Online Herpes Support Groups for Women

For many women, the moment they receive their herpes diagnosis is one of the most painful moments of their lives. The misinformation, stigma, shame and guilt that our society creates around sex and sexually transmitted infections such as a herpes diagnosis is very strong and painful. And yet, almost 90% of the world population has some strain of the herpes virus and, most, don’t even know about it. In fact, many people who make jokes about herpes have never been tested and don’t actually know if they are a carrier or not.

My initial groups meet online for 6 weeks and are comprised of up to 8 women aged 24 and up who want to heal from the pain and sorrow, shame and guilt, stigma, and discrimination associated with the diagnosis and move forward with their lives. It provides a safe container where you can get support, education, connection, guidance and empowerment through the challenges and opportunities of living life with herpes. The group is very strength-based and offers insights into how the condition plays into your life and offers a number of skills and tools to manage it physically and emotionally and practice loving self-care.

Dating, relationships, body image, acceptance, self-compassion, shame, guilt and stigma are common themes discussed in the group. It is a very empowering experience that impacts all areas of the members’ lives.

Your guide for the herpes support group:

Hi, I’m Miriam, a clinician, who has been tiredlessly advocating and supporting people with a herpes diagnosis throughout my career as a therapist. I’m located in California but you can be anywhere where people speak English. While individual therapy for the emotional challenges of a herpes diagnosis may be critical and powerful, I’ve found that the psychoeducation, support and safety of a closed group format is incredibly powerful, destigmatizing and effective in creating the opportunity to develop and practice new values and beliefs and lifelong connections with other women who understand and will be there for the rest of this journey called life.

Schedule and location for the group:

The group takes place online on a zoom secure line and the schedule varies depending on the time of the year.

The next cohort will start on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 5:30PM, PST, and I will start scheduling intake appointments during the first week of December 2024.

If you are interested in joining the group, please fill out the interest form to be informed of future openings and, if you still have questions, send email to miriam@miriamchorfreitas.com

Cost for the Herpes Support Groups:

• The group consists of six 90-minute meetings, at a total cost of $360.00. The payment is for the program not for an individual meeting, so if you miss a group, a recording will be available to you.

How do I sign-up for the herpes support group?

Fill out the interest form and we will schedule an individual 30-minute phone screening appointment to go over the group content and format. This gives you an opportunity to ask more questions and it gives me an opportunity to learn more about you and your needs and, if appropriate, make recommendations for other services available to you.

If you decide you'd like to join the online herpes support group for women, it requires a 6-week commitment so that you have a chance to get to know the other group members on a deeper level and fully benefit from the experience. If you find it to be a good fit for you, you will be able to join another long-term group and renew your commitment for 4 sessions at a time for as long as you'd like. Most people really value the group experience and the support and community that it creates.

Call (858) 842-0234 or or email if you would like to know more about the group: miriam@miriamchorfreitas.com

Are you not sure about a herpes support group but looking for someone who really gets it? Check out my trauma-informed individual therapy for those with Herpes in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herpes Support Groups:

What is the support group for herpes virus?

This is a safe space for women to learn the facts, dispell stigma and ignorance and empower themselves in a supportive environment guided by a trauma-informed herpes expert.

How do you secure my privacy in the support group for herpes virus?

The group will take place in a HIPPA compliant zoom.

Is my love life over with herpes?

Absolutely not. Herpes is a very manageable medical condition that rarely impacts or significantly impacts people’s intimate life.

How to live normal life with herpes?

Most people don’t even have symptoms and the ones who do have various ways of reducing the amount and lenght of outbreaks and sometimes even stop having outbreaks over time.

How do people cope with herpes?

Most people don’t even have outbreaks and forget that they have the virus and the ones that do, learn to manage their outbreaks efffectively to where is becomes minimally disruptive. There are supplements, natural remedies and anti-viral medication that can be used to treat outbreaks. In addition to that, a sound plan of self-care to reduce stress and increase mindfulness and create support and community can be life changing.

If you are ready to join the online herpes support group for women and transform the pain and sorrow into an opportunity for healing and connection, fill out the interest form to be informed of future openings and, if you still have questions, send email to miriam@miriamchorfreitas.com call (858) 842-0234