Online HSV Support Group for Women | Confidential & Trauma-Informed

Online Herpes Support Groups for Women

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 judgment and rejection.

For many women, the diagnosis arrives unexpectedly and carries far more than medical information — bringing shock, fear, shame, and a deep sense of isolation. 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 and how safe you feel in relationships.

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 pressure to share before you are ready.

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

• Support that honors your pace 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 Arielle Schwartz, PhD, and integrates mind-body practices with resilience-oriented care.

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 CDC and the World Health Organization have long noted that misinformation and lack of testing contribute significantly to the fear, stigma, and misunderstanding around herpes.

Knowing this doesn’t erase the emotional impact of a diagnosis — but for many women, accurate information can begin to reduce shame, self-blame, and fear, creating more space for healing, connection, and self-trust.

This group may be a good fit for you if:

• You feel overwhelmed, isolated, or alone in your experience with HSV

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

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

• You want a space where you don’t have to explain or justify your experience

This group is open to women at different stages — whether newly diagnosed or living with HSV for years. You don’t need to be “ready” or have it all figured out. Showing up as you are is enough.

This group may not be a good fit for you if:

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

• You are primarily seeking medical advice or treatment

• You are unable to commit to attending the group consistently

• You prefer not to participate 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: Up to 6 women
Platform: HIPAA-compliant video platform
Session Length: 90 minutes
Duration: 8 consecutive weeks
Facilitator: Miriam Chor Freitas, LCSW, EMDR-CIT, CCTP-II
Location: Online (open to women worldwide who can speak English)

Dates:
Tuesdays, June 2nd – July 21st, 2026 (8 weeks, meets weekly)

Time:
4:30 PM Pacific / 7:30 PM Eastern (90 minutes)

This is a closed group, meaning the same participants attend each session. This helps create a sense of safety, consistency, and trust.

A 30-minute intake call is required before joining to ensure the group is a good fit 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: $500 if paid in full by May 26th, 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 helps create a safe, supportive, and cohesive space for everyone.

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

Next Steps

If you’re feeling drawn to this group, the next step is to schedule a free 30-minute intake call. This is a space to ask questions, learn more about the group, and see if it feels like the right fit for you.

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, and this group is open to women anywhere English is spoken.

Over time, I’ve seen how the safety, support, and shared understanding of a small, closed group can help reduce stigma, ease shame, and soften the isolation that so many women experience.

Many women begin to feel more grounded, connected, and supported.