Group Therapy for Gender Diverse Persons with Disabilities: A Safe Space for Healing and Support
Access to mental health support remains limited for many gender diverse persons with disabilities.
Barriers such as cost, stigma, inaccessibility, and lack of inclusive services often make it difficult to seek care, even when it is urgently needed.
In response to this gap, the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Frauen Initiative Uganda, is creating a space for healing, reflection, and collective support through group therapy sessions led by a professional psychiatrist.
The Need for This Work
Mental health is not separate from the realities people live every day.
For many gender diverse persons with disabilities, experiences of stigma, exclusion, violence, and isolation can have a deep and lasting impact on emotional well-being. Yet access to professional, affirming mental health care remains limited.
This initiative is grounded in the understanding that mental health support must be accessible, care must be inclusive and affirming, and healing need not happen alone.
About the Sessions
These group therapy sessions are designed as a safe and supportive space where participants can:
- share experiences in a confidential environment
- connect with others navigating similar challenges
- access guidance from a professional psychiatrist
- learn practical coping strategies
- begin or continue their mental health journey
The sessions are implemented in partnership with Frauen Initiative Uganda, bringing together community-based support and professional mental health care.
Sessions will be held weekly in small groups of 10–15 participants over six months, creating a consistent and supportive environment where trust can develop over time.
Participants will also have access to one-on-one sessions with the psychiatrist where additional support is needed.
Our Approach
This initiative is rooted in DEF’s Ffena Kukyoto model, which centers care, community, and collective healing.
The sessions are designed to:
- prioritize safety and confidentiality
- create space without pressure to share
- respect different experiences and identities
- support participants at their own pace
This isn’t a place where people are expected to perform strength. It is a space where people can show up as they are.
Who This Is For
This program is open to:
- gender diverse persons
- persons with disabilities
- individuals seeking mental health support in a safe, inclusive environment
No prior therapy experience is required.
What to Expect
Participants who join the program can expect:
- weekly group therapy sessions over the duration of the program
- a structured but flexible environment
- professional mental health support
- respect, confidentiality, and care
This is a space for both listening and sharing, depending on what feels comfortable for each participant.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining these sessions, you can apply through the form below.
This initiative is implemented in partnership with Frauen Initiative Uganda, and all applications will be reviewed with care and confidentiality.
We keep group sizes small to ensure a supportive environment, and we’ll select participants based on availability and readiness to engage in group activities.
A Note on Care
We understand that reaching out for support can be difficult.
If you choose to apply, your information will be treated with strict confidentiality, and we will follow up with care and respect.
You are not required to share more than you are comfortable with at any stage.
Stay Connected
If you have questions about the sessions or would like to learn more, you are welcome to reach out.
Recent Posts
Follow Us
Ways To Give
Whatever form your support takes, it directly empowers Diverse persons with and without disabilities to build the futures they deserve.