
All Programs
The Women’s Initiative offers a variety of programs, groups, and workshops to help support mental health in our communities.
view our programs by type

Art and Emotions
Tuesdays, July 1–29
Join us in this 5-week art therapy group that explores Latina identity through photo-embroidery and self-portraiture. Within this group, we will cultivate an environment of curiosity, creativity and care as we consider topics of self-esteem, identity, biculturalism and Latinidad. This group will be facilitated in English by bilingual providers. Facilitated by Laura Somel, LCSW, and Karina Monroy, clinical art therapy intern.
To register for this group, please email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org by June 30.

Healthy Relationships
Thursdays, July 10–August 14
Virtual via Zoom
Participants will learn the fundamentals of healthy relationships, how to ‘feel and deal’ in times of conflict, and strategies for compassionate communication. This is a closed, confidential group where participants can process their learning and deepen their understanding of how their own personal histories show up in present day relationships. This group is open to women and members of the gender expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa or Fluvanna and will occur over the course of 6 weeks. Facilitated Rachael LeMasters, LMSW, and Diana Ward, clinical intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening by July 3.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Trauma Healing Basics 2
Mondays, May 5–June 9
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for part two of a two-part series on trauma healing. While Trauma Healing Basics 1 focuses on establishing safety in the body, mind, relationships, and environment, Trauma Healing Basics 2 takes a deeper dive into the impact of trauma itself. Learn about the phases of trauma recovery and the importance of a holistic approach. Participants can expect to engage in nervous system mapping and hone skills to resource their nervous systems through body-based/experiential practices. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participation in THB 1 is recommended but not required. This group is open to women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before April 28.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Arte y Emociones
Los martes, 15–29 de abril
Acompáñanos a este grupo de 3 semanas en el que te invitamos a explorar tu sentido de identidad. Exploraremos el poder curativo del arte utilizando una foto y costura para crear un autoretrato. Cada participante podrá crear una pieza visual que cuente su sentido de identidad a traves del acto de remendar. No necesitas tener conocimientos ni experiencia previa en estas técnicas, nosotras ofreceremos los fundamentos básicos de la costura. Facilitado por Laura Somel, LCSW y Karina Monroy, Pasante de Arteterapia Clínica.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Arte y Emociones
Los martes, 15–29 de abril
Acompáñanos a este grupo de 3 semanas en el que te invitamos a explorar tu sentido de identidad. Exploraremos el poder curativo del arte utilizando una foto y costura para crear un autoretrato. Cada participante podrá crear una pieza visual que cuente su sentido de identidad a traves del acto de remendar. No necesitas tener conocimientos ni experiencia previa en estas técnicas, nosotras ofreceremos los fundamentos básicos de la costura. Facilitado por Laura Somel, LCSW y Karina Monroy, Pasante de Arteterapia Clínica.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Arte y Emociones
Los martes, 15–29 de abril
Acompáñanos a este grupo de 3 semanas en el que te invitamos a explorar tu sentido de identidad. Exploraremos el poder curativo del arte utilizando una foto y costura para crear un autoretrato. Cada participante podrá crear una pieza visual que cuente su sentido de identidad a traves del acto de remendar. No necesitas tener conocimientos ni experiencia previa en estas técnicas, nosotras ofreceremos los fundamentos básicos de la costura. Facilitado por Laura Somel, LCSW y Karina Monroy, Pasante de Arteterapia Clínica.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.

Trauma Healing Basics 1: Foundations
Mondays, February 3–March 10
In this six-week counseling group, participants can expect to engage one another on topics of safety in body, mind, relationships and environment. Trauma Healing Basics 1 offers foundational skills related to coping with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Participants will develop a larger emotional vocabulary and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, and confidential setting. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Kara Castle, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before January 27.

Trauma Healing Basics 1: Foundations
Mondays, February 3–March 10
In this six-week counseling group, participants can expect to engage one another on topics of safety in body, mind, relationships and environment. Trauma Healing Basics 1 offers foundational skills related to coping with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Participants will develop a larger emotional vocabulary and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, and confidential setting. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Kara Castle, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before January 27.

Healthy Relationships: Black Love
Thursdays, February 6–27
Virtual via Zoom
This four-week virtual counseling group will provide the history that impacts Black intimacy and psychoeducation for having healthy relationships whether you are single or currently partnered. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Alyson Davis, LMFT.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by February 5.

Trauma Healing Basics 1: Foundations
Mondays, February 3–March 10
In this six-week counseling group, participants can expect to engage one another on topics of safety in body, mind, relationships and environment. Trauma Healing Basics 1 offers foundational skills related to coping with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Participants will develop a larger emotional vocabulary and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, and confidential setting. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Kara Castle, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before January 27.

Healthy Relationships: Black Love
Thursdays, February 6–27
Virtual via Zoom
This four-week virtual counseling group will provide the history that impacts Black intimacy and psychoeducation for having healthy relationships whether you are single or currently partnered. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Alyson Davis, LMFT.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by February 5.

Trauma Healing Basics 1: Foundations
Mondays, February 3–March 10
In this six-week counseling group, participants can expect to engage one another on topics of safety in body, mind, relationships and environment. Trauma Healing Basics 1 offers foundational skills related to coping with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Participants will develop a larger emotional vocabulary and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, and confidential setting. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Kara Castle, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before January 27.

Healthy Relationships: Black Love
Thursdays, February 6–27
Virtual via Zoom
This four-week virtual counseling group will provide the history that impacts Black intimacy and psychoeducation for having healthy relationships whether you are single or currently partnered. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, confidential setting. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Alyson Davis, LMFT.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by February 5.

Trauma Healing Basics 1: Foundations
Mondays, February 3–March 10
In this six-week counseling group, participants can expect to engage one another on topics of safety in body, mind, relationships and environment. Trauma Healing Basics 1 offers foundational skills related to coping with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Participants will develop a larger emotional vocabulary and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a non-judgmental, and confidential setting. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Kara Castle, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org or call 434.872.0047 to complete a screening before January 27.

Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays
Tuesday, December 3
Virtual via zoom.
The holidays are a time for connecting with loved ones, and sometimes that can involve difficult relationship dynamics. This workshop will offer resources for maintaining healthy boundaries during the holiday season. Participants will have time to reflect on what healthy boundaries mean to them and share with one another in a supportive environment. Women and members of the gender expansive community who reside in Charlottesville or in the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene is invited to participate. Facilitated by Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Click here to register.

Winter Self-Care
Thursday, November 7
Virtual via zoom.
This time of year, isn't joyful for everyone, and many people feel sad or anxious amidst all the merrymaking. Whether the upcoming season activates unhappy memories, reminds you of a loss or is simply stressful, we invite you to join in the warmth of community for some gentle self-care. Women and members of the gender expansive community who reside in Charlottesville or in the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene is invited to participate. Facilitated by Andrea Fasciano M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.
Click here to register.

Art and Emotions
Tuesdays, October 8–22
Join us in this three-week group for Latina women focused on connecting with our emotions through artmaking and gentle movements. Each week, we will focus on a different emotion that we often find difficult to deal with and learn how to process that emotion through creative expression. Our hope is to build a healthier relationship with our emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Facilitated by Laura Somel, MSW, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.
To register for the group, please contact 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Art and Emotions
Tuesdays, October 8–22
Join us in this three-week group for Latina women focused on connecting with our emotions through artmaking and gentle movements. Each week, we will focus on a different emotion that we often find difficult to deal with and learn how to process that emotion through creative expression. Our hope is to build a healthier relationship with our emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Facilitated by Laura Somel, MSW, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.
To register for the group, please contact 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Art and Emotions
Tuesdays, October 8–22
Join us in this three-week group for Latina women focused on connecting with our emotions through artmaking and gentle movements. Each week, we will focus on a different emotion that we often find difficult to deal with and learn how to process that emotion through creative expression. Our hope is to build a healthier relationship with our emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Facilitated by Laura Somel, MSW, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.
To register for the group, please contact 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Skill Building for Emotional Well-Being
Mondays, August 26–September 30
Virtually via Zoom
In this six-week virtual counseling group, participants will learn how to better cope with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions, develop a larger emotional vocabulary, and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential setting. This group is open to women and members of the gender expansive community and will occur over five weeks. Residents of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Miranda Pax, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work.