Finding Aliveness in the Midst of Global Crisis: A Group Experience for Women
(Formerly known as the Women’s Climate Group)
Next Cohort begins Jan 2027
Runs for 10 consecutive weeks Jan 16-Mar 20
2 in-person half-day meet ups in the San Francisco Bay Area
8 Thursday evenings online on Zoom
So how are you really doing?
Some of us are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, irritable, isolated, and like the chaos is encroaching faster than we can handle.
Endless climate disasters, near and far, record heatwaves globally, the incoming Super El Nino, rising authoritarianism and the oligarchy, a dismal economy built for the 1%, and, then, oh yeah, the existential threat of AI to both our jobs and humanity.
Grief, anxiety, numbing, and dissociation could be reasonable responses to all this. But they’re not the only responses.
You're not alone—and you don’t have to carry it alone.
Finding Aliveness is a support group for women* who who are longing to feel more alive, grounded, and less alone in the midst of the onslaught of global events and polycrisis*.
Together, we’ll practice being emotionally honest and resourced in an age of accelerating breakdown.
*We define women as female-identified - those assigned female at birth as well as those who identify as femme (non-binary) and trans-femme
*Polycrisis” refers to the overlapping and intensifying crises shaping our world
This group is for you if you
Feel emotionally impacted by national and global instability.
Are feeling isolated with the enormity of what’s happening.
Have been told you’re “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “too negative” when speaking truthfully about the world.
Feel stuck between urgency and burnout, or are unsure where to begin taking action.
Care deeply about people and the planet.
Can come to two in-person sessions in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Over 10 weeks together, our practices will include:
Storytelling & Shared Reflection
Grief Ritual & Collective Witnessing
Mindfulness, Breathwork & Somatic Grounding
Connecting interpersonally
Parts Work to bring awareness to our inner voices
Reconnection to joy, purpose and beauty in the midst of crisis
Ecotherapy reconnecting to the natural world
What we hope you will experience
A space to express and be witness to deep, authentic emotions
Ways to regulate your nervous system
Opportunities to connect to pleasure and play as part of resilience
An antidote to our society’s toxic individualism
A community of thoughtful women who are walking the same uncertain road
Who we welcome
We embrace female-identifying folks from all walks of life, at every stage of life:
Climate professionals and activists
Creatives, engineers, anyone whose livelihood may be threatened by AI
Scientists, educators, artists, health care workers
Therapists, social workers, and anyone whose work includes holding others’ suffering
Mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and caregivers
Women seeking meaning and community in chaotic times
All women are welcome—this crisis belongs to all of us.
About your Guides
Joanna Calabrese (she/her) is a licensed marriage and family therapist serving folks in the SF Bay Area and across California. She brings a decade of experience in the climate and environmental space—including work on Capitol Hill, in higher education, and with grassroots nonprofits. Joanna has led grief rituals, support groups, and workshops focused on coping in these times across the state and online.
She created this group for her own inner burnout activist—because she needs it too. Joanna is passionate about helping women find connection, relief, and renewed energy for action. Her approach weaves together somatic and trauma-informed therapy, eco-therapy, and lived experience in women’s groups, rites of passage, and climate activism. She is a member/volunteer with the Climate Psychology Alliance.
Emily Fasten (she/her) is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in San Francisco. Drawing from her training in integral psychology, gestalt therapy, existential-humanism, yoga philosophy and
practice, and attachment theory, Emily has a relational, compassionate, pragmatic approach to
personal growth. She supports people to channel their inner work of self-responsibility, authenticity, difference, and freedom toward collectively confronting the most wicked challenges of our time, including the climate crisis. Along with a master’s degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies and nearly 15 years of clinical experience working with individuals and groups, Emily has completed CIIS’ Climate Psychology Certificate and is a member/volunteer with the Climate Psychology Alliance.
Testimonials from past participants (2024 & 2025)
“I came in not knowing how to express or deal with my feelings and walked away with real tools and solidarity.”
“The group helped me come to terms with the pain I was holding for the world and gave me words and an understanding that made it possible for me to address that pain. Plus, I gained tools for avoiding burnout in my work and got to meet a group of wonderful like-minded, intelligent women who are grappling with the same issues and are brave enough to confront the big feelings associated with the challenges of our time.”
“These 90 minutes quickly became the highlight of my week. I left every session feeling loved, inspired, and rejuvenated. I learned so much - about myself, my connection to the world, and practices for healing and resilience - that I will be carrying forward with me. Eternally grateful. Everyone can benefit from a group like this.”
This group is inspired by:
Therapeutic orientations: gestalt, expressive arts therapy, eco therapy, narrative therapy, existential-humanism, attachment theory
Work that Reconnects (Joanna Macy)
Sacred Work of Grief (Francis Weller)
Polyvagal theory (Steven Porges)
Good Grief Network’s 10 Step Program
Pleasure Activism (adrienne maree brown)
If you haven't heard of or don’t know about these^, don’t worry, we’ll share more in the group.Recommended Resources for Group Members
Book: All We Can Save
Podcast Series: We Are The Great Turning
Podcast Episode: Hidden Brain: When’s Its All Too Much
Podcast Series: Facing It
Epic comprehensive list of articles, books, videos, etc by the Good Grief Network
FAQs
How much does the group cost?
$1000-$1500 sliding scale
If you’re interested in the group, and cost is a barrier, please still inquire.
Please note that HSA/FSA funds can be used to pay for this group. Many group member's workplaces have considered this professional development and have reimbursed for it. We can issue you an invoice for reimbursement.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the form below at the bottom of the page. The first step is a 15-20 min call to make sure it’s the right fit and answer any questions you have.
How many members will be in the group?
6-10 members
Why only women?
Environmental and human rights activist Lynne Twist says it best: "The climate movement currently has a fix-it face - which is more masculine. We need something more feminine, which is a profound, deep, revenant, spiritual transformation in our relationship with our mother, with the Earth, with the divine feminine energy that comes through the natural world.”
We believe that women rising in power and sharing our wisdom is critical for creating the transformation needed to address the many crises of our time. We believe in you, and in our collective power as women.
Is this a therapy group?
No, this is not a therapy group. Joanna and Emily will be teaching and facilitating therapeutic practices and activities, yet will not be serving your personal or group therapist. This is not a replacement for individual or group therapy. We're happy to make referrals for climate-aware therapists.
Will the group be closed or open?
This is a closed group. No members will be added after the start date.
How long will the group run?
10 consecutive weeks
Jan 16-March 20, 2027
10 meetings over 8 weeks
2 in person half day gatherings - first and last meeting
8 Thursday evening 75 min meetings on Zoom (time TBD, likely 5-6 pm start time)
Sat Jan 16 in person in the Bay Area (location tbd) - 10am-3pm
Thurs Jan 21
Thurs Jan 28
Thurs Feb 4
Thurs Feb 11
OFF Thurs Feb 18
Thurs Feb 25
Thurs March 4
Thurs March 11
Thurs March 18
Sat March 20 in the Bay Area (location tbd) - 10am-3pm
What if I can’t make all of the meetings?
We ask that during the course of the group you treat it like you would a family or work commitment, - as a high priority. Each week builds on the previous one, as the group becomes deeper and more cohesive over time. You are expected to pay for all meetings even if you need to miss any of them. If you must miss, we ask that you prioritize the in-person meetings over the zoom meetings, as most participants have reported these are the most impactful sessions. If you know you will need to miss more than 2 out of the 10 meetings, it may be best to wait to join the next round of the group.