The Birth Trauma Support Circle offers a healing space for anyone who has experienced challenging or traumatic perinatal events. Our aim is to ensure all attendees feel supported in a safe and accessible environment, where they can connect with peers and share their stories without judgment. This group meets on the second Sunday of every month from 12:00pm-2:00pm. 

Group Values and Commitments

1. Cultivating a Safe Space: Participants are encouraged to bring their authentic selves, respecting that this space is for healing, sharing, and receiving both peer and therapeutic support. Everyone contributes to the environment of safety, openness, and inclusion.

2. Confidentiality and Trust: We value each participant’s privacy. What is shared within the group stays within the group, creating a foundation of trust. There are certain legal limitations to confidentiality, including:

   • When someone expresses an intention to harm themselves or another person.
   • If there is suspected abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, particularly concerning a child.
   • When required by a court order, though we will inform you and help you exercise any rights to contest disclosure.
   • If you provide prior written consent for us to release information.

3. Respect for All Experiences: Our group emphasizes respect for differing opinions, feelings, and stories. Participants are asked not to compare birth stories. Each journey deserves individual respect and attention.

4. Building a Supportive Community: While therapeutic relationships are primarily maintained within the group, we encourage a sense of community that can extend beyond the sessions. New members are warmly welcomed, and we ask everyone to avoid exclusionary behaviors that can hinder the group’s unity.

5. Children’s Presence: Children are welcome to attend, with older children's attendance being based on the parent’s discretion. We do ask parents to be mindful, because sensitive topics may arise that may not be suitable for some children.

6. Freedom to Share (or Not): Participants have the right to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. There is no pressure to discuss specific details, and it’s natural to reveal parts of your story over time.

7. Self-Care is Essential: Our group may bring up intense emotions or memories. We encourage participants to take care of their well-being—whether by talking to a trusted friend or family member, contacting a care provider, or reaching out to the therapist if further support is needed.

8. This Group Belongs to You: The therapist is here to guide and support the group, but the true healing and growth come from the circle of trust you create with one another.

Group Location and Environment

Our group meets at 3127 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. There is parking in front of the building as well as a parking lot behind the building on 31st Street. Entry is through the front door and up the stairs. The office on the left, number 7, is where we will meet. The bathroom is located to the right when you come up the stairs. 

Facilitator’s Role and Boundaries

The facilitator is committed to maintaining a professional relationship with all participants while building a therapeutic alliance within the group. Outside of sessions, if I see you in public, our interactions will be respectful but limited to brief, polite exchanges.

Consent

By signing below, you affirm that you have read and understood the guidelines for participation in either Growing Connections or the Birth Trauma Support Circle, as outlined above. You agree to adhere to the above Group Values and Commitments, and you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received clear responses.