Wednesdays, October 1st - November 19th, 2025 7:00-8:30 pm
For many women, being diagnosed with herpes can feel like a life-altering moment—often filled with fear, shame, and deep emotional pain. Our culture’s misinformation and judgment around STIs, especially HSV-2, can make an already vulnerable experience feel even more isolating. The stigma is heavy—but it's also rooted in myths, not medical facts.
The truth is, herpes is incredibly common. Most people who carry the virus don’t even know they have it, and those who make light of it often haven’t been tested themselves. Despite this, women are often left to carry the emotional weight alone, questioning their worth, desirability, and future relationships.
This group is a space to begin unlearning those painful narratives. Topics like self-acceptance, disclosure, dating, body image, sexuality, shame, and guilt are welcomed here with compassion and openness. Together, we’ll explore new ways of thinking, develop supportive self-care practices, and rebuild confidence in a community of women who truly understand. Healing happens in connection—and you don’t have to go through this alone.
Join Madison & a small group of women
This 8-week outline offers a loose structure to guide the group process, providing a foundation of relevant topics and therapeutic goals. However, the flow of sessions may shift organically based on the needs, experiences, and dynamics of the group. As relationships develop and trust deepens, participants are encouraged to bring forward the issues most important to them, and space will be held to honor those discussions.
Week 1: Welcome & Group Orientation
Week 2: Understanding HSV-2 Medically & Emotionally
Week 3: Stigma & Shame
Week 4: Self-worth & Identity
Week 5: Disclosure & Communicating Diagnosis
Week 6: Romantic Relationships & Intimacy
Week 7: Coping Skills & Emotion Regulation
Week 8: Integration & Closure
Details
When: Wednesdays, October 1st - November 19th from 7 - 8:30 PM EST
Where: Virtual via Google Meets
Who: Women with an HSV-2 (herpes) diagnosis aged 20 and up. Participants must be residents of DC or VA.
Cost: Each class is $85. This is a psychotherapy group and therefore we will create superbills for clients to submit to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.
**Space is limited and will fill quickly.
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Description text goes hereThis group is for women (21+) who have been diagnosed with HSV-2 (genital herpes) and are seeking emotional support, community, and guidance in navigating the challenges that can come with the diagnosis. It is open to individuals of all backgrounds, relationship statuses, and sexual orientations who identify as women.
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Description tNo formal documentation is required, but this group is specifically for those who have received an HSV-2 diagnosis and are looking for support in managing the emotional, relational, and psychological impact.ext goes here
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Common themes include shame, stigma, disclosure, dating and relationships, body image, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. The group is lightly structured around these themes, but there will be room for organic discussion based on the needs and experiences of the participants.
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It’s a hybrid model. The group is facilitated by a licensed therapist and incorporates therapeutic tools and guided discussion, but the emphasis is on peer support, healing in community, and reducing isolation and shame.
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Group size is kept small—typically between 4 and 7 participants—to support connection, trust, and meaningful conversation.
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Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of this group. All members are required to agree to confidentiality guidelines to help create a safe and respectful environment. What’s shared in the group stays in the group.
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No one is ever forced to share. You are always welcome to listen quietly until you feel comfortable. Most participants find that as trust builds, sharing comes more naturally.
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This is a virtual group and will take place on a HIPAA-compliant platform. This group is open to those located in VA and DC.
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This group is not billable through insurance, but a superbill can be provided upon request for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan. It is recommended that you call the customer service number located on the back of your insurance card to inquire about out-of-network group therapy coverage.
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To join the group, all participants must complete a brief screening call with the therapist. This free 15-minute consultation helps ensure the group is a good fit for your needs and offers a chance to ask any questions. An initial 1:1 intake session is also required to support group cohesion, safety, and to ensure that Madison can offer the most thoughtful care. You can schedule your consultation by clicking the button below.