Support group
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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.
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
"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
Reserve your spot →
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?
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
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