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
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.
Please contact Elise to schedule a screening at 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 19.
Healthy Relationships (Group Counseling)
Thursdays, August 8–September 19
Virtually 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 and will occur over the course of six weeks. Residents of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.
Please contact Elise Gibson to schedule a screening at 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 1.
Grief and Loss: Gentle Movements to Process and Heal
Tuesdays, August 6–20
In person at The Women’s Initiative main office
In life, we suffer losses that may cause us a lot of pain. This could be the loss of a loved one, a dream, your land, or a pet. Come share time in community with other Latinas to process and heal through gentle movements and reflection. Facilitated by Laura Somel, MSW.
To register for the group, please contact 434.270.0926 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Black Joy
Thursdays, August 1–29, 6–7pm
Virtually via Zoom
Join Narrative Therapist Alyson Davis LMFT for a five-week group focused on Black joy stories. Enjoy short films made by Black artists and creatives that highlight the importance of joy for mental health and our humanity, followed by a group discussion about lived experiences. Facilitated by Alyson Davis, LMFT.
To register, please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening before July 26.
Bienestar Healthy Relationships
Tuesdays, July 16–30
In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville) and virtually via Zoom
Join us to explore the dynamics of healthy relationships in our lives. We will learn about unhealthy relationship dynamics and strategies to cultivate accepting and compassionate relationships with ourselves and the people in our lives. Facilitated by Ingrid Ramos, LPC, and Kassandra Baltazar, MSW.
To register for the group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Executive Functioning and You: Learning Ways to Work With Your Brain
Tuesday, July 16
Executive function, often referred to as "the brain's air traffic control system," enables us to plan, pay attention, and complete tasks. Join us for a one-time workshop that discusses the different ways executive function can impact neurodivergent individuals. We will explore how these differences can manifest and learn practical tools for everyday life. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by H Peterson, Supervisee in Social Work, and Elise Gibson, LCSW.