Group Trauma Treatment in Early Recovery

Created by Judith Lewis Herman, MD and Diya Kallivayalil | Offered by Vermont Center for Resiliency

At the Vermont Center for Resiliency, we are honored to offer Group Trauma Treatment in Early Recovery, a pioneering model developed by psychiatrist and researcher Judith Lewis Herman, MD—renowned author of Trauma and Recovery.

This group treatment approach is specifically designed for people in the early stages of recovery from interpersonal violence. It provides a structured, compassionate, and safe environment where participants can begin to rebuild trust, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing in community.

About the Program

  • Focus on Safety: The first stage of trauma recovery is safety. This group emphasizes stabilization—helping participants feel grounded and supported as they begin their healing journey.

  • Skill Building: Through guided practices, participants learn tools for self-regulation, stress management, and healthy connection.

  • Community Healing: Healing from trauma happens in relationships. Group members support each other in reclaiming voice, agency, and dignity.

  • Evidence-Informed: Rooted in Dr. Herman’s decades of clinical research and widely recognized framework for trauma recovery.

Who Can Join

This group is open to adults in early recovery from:

  • Domestic and intimate partner violence

  • Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, etc.)

  • Other forms of interpersonal trauma

Participants are encouraged to engage in some form of stability-oriented care (such as outpatient therapy, recovery support, or case management) to benefit most from the group process.

What to Expect

  • Brief initial telephone interview

  • In-person interview

  • 10 Weekly 60-minute group sessions

  • Small group size for safety and connection

  • Facilitated by trauma-informed clinicians trained in Dr. Herman’s model

  • Practical skills and psychoeducation blended with supportive sharing

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more or enrolling in Group Trauma Treatment in Early Recovery:


📞 Call us at: (802) 395-1831‬
 📧 Email: ayla@vtresiliency.com
 🌐 Sign up here: https://www.valant.io/prospectivepatient/VermontCenterforResiliency