Healing Together: The Power of Community Mental Health at Luminary Counseling
At Luminary Counseling, we believe mental wellness thrives in connection. For Texas residents seeking support, our complimentary virtual support groups provide accessible, compassionate spaces where healing happens collectively. These groups—free of charge and available statewide—reflect our commitment to breaking down barriers to mental healthcare while fostering resilience through shared experiences.
Why Community Healing Matters
Research consistently shows that group support significantly enhances mental health outcomes by reducing isolation and building coping skills. At Luminary, we've designed our groups to offer:
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Immediate accessibility: No cost, no insurance requirements
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Geographic inclusivity: Virtual sessions for Texans anywhere
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Specialized focus: Addressing unique challenges through shared understanding
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Continuum of care: Seamless transition to individual/relationship therapy when needed
"Group support provides something individual therapy cannot: the profound realization that you're not alone in your struggles." – Jennifer Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S, Founder of Luminary Counseling
Our Complimentary Support Groups
Available exclusively to Texas residents, these virtual groups meet monthly and are facilitated by our caring clinicians. Below is an overview of each offering with direct links to learn more:
1. Pet Loss Grief Support Group
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Focus: Honoring the unique bond between humans and animals
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Structure: Monthly themes (Remembering, Feeling, Nurturing, Honoring)
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Schedule: Wednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30 PM CDT
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Facilitator Approach: Combines grief education with ritual-based healing techniques
- Facilitated by: Jennifer Williams Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S
2. Burn-Out Support Group for Mental Health Professionals
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Focus: Preventing compassion fatigue among therapists/caregivers
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Key Elements: Boundary-setting strategies, sustainable self-care systems
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Facilitated by: Emily Heimberger, Group Services Coordinator
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Unique Value: Peer support from those understanding clinical work pressures
3. Chronic Illness Support Group
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Focus: Navigating medical challenges and invisible disabilities
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Core Topics: Grief of lost abilities, advocacy, relationship impacts
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Format: Education + peer validation in a judgment-free space
- Facilitated by: Nathan Galvan, LPC-Associate
4. Religious Trauma Support Group
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Focus: Healing from spiritual abuse or dogmatic harm
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Approach: Secular framework exploring identity reconstruction
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Special Feature: Trauma-informed deconstruction techniques
- Facilitated by: Briana Gonzalez-Evans, LPC-Associate
5. Sex and Relationships Support Group
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Focus: Healthy intimacy across relationship structures
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Inclusivity: Affirming of LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and kink communities
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Expertise Grounding: Sex-positive, science-based approach
- Facilitated by: Laurel Salem, LPC-Associate
6. Neurodiversity Support Group
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Focus: Thriving with ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD
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Structure: Rotating monthly topics (Identity, Relationships, Systems, Community)
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Facilitated by: Rachel Rungdit, LPC-Associate
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Specialization: Neurodiversity-affirming space without masking pressure
Beyond Groups: Our Therapeutic Services
While support groups provide essential community connection, many Texans benefit from supplementing with personalized care. Luminary offers comprehensive services for deeper work:
| Service | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Counseling | Trauma-informed approaches, identity exploration | Processing personal history, anxiety/depression |
| Relationship Counseling | Inclusive of all structures (monogamous, poly, etc.) | Communication issues, intimacy rebuilding |
| Marriage Counseling | Gottman Method, affair recovery | Conflict resolution, trust rebuilding |
| Pre-Marital Counseling | Evidence-based curriculum | Foundational skill-building |
| LGBTQ+ Affirming Care | Gender exploration support | Transition, coming out, identity integration |
The Luminary Difference: Why Our Approach Works
1. Accessibility Without Compromise
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Financial: Free groups remove cost barriers
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Geographic: Virtual access for rural/underserved communities
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Scheduling: Evening options accommodate work/family demands
2. Expert-Led Communities
All groups are facilitated by:
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Licensed Clinicians or supervised Associates
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Specialists in each group's focus area
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Trauma-informed practitioners
- FREE groups facilitated by Paid Professionals
3. Seamless Care Continuum
Many participants transition between:
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Support groups → Individual therapy
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Individual work → Relationship counseling
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Group support → Specialized workshops or intensives
"Our groups aren't just about coping—they're about building communities where healing becomes contagious." – Rachel Rungdit, Neurodiversity Group Facilitator
How to Join Our Healing Community
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Explore Groups: Visit our Support Groups Hub for details
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Register: Click any group link above to sign up
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Connect: Contact Emily Heimberger (Group Coordinator) at emily@luminarycounseling.com
Healing Is a Collective Journey
At Luminary Counseling, we've witnessed how shared vulnerability transforms isolation into empowerment. These groups represent our core belief: mental health support should be accessible, specialized, and community-centered. Whether through our complimentary groups or individual sessions, we're committed to illuminating paths to wellness for all Texans.
"You don't have to carry your burdens alone. In our circles, your pain is witnessed, your strength is reflected, and your healing becomes part of someone else's hope. Change is Possible. Life Can Get Better. We Can Help." – Luminary Counseling Philosophy
Ready to begin? Explore all support groups or schedule individual therapy today.
