An 8-Week Support Group

HSV-2 Support Group for Women 


Support group

Reserve your spot →

Text Us: 202.240.2561

Upcoming Group Meetings

This group launches once enough interest has been expressed. Let us know you're interested, and you'll help choose a date and time that works best for the group.

For many women, being diagnosed with genital 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, genital 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.

Questions? Contact Madison

This 8-week outline offers a loose structure to guide the group process, providing a foundation of relevant topics and wellness 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.

Join Madison & a Small Group of Women

"I’m very happy I found this HSV support group. As someone who has been living with HSV alone, this group was helpful to me to see that I’m not alone in this experience and that others not only live with this but have had many of the same emotions and stories surrounding it." - Jenna

"It helps being able to freely talk about and listen in group with no pressure to have to speak. Talking about and learning others’ experiences have helped lessen the stigma I had around HSV and have made me feel less alone in the process. Madison was always very welcoming, smiling and supportive, as were the others in group." - Kira

Don't just take our word for it . . . 

Testimonials

  • Week 1: Welcome
  • Week 2: Understanding genital herpes impact
  • Week 3: Navigating the emotional impact
  • Week 4: Challenging shame & stigma
  • Week 5: Reclaiming your identity
  • Week 6: Reclaiming sexuality & intimacy
  • Week 7: Reconnecting with your body
  • Week 8: Closing & See you laters

Reserve your spot →

Details

  • When: This group is scheduled around participant availability. Once enough people express interest, we'll work together to find a date and time that fits the group.
  • Where: Virtual via Google Meets
  • Who: Women with an HSV-2 (genital herpes) diagnosis aged 20 and up. 
  • Cost: Each session is $85 

**Space is limited and will fill quickly. 

Who is this group for?

This 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.

Do I need a formal diagnosis to join?

No 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.

What kinds of topics will we cover?

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.


What is a support group?

It’s a hybrid model. The group is facilitated by a licensed therapist and incorporates tools and guided discussion, but the emphasis is on peer support, healing in community, and reducing isolation and shame. It is not a therapy group.


How many people will be in the group?

Group size is kept small—typically between 4 and 7 participants—to support connection, trust, and meaningful conversation.


Will what I share in the group be confidential?

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. 

Do I have to talk or share in every session?

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.


Where will the group take place?

This is a virtual group and will take place on a HIPAA-compliant platform. 

Is insurance accepted?

This group is not billable through insurance.


How do I sign up?

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. You can schedule your consultation by clicking the button below.

Talk With Madison

We are an out-of-network provider and submit claims on your behalf after each session, and you're directly reimbursed by your insurance.

Online Group Therapy from the comfort of your own environment, without jeopardizing quality.

Whether you’re ready to explore therapy or need guidance on where to begin, Peak Couples and Sex Therapy is here to support your sexual health and relationship back to connection and desire.

Get started →

Text Us: 202.240.2561

Book a free consultation

Ready to start your journey?

TOP 5 REASONS

Why People Come to Peak

Ready to begin your relational and sexual wellness journey?

book a free consultation