Online Counseling Group

Healing Generational Trauma: A Therapeutic Book Club

Understanding and breaking free from generational trauma isn’t something you have to do alone. This group is a space for connection, reflection, and real progress. If you’re ready to start your journey, sign up here or contact us for more information.

Your story doesn’t end with the past. Let’s start writing a new chapter together.

Does Your Pain Run Deeper Than Your Own Experiences?

You’ve worked hard to heal, to grow, to create a life that feels safe and fulfilling. But no matter how much effort you put in, you still find yourself stuck in patterns that don’t fully make sense. The anxiety that lingers, the self-doubt that whispers, the emotional reactions that feel bigger than the moment—what if some of this pain didn’t start with you?

Generational trauma is real. The burdens of past experiences—those of our parents, grandparents, and beyond—can shape how we navigate the world today. This book club is for those who are ready to understand these deeper influences, break free from inherited patterns, and take meaningful steps toward healing. If you’ve ever wondered why certain struggles persist despite your best efforts, this group is a space for you to explore, reflect, and heal.

About the Group: An Online Therapeutic Book Club Experience

This is more than just a book club. It’s a structured, therapeutic group experience where we will work through It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn—a powerful exploration of generational trauma and how it affects us today. Led by licensed therapist Amanda Espinosa, this 8-week group will include:

  • Guided discussions on key concepts from the book.

  • Mindfulness exercises to help regulate emotions and reduce stress.

  • Journaling prompts for personal reflection and deeper insight.

  • A supportive community of individuals walking a similar path.

This is a closed group, meaning the same participants will meet each week, creating a safe and consistent space for deep exploration and connection. No new members will join after the group begins. The group is limited to 8 people to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel supported.

Time, Cost, and Billing

Dates: The group runs for 8 weeks, starting March 20, 2024.

  • Times: Two session options are available:

    • Thursday evenings: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST  (20 March - 8 May)

    • Friday mornings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST (21 March - 9 May)

  • Cost: $240 total ($30/session, paid upfront). We can also bill BCBS and Aetna, and some insurance plans may cover the cost of group counseling. We can run your insurance verification as part of your group registration process.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or payment options, please email (admin@willowgracecounseling.com) before registering.

How to Sign Up

If this resonates with you, we invite you to take the first step. Anyone interested in joining the group will fill out a pre-group survey. After completing the survey, you will be contacted by Amanda, the group facilitator, for a short consultation to ensure this group is the right fit for you. Because this is a closed group and limited to 8 people per session, we want to ensure that each group dynamic supports meaningful learning and growth for all members.

After your consultation with Amanda, you will be invited to create a client profile on SimplePractice and will receive a secure link to the telehealth meetings where the group will take place. This is a 100% online group for residents of North Carolina.

What is group counseling?

Group counseling offers a unique opportunity for growth, healing, and connection. It provides a safe environment where participants can share experiences, gain new perspectives, and receive professional guidance while benefiting from peer support. Unlike traditional book clubs, this group is facilitated by a therapist who ensures discussions remain therapeutic and supportive. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are new to this kind of work, this group is designed to help you deepen your understanding of generational trauma and take active steps toward change.

“Healing doesn’t mean severing ties with the past—it means reclaiming our power in the present. When we recognize that the pain we carry is not entirely our own, we can begin the work of separating ourselves from the suffering of those who came before us. We can hold their stories with reverence while choosing to walk a different path. This is how generational patterns are rewritten.”

Meet Your Facilitator: Amanda Espinosa, LCSWA

Amanda understands that healing from past wounds—especially ones that aren’t entirely your own—can feel overwhelming. She provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina, with a deep commitment to trauma-informed care.

Her approach is holistic, blending mindfulness, breathwork, and person-centered techniques to help clients feel more grounded and empowered. Amanda specializes in helping individuals navigate childhood trauma, anxiety, career burnout, and life transitions. With her experience facilitating therapeutic groups, she is the ideal guide for this journey of exploration and healing.

Learn more about Amanda on her clinician profile

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, and we have answers. We understand that joining a therapeutic book club is a significant commitment—of both time and money. You might be wondering, How will this help me? or Is this the right fit for me? Our goal is to make sure you feel fully informed before making your decision. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the group, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Anyone is welcome—you don’t have to currently be in counseling as an individual to participate in this group.

  • In order to bill insurance, a mental health diagnosis has to be submitted for your file. For many, that diagnosis is Adjustment Disorder, reflecting the mental health challenges of dealing with normal life adjustments. If you do not want a diagnosis attached to your file or submitted to your insurance, you can choose private pay. You do not have to be dealing with any particular mental health condition to be in this counseling group.

  • No. This group is only available to residents of North Carolina due to state licensure laws. Additionally, because sessions are interactive and therapeutic, consistency in attendance is essential. If you will be traveling during a session, we encourage you to join a future group when your schedule allows for full participation.

  • We ask that participants commit to attending all 8 sessions. A key part of what makes this group successful is the dynamic and support between members. If you know in advance that you will miss more than one session, we recommend waiting for a future cohort.

  • At this time, we only accept BCBS and Aetna insurance for this group. If you have another insurance provider, you may be able to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. If you’d like to participate without using insurance, the private pay rate is $30 per session ($240 total, paid upfront)

  • Yes. While this is a group setting, confidentiality is a priority. Participants are expected to respect the privacy of others by not sharing personal information outside of the group. The group facilitator ensures that all discussions remain in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Yes. It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn is required reading for this group. You will receive a reading schedule before the group begins so you can follow along with discussions.

  • All sessions will be conducted through SimplePractice’s secure telehealth platform. After your consultation with Amanda, you will receive an invitation to create a client profile and access the meeting link.

  • If you have additional questions, please reach out to Amanda at amanda.espinosa@willowgracecounseling.com before completing your pre-group survey.