Support Groups

We believe that survivors of child sexual abuse and those who love and support them benefit by interacting with others in similar situations. On this page we hope you will find a group that you believe will enhance your healing.

Survivors Healing Center is currently offering online and in-person support groups and workshops to provide support and grounding.  Our support groups are listed below. Our Imagine Healing Online Workshops can be found here: https://fsa-cc.org/survivors-healing-center/imagine-healing-workshop-series/

Please FILL OUT THIS FORM to start the process for a support group.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. Please reach out for support when you need it.

Survivors Healing Center Support Groups:

Women’s Group (via Zoom) with Diane Sunseri
(open to all who identify as a woman; California residents only) About Diane Sunseri: I am here to support you in Living Your Best Life. I can help you navigate challenges and discover your path forward. I believe we all know how to heal ourselves. My role is to guide you in this process. It is important to remember that true healing can only come through accessing emotions and experiences that trauma often buries within us. Words, memories, and verbal expressions of feelings are often inaccessible after trauma. Treatment methods that don’t rely on just talk & analysis are often most effective for safely working through trauma to deeper healing and wholeness. My evidence-based treatment methods are both verbal (IFS or Internal Family Systems) and non-verbal (Creative Art and Sandplay Therapy). I specialize in working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. I also have experience in issues related to child custody, divorce, trauma, breast cancer, depression, and grief. 
 
Somatic-Focused Support Group (in person, downtown Santa Cruz) with Rebecca Roth 
All-Gender Somatic Support Group (in Person) with Rebecca Roth (open to all gender identities, including those that do not fall exclusively in man/male or woman/female categories)
One common and severe consequence of being a sexual abuse survivor is an ongoing sense of isolation – feeling alone in the world.  SHC groups are an invaluable way to show up, as you are, and be witnessed and supported by others with a shared understanding of the traumatic experiences you have been and are going through. In the upcoming group that I’m facilitating, I will be incorporating somatic and mindfulness based techniques that support healthy re-connection with the body.  So, in addition to having an open format of inviting your particular thoughts, feelings, and experiences during each group meeting, I’ll be emphasizing practices that focus on nervous system regulation, boundaries awareness, and body-based self-empowerment. Please feel free to contact me with any questions: rebeccaroth.mft@gmail.com  
For more information about Rebecca:  https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rebecca-roth-38268868943
 
Survivors Equine Healing, Women’s Group (in person, Felton)
(open to all who identify as a woman) The Equine Healing Collaborative was created to provide a path to recovery, self-discovery, personal growth, a re-connection with the natural world, and/or emotional insight and health. The Equine Healing Collaborative offers more than just traditional talk therapy and utilizes interventions such as equine assisted therapy, mindfulness, and mindful equine massage to promote health and quality of life for individuals seeking change.  For more information: https://www.equinehealing.org/about
 
 
 
Support Group for Men (in person, Santa Cruz) with Joe Kudsi
(open to all who identify as a man) 

Although I began my career as a schoolteacher, my life journey of discovery, growth, and healing led me to the field of counseling psychology.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Creating a safe environment where clients can experience acceptance and be understood is the first step of the work that I do with clients.  While I generally have a person-centered approach to therapy, I also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises, narrative, and emotionally focused approaches in my work with clients.  My work is trauma informed.  I work with adults, seniors, teens, children, couples, and families, helping people overcome a variety of mental health challenges

 
Mothers of Survivors Group (in person) with Jeanie Vogelzang
Jeanie Vogelzang, LMFT is a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to guiding mothers through the healing journey of their child survivors of sexual abuse. With a deep understanding of trauma, family dynamics, and healing, Jeanie creates a safe space for mothers to share, learn, and grow. Her empathetic approach and extensive knowledge empower mothers to navigate the complexities of support. She is committed to helping mothers build resilience, foster hope, and rebuild their lives while providing unwavering support for their children. Join her in a nurturing environment where strength, healing, and connection are the focal points of every session.

For more information on our groups or to pre-register, please call: (831) 423-7601, (831) 423-9444 or email us.

Our groups are not crisis intervention.
If you are in crisis please call 911, the 24-Hour Suicide Crisis Line Toll-free: 1-877-663-5433 (ONE LIFE) or go to the closest emergency room.