Online Herpes Support Group for Women

You are not alone.

Receiving an HSV diagnosis can be one of the most emotionally overwhelming moments in a woman’s life — not because of the virus itself, but because of stigma, misinformation, and isolation.

This small, trauma-informed psychoeducational 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 24, 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 is one of the most emotionally overwhelming moments of their lives. It often arrives suddenly 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 around 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 is overwhelming because of stigma and misinformation — not because there is something wrong with you.

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, strengthening self-trust, increasing resilience, and building confidence around disclosure, relationships, and moving forward.

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:

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

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 gently reduce isolation and self-blame, making room 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 24, 2026
- 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

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

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

Early Bird Option: $500 if paid in full by March 13, 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 scheduling screening appointments for the group.

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 people living with a herpes diagnosis.

I’m based in California, but this group is open to women anywhere English is spoken. While trauma-informed individual therapy can be helpful for some people, I’ve seen again and again how the psychoeducation, safety, and shared understanding of a small, closed group can be a powerful and empowering way to reduce stigma and support healing.

Schedule Your 30-minute group screening

Frequently Asked Questions About the Herpes Support Groups:

This is a small, online closed group of up to 8 women, typically ranging from their mid-20s to mid-50s, who want support navigating the emotional impact of an HSV diagnosis and moving forward with their lives.
The group offers a safe, supportive container where you can receive education, guidance, connection, and encouragement as you navigate the challenges of living with herpes. The approach is strength-based and holistic, offering insight into how HSV may affect your life and practical tools to support you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Receiving an HSV diagnosis can be deeply isolating. Being in a space where you don’t have to explain yourself — and where other women truly understand — often brings relief, connection, and a sense of not being alone.
- 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.
Absolutely not. Herpes is a very manageable medical condition that rarely impacts or significantly impacts people’s intimate life.
Herpes very rarely impedes people from having full lives where they can perform all activities of daily living, have relationships and work and participate in leisure activities regularly. Most people don’t even have symptoms and the ones who do have symptoms can find various ways of reducing the amount and length of outbreaks and sometimes even stop having outbreaks over time.
Most people don’t even have outbreaks and forget that they carry the HSV virus, and the ones that do, learn to manage their outbreaks effectively to where is becomes minimally disruptive. There are supplements, natural remedies and anti-viral medication that can be used to treat outbreaks. In addition to that, a sound plan of self-care to reduce stress and increase mindfulness and create support and community can be life changing.