She Recovers: Local and Online Support for Women

She Recovers is an online and local support group community for women. These groups also offer recovery support for nonbinary people and femmes. She Recovers provides connection and mental health support throughout the community.

Key Facts

• She Recovers is a recovery-focused community that meets online and in person.
• Recovery may pertain to substances, mental health conditions or trauma.
• This group is for women, femmes, and non-binary people who identify with women’s communities.
• Group members benefit from peer connection, community support and accountability.

She Recovers Support Group: What It Is and How It Works

SHE RECOVERS® support group is a recovery-focused community that offers in-person meetings, “Together Online” gatherings and identity-based support groups.

These groups are welcoming, trauma-informed spaces focused on connection, support and empowerment for their members.

She Recovers Together Online vs. Community Groups

She Recovers offers twice-daily online meetings you can attend if getting to a local in-person meeting is difficult or if you prefer the virtual experience. You can also find local in-person meetings, like community groups and sharing circles.

Offerings may include topic-focused gatherings plus additional community touchpoints such as peer connection spaces, depending on what’s available in your area.

Who It’s For and What “Recovery” Means in This Community

She Recovers understands that we’re all recovering from something. You do not have to meet any specific criteria of “sickness” to join one of these support groups.

Recovery is not just for those struggling with substance abuse. You can be recovering from trauma, mental health challenges, grief or loss, life transitions or burnout. 

She Recovers welcomes women, femmes, and non-binary individuals who identify with women’s communities. Most group members are 18 years or older. 

Why People Join She Recovers Support Groups

People join She Recovers to find understanding, peer-based support and recovery experience designed to meet women’s needs in ways other groups often don’t.

Key Benefits: Connection, Recovery Capital and Stigma Reduction

In addition to connection and understanding, membership in a She Recovers group offers several benefits to help you sustain recovery, including:

• Peer connection and belonging
• Relapse-protective measures such as social support and accountability
• Development of healthy coping skills
• Measures to establish new routines
• Connection with external resources
• Support that increases self- esteem and confidence

The earlier you seek help, the better. You don’t need to be at “rock bottom” to join a recovery group.

Being surrounded by people who understand that living in recovery is something to be proud of, not ashamed of, can make all the difference.

A supportive community of peers walking the journey with you helps replace shame with connection and hope.

What Happens in a She Recovers Meeting

It’s normal to feel anxious about your first meeting. Here are some things you can expect.

Typical Format, Facilitation Style, and What You’ll Do

Most meetings follow a similar agenda and follow a trauma-informed approach that includes:

• Welcome and grounding exercise
• Topic prompt
• Optional sharing
• Reflection
• Closing

She Recovers meetings follow the guiding principles of “take what you need and leave the rest.”

Participation isn’t forced; you may join online with your camera on or off, share if you wish or simply listen, which is considered active participation. 

How to Join and Prepare for Your First Gathering

Here are some things to consider before attending your first recovery group.

• Check whether registration is required to attend a group.
• A free Zoom account may be needed for online meetings.
• Arrive a few minutes early.
• Choose a private space or use headphones for privacy.
• Have water and a journal for notes.
• Decide ahead of time how much you want to share.

If you’re feeling nervous, try setting a “first meeting goal,” whether it’s just to observe, learn the norms or leave with one supportive takeaway.

Identity-Based Support Groups and Specialized Spaces

Being in a group where people feel like you fosters comfort, safety and belonging, which is why identity-based support groups work so well. 

What Identity-Based Groups Are and How to Choose the Right Fit

Identity-based spaces create community among people with shared identities such as LGBTQ+ individuals, women of color, Spanish speakers, professional groups and those navigating various life stages.

When choosing the right fit for you, consider:

• Where do you feel the safest?
• What are the issues you’re working on?
• What kind of community do you need right now?

Community Guidelines, Confidentiality, and When to Get More Help

At She Recovers support groups, certain safety measures and boundaries are in place to help build trust and prevent misaligned expectations.

Agreements, Emotional Safety and Scope of Support

Common group agreements include:

• Respect each group member.
• No cross-talk or unsolicited advice during sharing time.
• Avoid graphic details about trauma or substance use.
• Maintain a supportive tone.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of recovery groups. Members protect one another’s stories by choosing private settings for online meetings and by not recording or taking screenshots.

In in-person meetings, this commitment is often summed up as: what is said here stays here.

She Recovers offers peer support, not professional support. Peer support is powerful, but it’s not a replacement for therapy, medical care or crisis support. 

If you or someone you know is in danger or destabilized, it is important to seek help right away.

FAQs