EndoKin Collective - Endometriosis Support Reimagined (FAQ)

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What is EndoKin Collective?

EndoKin Collective is now a cohort-based EMDR group therapy program for women living with endometriosis and adenomyosis. Using evidence-based EMDR protocols (G-TEP and GREP2), we help you process medical trauma, build emotional resilience, and find healing in community with others who truly understand.

Who is this program for?

EndoKin is designed for adult women navigating endometriosis or adenomyosis who are struggling with:

• Medical trauma, healthcare stress, and provider burnout

• Anxiety, depression, grief, or shame connected to symptoms

• Feeling isolated, misunderstood, or alone in your experience

• Relationship strain, identity shifts, or fertility-related emotional pain

• Faith distress or feeling disconnected from God and loss of hope

Is EndoKin Collective therapy?

Yes. EndoKin Collective is a structured EMDR group therapy program led by a licensed mental health professional with endoemtriosis and adenomyosis. It is not a substitute for individual therapy, comprehensive medical care, or crisis services. If you're in an active crisis or feel unsafe, please contact local emergency services or call 988 immediately.

What does the program include for women with Endometriosis?

Each cohort runs for 6-8 weeks and includes:

• Weekly EMDR group therapy sessions using G-TEP (Group Traumatic Episode Protocol) and GREP2 (Group Resource Development and Installation Protocol)

• Trauma processing focused on endometriosis-related experiences

• Skill-building for emotional regulation and resilience

• Community connection with 5-10 women who share your experience

• Resources and materials to support your healing journey

How often do cohorts run?

Cohorts are offered 1-4 times per year, depending on demand and availability. To be notified when enrollment opens for the next cohort, join the waitlist by subscribing on the website or email hello@cheerfulheartmhcpllc.com. Cohorts are also affinity group based. For example one cohort will be soley for BIPOC women, another for LGBTQIA+ women, ect.

How do I join a cohort?

Enrollment opens on a rolling basis before each cohort begins. When you apply, you'll:

1. Complete a brief intake form

2. Participate in a short screening call to ensure the program is a good fit

3. Receive program details, including dates, times, and investment

4. Complete enrollment and receive your welcome packet with session links and guidelines

Space is limited to 5-10 participants per cohort to ensure a safe, effective therapeutic environment.

How much does the program cost?

Pricing for each 6-8 week cohort will be shared during the application process. Payment plans may be available. Please contact hello@cheerfulheartmhcpllc.com for current pricing and options.

Can I join anytime?

No. Because this is a cohort-based program with a structured curriculum, you must enroll before the cohort begins. Late entry disrupts the therapeutic process for the group. If a cohort is full or has already started, you can join the waitlist for the next session.

Do you offer refunds?

Due to the limited number of spots and the therapeutic nature of the program, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need to withdraw before the cohort begins, please contact us as soon as possible at hello@cheerfulheartmhcpllc.com. Refunds are typically not available once the program has started, but we will work with you if extenuating circumstances arise.

What are the group guidelines?

EndoKin Collective is a safe, confidential, trauma-informed space. All participants agree to:

• Attend sessions consistently and arrive on time

• Understand and accept EMDR groups are not talk therapy/support groups. You don't have to talk about what happened and what still hurts at length or in detail.

• Respect privacy and confidentiality of what's shared in the group

• Show respect, compassion, and support for all members

• No hate speech, harassment, bullying, or shaming

• Follow facilitator guidance to maintain safety and therapeutic integrity

Violation of these guidelines may result in removal from the program without refund.

Is my privacy protected?

Yes. As a therapy group, EndoKin Collective follows HIPAA standards and professional ethical guidelines.

Can I share what happens in thegroup with others?

No. To protect the therapeutic space and the privacy of all members, you may not share screenshots, recordings, or details about other members outside the group. You are welcome to share your own experience and what you're learning, but please do not identify or discuss other participants.

What if I'm triggered during a session?

Medical trauma and chronic pain work can be activating. If you feel overwhelmed during a session:

• Let the facilitator know via chat or verbally

• The facilitator will give you invidudal support to help you ground and calm yourself.

• We will use grounding tools we'll practice together (breathing, bilateral tapping, calm place imagery)

• Step away briefly if needed, and return when you're ready

• Reach out to your individual therapist for additional support between sessions

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact emergency services or call 988.

Does EndoKin offer crisis support?

No. EndoKin Collective cannot provide emergency or crisis services outside of scheduled group sessions. If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also contact 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

What if I miss a session?

Consistency is important for group cohesion and your own healing process but we understand the reality of living with endo. If you must miss a session, please notify the facilitator as soon as possible. Depending on the week and content covered, a brief individual check-in may be offered to help you stay connected to the group process. Recordings are not typically provided to protect the privacy of other members.

Can I do this program more than once?

Yes. Some participants choose to join future cohorts to deepen their healing or address different aspects of their endometriosis experience. If you're interested in rejoining, please reach out during the next enrollment period. You will be placed in an affinity gorup of other retruning members when possible.

Do I need to be in individual therapy to participate?

While individual therapy is not required, it is strongly recommended. EMDR group work can bring up deep emotions, and having your own therapist for support between sessions can be very helpful. If you're not currently in individual therapy, we're happy to provide referrals.

What technology do I need?

Sessions are held virtually via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You'll need:

• A reliable internet connection

• A private, quiet space where you can speak freely

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone

• Headphones (recommended for privacy and sound quality)

Technical instructions will be provided in your welcome packet.

Who leads the program?

EndoKin Collective is led by Shakira 'Kira' O'Garro, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-D, LPC, LPCC, NCC) trained in EMDR therapy. She specializes in medical trauma, chronic illness, and faith-integrated care, and has lived experience navigating endometriosis and adenomyosis herself.

How do I get more information or join the waitlist?

Complete a book, a consultation call, subscribe to the newsletter, and get on the email list. You can also email: hello@cheerfulheartmhcpllc.com, and Shakira will add you manually. We'll send you details about upcoming cohorts, enrollment dates, and how to apply.