Join a Wings Support Group

What are Wings Support Groups?

Wings Support Groups offer a safe space to connect with other adult survivors or other loved ones, and many group members report feeling understood and less alone for the first time in their lives.

Groups are peer-centered and therapist-facilitated. That means group members take the lead on what topics to discuss based on what is relevant to their lives today. Masters-level counselors serve as Therapist-Facilitators to ensure safety, stability and structure.

Wings Support Groups are different than closed therapy groups and are not a replacement for individual therapy. We require all group members to first work with a trauma therapist for the initial stages of healing and to develop necessary coping skills. This ensures that groups can be focused on present-day living and connection.

What will we talk about in group? 

Adult survivors and loved ones choose topics to discuss based on the Wings Survivors’ and Loved One’s Guide to Healing. Some topics include establishing healthy boundaries, accepting love, managing overwhelming feelings, and communication skills.

When and where do groups meet? 

Most groups are held in the evenings 6:30-8:30pm Monday-Thursday with some limited daytime availability. We have a limited number of support groups that meet in-person along the Front Range of Colorado as well as more frequent virtual groups open to anyone living in Colorado. If you live in another area, our Survivor Services Navigator can help you locate healing services where you live.

Who can join a group? 

Wings Support Groups are for people who are age 18 and older who are survivors of sexual abuse that occurred when they were younger than 18. We are also building a waitlist for a loved ones group.

Many survivors find the safest environment for support when they share identity or experiences with those in the group. For this reason, our groups are designated in the following ways:

• Men
• Women
• LGBTQIA+ (all gender)
• All-Gender
• Loved Ones (all gender)

Is a Wings Support Group right for me at this time? 

Survivors who are just beginning their healing journey or loved ones brand new to the issue may find a Wings Support Group overwhelming. Moving through the stages of recovery happens at a different pace for each person and participating in a Wings group at the right time for you is important. Wings groups offer many benefits, but you may have certain needs that our groups don’t address.

Holding space for your own painful past and the issues of others can bring up a lot of emotions. You may want to discuss whether you want to take this step with your individual therapist or with a Survivor Services Navigator at Wings.

Learn More

What groups are:

• A place to heal in community
• A place to learn more about topics and issues ASCSAs contend with
• A place to practice nervous system regulation
• A place to be believed and accepted
• A place to take accountability for your own healing
• A place to offer support to others
• A place to practice boundaries and other relational skills
• A place to cultivate flexibility and openness

What groups aren’t:

• A place to explicitly process trauma
• A place to share stories about abuse
• A replacement for individual therapy
• A place to drop in for support when needed
• A place to focus on concerns unrelated to CSA
• A place for crisis support

Signs that a Wings Support Group is right for you at this time:

• You live in a safe environment that is stable and free from abuse
• You have worked with a trauma therapist for at least 6 months and are continuing to do so at a pace that supports your healing process
• You have completed enough trauma work that telling your story is not your primary need at this time
• You have time in your schedule to commit to regular, weekly attendance
• You are able to use basic coping skills and self-care when difficult emotions arise
• You are substance-free when attending group and have no active substance abuse issues
• You are not experiencing disordered eating at this time
• You have not recently attempted suicide or been hospitalized for suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Advanced Healing Groups

Wings also offers specialty groups for aspects of healing that may resonate with some adult survivors at various points in their healing journey. These groups are only open to current members of support groups. These include:

Writing group (monthly) For survivors who want to express themselves through writing.

Speak Out (10 week) This short-term group is for survivors who want to tell their stories publicly and craft them with other survivors in a facilitated group experience. At the culmination of the workshop, Wings hosts a Speak Out event where survivors can share their stories with guests of their choosing and the Wings community. Many survivors feel empowered in owning their own narratives and experience a turning point in their healing process through Speak Out.

How do I join a Wings Support Group? 

The first step is contacting Wings for a 15-30 minute phone consultation to determine if a Wings Support Group is a good fit at this time. Our Survivor Services Navigator is here to talk you through whether you are ready to join now or as a future goal. We will never ask you for any specific details about your trauma and abuse experiences.

If you decide that a Wings group might be the right fit, you will then be scheduled for a 90-minute interview with a masters-level counselor or counselor in training. The counselor will ask you questions to help you determine whether a Wings group would safely provide what you are looking for at this point in your healing journey.

If you decide that a Wings group is not the right fit at this time, Wings can connect you with other services and education.

Trust yourself and honor where you are in the healing journey. Take each step that feels helpful to you right now. This is how you walk your path of healing, with your own inner guide leading the way.