Finding Yourself Again After a Difficult Relationship

Even after a difficult relationship ends, you might still find yourself questioning things you never used to think twice about. You second-guess your decisions, feel guilty for saying no, or wonder if you're being too sensitive when something bothers you. You may know that the relationship wasn't healthy, yet still have a hard time trusting yourself or feeling comfortable with who you are.

Reclaiming Your Story & Your Body is a virtual women's therapy group at Cardinal Hope Mental Health Counseling Services for adults who are working through the effects of unhealthy or hurtful relationships. Led by Marcella, the group offers a space to understand how those experiences have affected the way you see yourself and begin figuring out what feels right for you now, whether that's setting different boundaries, feeling more confident in your decisions, or approaching future relationships differently.

What Will We Work On?

Group sessions bring together conversation, reflection, and learning about how difficult relationships can affect the way you think, feel, and respond to stress. Using Narrative Therapy and somatic interventions, Marcella will help members look at things they may have come to believe about themselves, such as feeling responsible for someone else's behavior or thinking their own needs are too much. You'll have opportunities to question those beliefs, find ways to respond when old feelings come up, and get more comfortable recognizing what you want and need.

Sessions may also include gentle body-awareness exercises to explore how stress shows up physically and what helps you feel more grounded. Sharing is always optional, and there's no pressure to talk about personal experiences before you're ready.

Who Is This Group For?

This group is for women ages 18 and older who live in New York and have been affected by unhealthy, hurtful, or emotionally unsafe relationships. You might have a hard time setting boundaries, worry about disappointing people, question your own feelings, or struggle to trust yourself after what you've experienced. You don't have to think of what happened as trauma to recognize that it has affected how you feel about yourself.

The group is intended for women who are ready to focus on themselves and what comes next after a difficult relationship. After you complete the interest form, Marcella will have a brief conversation with you to help determine whether the group is a good fit.

Group Details

• Format: Virtual women's therapy group for New York residents
• Schedule: Wednesdays at 6 p.m., weekly
• Cost: $20 per session
• Group Size: Up to 8 members
• Structure: Closed group, with the same members meeting each week
• Age: 18 and older
• Start Date: To be announced once enough interest has been established

This is a closed group, so the same members will meet each week rather than having new people join along the way. Getting to know one another over time gives the group a chance to build trust and create a space where members can feel more comfortable participating.

Interested in Joining?

We're currently gathering interest for the group and will share the start date once it's confirmed. If you'd like to learn more, complete the group interest form and Marcella will be in touch about the next steps.

Complete the Women's Group Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

When Does the Group Start?

We're currently gathering interest, so the start date has not been set yet. Once there's enough interest to form the group, we'll be in touch with more information.

Do I Need to Share My Personal Experiences During Group Sessions?

No. Sharing is always optional. Sessions may include discussion, reflection, and gentle body-awareness exercises, and you can participate at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Can I Join After the Group Has Started?

No. This is a closed group, which means members begin together and continue meeting as the same group each week. This helps create consistency and gives members time to build trust with one another.

How Do I Find Out If the Group Is a Good Fit for Me?

Start by completing our group interest form. Marcella will have a brief conversation with you to answer questions and determine whether the group is an appropriate fit.