What is TREM? TREM (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model) is an evidence-based model that supports the healing of trauma and oppression experiences. The curriculum was first designed to address the needs of a group of women in treatment. The curriculum for this group has been modified to be gender-inclusive and to address the specific needs of those with LGBQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, and more) and TGNC+ (trans, gender non-conforming, and more) identities. The group is 90 minutes long and takes place on Thursdays from 5:30-7pm. It consists of 8-14 group members. The curriculum is broken up into three parts- the first 11 weeks focuses on psycho-education, skill building, resourcing, and getting to know your fellow group members. Once the first 11 weeks is complete, members can chose to move into Part 2 of the group which continues for 11 more weeks and then Part 3 which consists of a 12 week curriculum. Completing the second two sections is not a requirement. A minimum number of group members is necessary in order to continue onto these sessions.
I am not sure if my experience is considered “trauma”, but I’m interested in this group. Is it okay for me to attend? In TREM, we don’t play "trauma olympics". It is common for people with experiences of trauma and oppression to struggle with an “imposter complex” or over questioning the validity of their own experience. Here, we believe that every group member’s experience is as valid as the next. If you have had one or more difficult life experiences that you believe may still be affecting you, then this is the right place for you.
How do I register? In order to register, you will need to complete an intake prior to attending the first group. You can schedule this directly with D. The Intake fee and fee for the first group session is due at this appointment. It is best to schedule this appointment sooner rather than later as the group does fill up.
Are there other group requirements I should know about? This group is focused on learning skills to cope with and heal from trauma experiences and NOT on processing the details of individual trauma memories. There is a possibility that the material presented in this group could trigger difficult memories or your own trauma symptoms. For this reason, all group members should be engaged in weekly individual therapy or other in-depth supportive service. This group involves affinity work, therefore all members of the group should be part of the LGBTQIA2+ community and/or have a marginalized sexual orientation or gender identity. If you are not a member of this community and are interested in similar groups, please get in touch with us as there may be another group option for you.
How much does it cost? The full group fee is $50/wk and a sliding scale fee that goes down to $15/wk is available. Payment is taken weekly either by cash or a card which can be kept on file and billed automatically. Members are responsible for payment for all weeks remaining once they register. This rule generally supports group commitment and allows the group to continue even when individual members have to miss a session. Please let the facilitators know if you are not able to attend a session or if you need to drop out of the group prior to completion. If half or more of the members are unable to attend an specific week, then that session can be rescheduled.
I'm nervous about committing to the full 11 weeks before I know how I'll respond to it. Can I attend a session before committing? Yes! Though it helps significantly with planning if members are able to commit early to the full 11 week session, clients are able to attend one group session prior to making the comittment. They will have 4 business days after that session to let the facilitator know if they do not wish to finish the 11 week session. If the facilitator does not hear back by the 5th day, they will expect to see you at the next group and you will be charged for the remaining week. If there are circumstances that prevent you from completing the group once you have already registered for it, please reach out to the facilitators as we are happy to work with you.
Other Questions? Please don’t hesitate if you have any questions at all prior to registering for the group! Being that this is a trauma-focused group, our intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for all group members. We will do our very best to accommodate individual requests as able.