The Blue Ribbon Project was initially founded in 2012/2013 as a means to support Adult Survivors of abuse. Our founder, Taylor Pyles, founded The Blue Ribbon Project after seeing the negative outcomes of those that he grew up in foster care with. As adults, there were a myriad of issues with his peers, from mental health issues, suicides, drug addiction, homelessness, incarceration, as well as other lifelong impacts. It was after losing 5 foster siblings in a matter of months that Taylor decided he wanted to assist adult survivors of abuse. This was the very foundation of The Blue Ribbon Project and has led to its expansion in the years following.
To register for our support group, please click here: REGISTRATION
While there are many support groups in the community, chronic medical conditions, bereavement, or caregiving, and a variety of other groups, one area that seems to be lacking in our community is support groups for adult survivors of child abuse and related maltreatment. For this reason, The Blue Ribbon Project created a program, Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma Support Group, that is specific to adult survivors of child abuse.
The common experience among adult survivors of abuse often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, and treatment decisions. Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another.
- Feeling less lonely, isolated, or judged
- Reducing distress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue
- Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
- Improving skills to cope with challenges
- Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans
- Gaining a sense of empowerment, control, or hope
- Improving understanding of residual trauma and your own experience with it
- Learning about health, economic, or social resources
- Forming connections with other survivors
What is The Survivors of Childhood Trauma Group?
The Survivors of Childhood Trauma Group is a support group for adults who have experienced childhood trauma as a result of abuse, who desire to offer support to and receive support from other survivors, and who are looking to form meaningful connections on a committed journey of personal growth and healing.
What is the purpose of the group?
The purpose of the group is to provide an open, safe, and supportive space for survivors to share and process their experiences while healing from childhood trauma together. We strive to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued.
What is childhood trauma?
In the context of The Blue Ribbon Project Survivors of Childhood Trauma Group, “childhood trauma” refers specifically to the trauma experienced in childhood as a result of physical, emotional, sexual, and/or deprivational abuse by (but not limited to) a parent or caregiver.
What is the format of the group?
We follow an evidence-based, trauma-informed peer support group model called GPS, led by our Program Director who is certified in this model. This model welcomes participants to engage in a mindfulness rest stop at the beginning of each meeting and is formatted to allow participants to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs along the journey of healing from the effects of childhood trauma. There will be a new topic to discuss each session, and participants are welcome to deviate from the topic and use their “share” time to talk about whatever is on their mind if they choose. The group is structured to ensure everyone will have multiple opportunities to speak, and we follow a few simple trauma-informed guidelines that are explained at each meeting:
1. Confidentiality Part 1: what is said here, stays here
2. Confidentiality Part 2: we don’t reference what other people shared
3. We listen with compassion, respect, and non-judgment
4. This is an advice-free zone
5. This is an interruption-free zone
6. Strong emotions are welcome
What topics will be discussed?
Topics will vary and can include anything pertinent to us as survivors. We may focus on boundaries in one group or talk about attachment in another. Ideas such as feeling safe or feeling loved may be topics that come up. Each session will have a curriculum structured around these concepts and we will explore them together.
Is this group the same as group psychotherapy?
No- this is not a psychotherapy group. There is no involvement of a counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or any licensed mental health professional. This is a participant-focused group that is led by a volunteer, peer facilitator. Facilitation of the group is to ensure cohesiveness, safety, organization, and to ensure that the purpose of the group is met.
Is this group confidential?
We respect each and everyone's right to privacy and confidentiality. All participants, including facilitators, are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information shared by other participants. Virtual sessions are not recorded.
However, please understand that there are limitations to confidentiality which would require a facilitator or a member of The Blue Ribbon Project leadership to share the information necessary to ensure the safety of each participant or to abide by mandatory reporting laws (such as disclosure of an intent to harm oneself or another).
Meeting Information
This group currently meets in person on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month from 4pm - 5:30pm at the Blue Ribbon Project, located at 45 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032.
For directions to our facility, click here: DIRECTIONS
Please let us know if you will be joining us by registering here: REGISTRATION
For help or any questions, please email
