Heartfelt House has been part of the Northern Rivers community for over 20 years. It was founded by a survivor who wanted to create a safe space for others who had experienced childhood sexual abuse.
Today, Heartfelt House is delivered by Women’s Health Northern Rivers (WHNR) as part of our commitment to providing trauma-informed services that support healing and wellbeing for women across the region.
Healing Pathways is a 10-week therapeutic group program for adult women survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Each week, participants meet for 2.5 hours in a private, welcoming space.
The group is small (6–10 participants) and closed, meaning the same women attend each week to create safety and trust.
The program combines:
How it affects the body, mind, and emotions
Grounding, self-compassion, and ways to manage strong feelings
Mutual support and understanding from others who “get it”
Moving forward with confidence and self-care
This program is for adult women (18+) who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood and feel ready to take part in a group setting. There is no expectation to share details of trauma, the focus is on healing and building skills for the future.
Sessions run weekly for 10 weeks in line with the NSW school term. Optional social time before or after sessions helps build connection. Our next group will start in February 2026 in Lismore. Find information on current and upcoming groups on our Events page.
Before joining, participants complete a confidential intake process either in person or over the phone. This helps ensure the program is the right fit and that participants have the support they need to engage safely. If the group isn’t suitable right now, we’ll work with participants to find other options.
Spaces are limited. To register or find out more:
Participant wellbeing is our priority. The program is led by trained facilitators who use trauma-informed approaches. Sessions focus on practical information and skills, with opportunities for mutual support and understanding – there is no pressure to share details of the past. If extra support is needed, WHNR can link participants with other services.
If someone is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380.
Heartfelt House is for women only. Men seeking support can visit SAMSN (Survivors and Mates Support Network).
Heartfelt House follows Blue Knot Foundation guidelines and is proudly delivered by Women’s Health Northern Rivers with support from Medicare Mental Health Centre and Northern NSW Health.
Call (02) 6621 9800, visit our centre or use
our Request for Service Form below.
Women’s Health Northern Rivers acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and play.
We pay deep respect to Elders past and present, and honour the leadership of emerging Elders.
We extend our respect to all Bundjalung clan groups, and recognise the ongoing cultural and spiritual connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country – land, waters and sky.
We especially acknowledge the Bundjalung women who continue to care for Country, and the knowledge, wisdom and stories they share.
We are grateful to live and work on this land, and remain committed to walking together towards better health and social outcomes.
