2026 Story Groups Forming

Please email us and let us know that you are interested in a group starting in January 2026. This does not commit you, but we need time to gather those that are interested and then form groups based on experience, schedule availability and gender.

What to expect from Story Groups?

Each participant will write and read their stories while also engaging in others’ stories. The group experience is unique in providing a safe environment to be seen, known and loved. Groups bring somatic healing in ways that simply listening to podcasts, reading or one-on-one meetings cannot provide. Ryan and Emily also train participants to become more aware themes we discuss in our podcast as they come up in stories.

We all long to be known. We are best known, and our life circumstances are best seen, in the company of others. Story Groups are a profound experience that invite you to step deeply into the themes of your life within the context of a supportive and facilitated environment. Ryan or Emily will coach you to write particular stories from childhood that involve trauma of any degree. They will facilitate and train group participants how to engage each story with kindness, care and empathy. In a group, each individual has the opportunity to get counseling while also learning to be better at listening and engaging others. Healing and restoration occur when we courageously explore our stories of pain and harm. We also gain wisdom, curiosity and insight when we hold one another’s stories.

This is a “find your people” opportunity!

Groups will begin the week of January 12 and end the week of April 20. Participants are asked to commit to 90% attendance but will be charged each week whether they attend or miss. This policy keeps the cost equal for all participants and encourages attendance which builds community, trust and consistency. There will be a daytime Group and an evening Group based on CST for two hours each week on Zoom. Based on interest, we will be flexible on days/times but currently they are set for

Tuesdays 1:30-3:30pm and

Wednesdays 5:00-7:00pm.

They cost $75 per week. Groups consist of 4-6 participants and are often all women or all men but sometimes mixed gender if there are at least two of one gender. Any Questions - reach out to Emily@StoryMattersinitiative.com or Ryan@Storymattersinitiative.com