SOUTH PORTLAND
Healing Circle
for women who have survived trauma and traumatic loss
You may find yourself on edge — anxious, depressed, panicky, or sometimes just numb. Shame, worthlessness, and emotional overwhelm can creep in, leaving you feeling hopeless or cut off from others.
For some, it shows up as chronic pain, headaches, or stomach distress; for others, as doubt and mistrust of people’s intentions. This is a hard way to live, and you know it.
Healing Happens in Circles
Healing is possible. In Healing Circle, you’ll find skills, support, and a safe space to relate differently to past trauma and loss. Together we’ll gently forge new ways of caring for yourself when emotions surge, and open space for stories of courage, strength, and sweetness alongside the pain.
Next Healing Circle starts August 26, 2025
Tuesdays 5:15pm -7pm
Heart Stone Counseling ~ Carriage House
967 Broadway South Portland, ME
Healing Circle
IN-PERSON SUPPORT AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP FOR WOMEN IN SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE
Each week, Healing Circle draws from Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma by Janina Fisher, Ph.D., which provides structure and guidance for our sessions. Alongside the workbook, we may incorporate poetry, gentle movement, or visualization, while leaving space for participants to share their successes, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Workbooks are available for $20 through Heart Stone or online.
What to expect
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Healing Circle is offered in six week commitments. The groups are held on Tuesday evenings from 5:15p- 7pm. The next Healing Circle starts August 26th.
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Emily Van Cannon LCPC, LADC, CCS is the main facilitator of Healing Circle. She has facilitated groups for girls and women throughout her 24 year career in a wide variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient, jails, and community settings. In addition to her clinical training, Emily draws from her experience and education as a Transformative Language Artist and from her five years as an actor with Portland Playback Theatre to create safe, dynamic spaces for healing and growth.
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A variety of grounding and mindfulness skills are practiced in the group setting including using sensory anchors, Vergence technique, visualization, somatic approaches to connecting to the body.
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The group is open to cis, queer, trans women who have experienced trauma and traumatic loss. The group runs with a number of participants between 4-8 people.
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Healing Circle provides basic material needed every week. You are encouraged to purchase the workbook, Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma. Participants are also encouraged to have your own notebook.
Cost of Six Sessions
$135 x 2
Option 1: Two Installments
You will be charged 135.00 after you have been accepted into the group and 135 after the 3rd session.
Save $15
$255
Option 2: Pay in advance
You will be charged $255 after you have been accepted into the group.
spots are limited
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spots are limited ♥
Themes we cover
Relating to the symptoms differently
Many survivors blame themselves for “not being okay.” We explore how symptoms are often the body’s way of adapting, creating space for compassion instead of shame.
Activation and Triggers
We learn what it really means to be “triggered,” what’s happening in the body, and what helps in those moments of activation or shutdown.
Window of Tolerance
This model shows how the nervous system responds to stress and helps expand your capacity to tolerate distress without feeling overwhelmed.
Body Memories
Even without clear narratives, the body remembers trauma. We learn how these responses show up and begin to trust our intuition again.
Traumatic Attachment Patterns
Early attachment shapes how safe we feel with closeness or distance. We begin to notice these patterns and care for the younger parts of ourselves.
Regulating your Nervous System
Each group includes practices to restore balance so that grounding yourself in daily life feels more within reach.
Noticing Brain vs. Thinking Brain
Instead of being caught in past worries or future dread, we practice noticing present-moment experiences that are actually safe and steadying.
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Destructive Patterns of Coping
From addictions to self-destructive habits, we bring awareness to these cycles and explore safer ways of managing pain and survival.
Healing Circle is led by Emily Van Cannon, LCPC, LADC, CCS. For more than 20 years, Emily has guided groups for girls and women in settings ranging from in-patient settings and jails to community centers and counseling practices. She combines her clinical expertise with her background in creative arts and theatre to create a space where stories can be shared, held, and transformed. Her passion is helping people feel less alone and discover new possibilities for healing.
Get Started
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Frequently Asked Questions
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We can accept HSA/ FSA, debit, credit and checks. We are not using insurance for groups.
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Depending on where you are in your healing process, this group might not be a good fit for you if you are inclined towards certain types of self-harm or suicidal ideation when feeling emotionally activated. If you experience internal stimuli such as voices or hallucinations, this group won’t be a good fit. If you struggle to notice others’ emotional experience or group dynamics, individual therapy might be a better fit.
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In registering, you are reserving one of the limited spots in the group. To get the most out of the group, you should plan to attend all six scheduled dates. We understand that things come up; however, we are unable to provide refunds for missed sessions.
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The minimum number of participants is four and the maximum number is eight.
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This is a personal decision. Some people are interested in spacing out (i.e., going from weekly to biweekly) individual therapy while participating in the group. Some people want to continue to do both. Some people take a pause of their individual sessions altogether while attending group.
Testimonials