About Seven Starling groups
Interested in joining a Seven Starling group? We can't wait to help you get started. While groups are an optional part of your support system at Seven Starling, we couldn't believe more in the power of community to help guide you through some of life's biggest transitions.
We know joining group therapy might be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you haven't done something like this before. Let's go over what to expect and why group support is so important.
What to expect from your group session
Your group is guided by your group therapist and is composed of up to 10 other women at a similar stage as you. Your group therapist is an experienced Masters Level clinician who is trained in the Seven Starling group therapy method.
You are welcome to share, but there is zero pressure to do so. Simply observing and listening is a wonderful way to participate. Most of our members say listening to others in groups is a powerful way to realize they aren't alone in what they're feeling. Share as much or as little as you'd like. All that we ask is that you show up with an open mind and heart!
Your group is a judgment-free space to...
Share openly or just listen
Group therapy sessions are a safe space to process what you're going through, with other women by your side who are at a similar stage in their journey. Not ready to share and prefer to listen? That is completely ok. Many of our members get the most out of their groups by listening to others sharing their stories.
Give and get support
Lean on each other and your therapist for support. If you feel comfortable, share what has worked for you and learn from others going through similar experiences.
Build coping mechanisms
In each session, your group therapist will share educational and self care tools that will help you process what you're going through.
Why group support is so important
Groups are a safe space to harness your support network of other women on the same journey as you. Going through the motherhood journey can feel isolating at times. Groups are a place to feel validated and not alone in what you might be going through.
As with all the care you receive at Seven Starling, groups are an evidence-based form of support that are proven to have a positive impact on the way you're feeling.
In fact, Seven Starling members who use group support feel better on average than those who don't.
How to make the most of your group session
1. Be present
Join your sessions focused and on time. Have your video on during sessions if you can (but no worries if you need to jump off for a few minutes!). By actively participating and contributing to your group dynamic, you will gain the most from the sessions.
2. Find a distraction-free space
Please join your sessions from a quiet, private place so that you can focus your attention on the session.
3. Respect your group's privacy
What's shared in session, stays between you and your group. Be as present as possible during your sessions to get the most out of the experience.
4. Demonstrate kindness, celebrating the diverse paths we all take
Members of your group are joining with their own unique lived experiences. Enter your group sessions with the intention to foster an open space for different opinions, cultural knowledge, and beliefs.
You might be wondering...
Who is in my group?
Your group is handpicked by your Patient Care Advocate and is composed of up to 10 other women who are at a similar stage in their journey as you are. We take great care to match groups in ways that drive optimal opportunities for support and connection.
Who leads my group?
Your group is led by one of our Masters Level Licensed Therapists who has a particular expertise leading group therapy sessions for women going through the parenthood journey. Your group therapist is trained in the Seven Starling group method, which follows a trauma-informed care approach.
What if I don't feel like sharing? Can I still be in the group?
Absolutely! Groups are a safe space to process what you're going through, build coping mechanisms, and learn from others. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Many of our members find that groups may raise thoughts or topics for them that they then use individual therapy sessions to explore further.
Are groups confidential?
Our group values are clear: what's shared in session, stays between you and your group. We encourage you to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with and to join with an open mind and heart.
Can I bring my baby to my postpartum group? What if I'm nursing or pumping and want to go off camera for a few minutes?
Absolutely! Seven Starling groups are designed to support your parenthood journey and all that comes with it.
Can I just try one session or do I need to commit to my group for a certain time period?
You are absolutely welcome to try a session and see how it feels for you. Group therapy is a new experience for most of our members and many find that their first session is a breath of fresh air - a place to feel validated and find common ground with people going through similar experiences. Most of our members say they really begin to connect with their group after 2 sessions. That said, there is no obligation to stay in your group if it isn't serving you! Just let us know at support@sevenstarling.com if you'd like to make a change.
Hear from our community
"With the support of my postpartum group, I’ve had a safe space to share both positive experiences and challenges, and to learn that there is no one set standard of mothering." - Shivani
"My group provided the support I desperately needed to be the strong, confident mama I have grown to be." - Milika
"I received incredible support from the other moms. I knew I had others to turn to, to celebrate the joys of motherhood and to lean on during tougher moments." - Sasha
Questions? We're here to help.
Reach out at support@sevenstarling.com if there's anything we can do to support you with your existing group or if you're interested in signing up for one!
