The Struggle:
Why We Need a different kind of space
Do you crave deep connection but find yourself pulling away when things get real—or holding on so tight that you lose yourself in the process?
Many queer folx carry the weight of past relational wounds into their present lives. Whether you are navigating complicated family dynamics, unpacking past religious experiences, or just trying to exist authentically, old survival strategies often turn into modern-day isolation or exhausting relationship loops. You might recognize:
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The Anxious Grip: Fearing abandonment so deeply that you constantly seek reassurance, or having a hard time telling the difference between a healthy bond and a destructive one because any connection feels better than being alone.
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The Pull-Away: Anticipating abandonment on the flip side by instinctively distancing yourself, putting up walls, or leaving before you can be left.
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The Emotional Wall: Finding it difficult to access or express your true emotions, even in moments when you desperately want to be transparent.
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The Protective Shield: Feeling quick to anger or defensiveness when you feel misunderstood, dismissed, or when you are trying to protect the people you care about.
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The Inner Critic: Struggling to embrace who you are without the heavy presence of shame or self-doubt.
It is exhausting to carry these patterns alone. The good news is: you don't have to.
What is a Process Group?
This is not a support group where we just take turns venting about our week. This is an Interpersonal Process Group. Think of it as a "relational laboratory"—a brave, confidential space where you can experiment with new ways of being.
In this group, we focus on the "Here-and-Now." Rather than just talking about your life "out there," we pay attention to what is happening right here between us. When you feel that familiar urge to pull away, put up a wall, or seek reassurance, we slow down and explore it together in real-time.
By exploring how we relate to one another in real-time, we create a unique kind of alchemy that allows you to:
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Uncover Blind Spots: Gently identify the unconscious survival habits that might be might be keeping you isolated or stuck in exhausting loops.
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Receive Honest Feedback: Learn how others truly experience you in a supportive, queer-affirming environment.
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Experiment and Practice: Try out setting boundaries, asking for what you actually need, or sitting with conflict—and discover what happens when you are met with acceptance instead of rejection.
Is this Queer Process Group Right For You?
This group is designed for LGBTQ+ adults (18+) residing in Tennessee or Virginia.
It is likely a good fit for you if:
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You are exhausted by your survival strategies: Whether you tend to isolate when overwhelmed, or over-adapt and accept destructive connections just to keep people close, you are ready to find a healthier way to relate.
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You want to untangle past wounds: You are navigating the lingering impacts of family of origin dynamics, abandonment wounds, or high-control religious environments, and you want a secure space to process how those experiences impact your current relationships.
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You want a space that just "gets it": You are looking for a queer-affirming environment where you don't have to explain or justify your identity, allowing you to focus on the deeper relational work.
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You are ready to experiment: You are willing to practice setting boundaries, expressing your true emotions, and staying in connection even when your first instinct is to run or deflect.
(Please Note: Because process work can be emotionally stirring, this group is best suited for individuals who are not currently in acute crisis. If you are navigating a recent severe trauma or active safety concerns, individual therapy may be a more supportive starting point.)
The details
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When: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST (weekly)
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Where: Online via secure, HIPAA-compliant video
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Who: LGBTQ+ adults (18+) residing in Virginia or Tennessee
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Investment: $70 per session
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I am an out-of-network provider but can provide Superbills for you to submit for potential reimbursement.
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Facilitator: Kara Gibbs, LCSW
About the Facilitator
Kara Gibbs, LCSW (She/They) My approach to group therapy is grounded in a simple philosophy: relational wounds require relational healing.
As a queer person and a Tennessean turned Virginian, I understand the complexity of navigating identity, family dynamics, and systems that weren't built with us in mind. I know what it means to exist in spaces where it doesn't always feel safe to be fully yourself.
In this group, my role isn't to be the "expert" who lectures or gives advice. Instead, my role is to hold a secure container. I help guide our attention to the here-and-now dynamics happening in the room, ensuring the space remains safe enough for you to take risks, practice vulnerability, and challenge the old survival habits that are keeping you stuck.
I strive to facilitate with warmth, transparency, humor, and a deep respect for your autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to talk every time?
A: You are never forced to share, but a process group works best when you participate actively. It is normal to feel anxious about speaking up—part of the work is naming that anxiety in the moment. We encourage you to take relational risks at your own pace to build safety and trust within the group.
Q: Is this group therapy or a social hour?
A: While the connections are real (and we definitely make space for humor and joy!), this is a structured psychotherapy group, not a social meetup. We are here to do the deep work of understanding your attachment habits and relational patterns in a secure, confidential container.
Q: What if I don't get along with someone in the group?
A: That is actually one of the most valuable parts of the process! In this group, we use friction or conflict as a safe way to understand how you handle disagreement or fear of abandonment in the outside world. Instead of avoiding the conflict, anxiously seeking reassurance, or pulling away, we will work through it together in real-time.
Q: I identify as LGBTQ+, but am not sure where or how I fit into the larger community. Is this for me?
A: Absolutely. Many group members come to us feeling disconnected or struggling to find a space where they don't have to "translate" their queer experience. You do not need to fit a specific mold, have it all figured out, or perform a certain way to belong here.
Q: Can I join if I don't live in your city?
A: Yes! Because this is an online therapy group, it is open to any adult currently residing in Tennessee or Virginia. You can join from the comfort of your own space.
Join the Group
Space is limited to ensure a small, intimate cohort.
Step 1: Fill out the brief inquiry form below.
Step 2: I will reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This isn't a job interview! It's just a casual conversation to ensure the group's goals align with what you need right now.
Step 3: If we decide it’s a good fit, you'll complete intake paperwork and schedule a one-on-one onboarding session to prepare for entry into the group space.