Because this is a closed group with limited spots, full commitment to all sessions is required. This consistency allows the group to remain safe, supportive, and cohesive, and helps participants benefit fully from the group experience.

Please note: This is a psychoeducational support group and is not covered by insurance.

I am currently screening people for the group and I only have a few spots left.

If you’re feeling drawn to this group and want to explore whether it may be a good fit, the next step is to schedule a free 30-minute intake call.

This conversation is an opportunity to:

  • Go over the group content, structure, and expectations

  • Ask any questions you may have about the group

  • Share what you’re hoping for and what support you’re seeking

  • Get a sense of whether this space feels right for you

It also gives me an opportunity to learn more about you and your needs and, if appropriate, offer recommendations for other supportive options.

There is no pressure to commit during this call.

Your Guide for the Herpes Support Group for Women

Hi, I’m Miriam. I’m a therapist who has spent many years supporting and advocating for women navigating the emotional impact of an HSV diagnosis.

I’m based in California, but this group is open to women anywhere English is spoken.

Again and again, I’ve seen how the safety, support, and shared understanding of a small, closed group can be a powerful way to reduce stigma, ease shame, and soften the isolation that so many women feel.

Over time, many women begin to feel more grounded, connected, and supported.

You don’t have to be ready — just open to exploring whether this support feels right for you.

Schedule Your 30-minute Group Screening

Frequently Asked Questions About the HSV Support Group:

  • This is a small, closed, and confidential group of women who are navigating the emotional impact of living with HSV.

    The space is supportive, respectful, and paced gently. You won’t be pushed to share more than you’re ready for. Many women find relief simply being in a space where they don’t have to explain or hide what they’re going through.

    • Grounding practice: Noticing and Practicing awareness of what is happening in the nervous system as we get started.

    • Check-In: Everyone has space to share how they are arriving emotionally, physically, or mentally.

    • Psychoeducation: Guided discussion on topics such as:

      • Medical and lifestyle factors (outbreaks, treatment, nutrition, stress)

      • Coping with stigma, anxiety, and shame

      • Dating, disclosure, and navigating intimacy

      • Identity, self-worth, and resilience

      • Self-care practices, boundaries, and relationship skills

    • Group Sharing: A safe space to process experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand.

    • Closing Practice: Reflection, grounding, or a takeaway resource for the week.

  • The group will take place in a HIPPA compliant secure line. The meetings will not be recorded and your personal information will not be shared with other group members unless you especially choose to do so.

    All participants are asked to respect each other’s privacy, and the group is designed to be a safe space where you can share without fear of judgment or exposure.

  • No. It may feel that way at first, especially given the stigma and fear that often come with a diagnosis — but it’s not the reality for most people over time.

    With support, accurate information, and space to process what you’re feeling, many women begin to rebuild confidence, navigate disclosure more comfortably, and form meaningful, connected relationships.

    Herpes is a very manageable medical condition that rarely impacts or significantly impacts people’s intimate life.

You don’t have to go through this alone anymore.

Schedule your 30-minute Group Screening