[person913]

I'm not sure how many of you know about SIA (Survivors of Incest Anonymous), but it's this really great, self-help group based on the 12 steps, like in Alcoholics Anonymous, but geared towards sexual abuse survivors. The group's basic set of beliefs is that by developing a loving, healing relationship with your inner child and whatever you see as your higher power, and by doing so in the company of others doing the same kind of work, you can heal from the abuse. Personally, I've found most of the treatments I've gone through to be of little or no help, but I feel like SIA is really helping me and, because of that, I'm starting two new SIA groups- one online, and one in person (if you're in New York and you want more info about the in-person group, feel free to contact me about the in-person groups). The word "incest," according to SIA, includes sexual abuse by ANYONE the child was led to trust.

The online group is going to involve a typical SIA meeting, which includes everyone getting a chance to share what's going on with them and hearing brief readings (basically about how innocent and wonderful we are), and then, I'm adding an additional component to the typical SIA meeting, which is that we'll read a brief passage from a book about inner child healing, do an exercise from the book, and then share about that with the group.

Unfortunately, SIA rules state that those under the age of 18 cannot participate in SIA meetings. Pro-survivors (people who support survivors but have not been abused) are not allowed at this meeting, although there are some that allow them. Also, perpetrators of sexual abuse may not join. Women AND men are welcome at this online meeting.

Anyway, if any of you are interested in joining, the online group is meeting Wednesdays at 8 PM EST at http://meetingsonline.com. When you get onto the site, all you need to do is click "Chat Now," which will bring you to a screen that will ask for a name that you want to be called by and which avatar you want to choose to represent your presence in the group, and then, under groups, scroll all the way down and hit "SIA Room." Yeah, so that's basically it. I hope to 'see' you all on Wednesday!

[Tiffy]

Sounds like something I may be interested in. I bookmarked the site. Thanks for sharing!

[Pavitra]

Thank you for sharing this. I was participating in a phone meeting for a while before I lost their information and I found it helpful.

[PittDiva]

Sounds interesting! I'm also looking for a face 2 face group in my area as well, but if I can't find one, maybe this would be good?
Does it have to be incest or can it be sexual abuse in general??

[jennabklyn]

Thank you so much for this!! :)/>
I feel like I am now ready to try SIA meetings after having been in Alanon for 3 years (also a great 12 step group for those affected by another person's drinking). I live in NYC and would like to try a face to face meeting. Could you recommend one?
Thanks SO much!

[ChristinaI]

Thank you so much for posting this. I've been looking for something like this.