Hello Reader,

We are writing with important updates about the Neuroqueer Connections (NQC) Group Therapy Offering.

Our most recent session on Wednesday, November 27th, was an opportunity for deep reflection among a smaller group of members. Together, we discussed mixed-race group dynamics that emerged earlier in the month, touching on white supremacy culture and its impact within our shared virtual space. These discussions illuminated a crucial truth: some members of color in our community expressed the need for a greater felt sense of safety in exploring topics related to race, white supremacy and identity-informed trauma.

As co-facilitators, we have spent time reflecting on these experiences and evaluating the structure of our group. The drop-in model, which prioritizes flexibility, access, and inclusivity, has brought value to the space. Yet, it also presents challenges: members engage with varying levels of consistency, and newcomers join without a framework for long-term commitment to the group dynamic. This structure has made it difficult to cultivate a space that supports generative conflict, repair, and accountability. We know that these are essential elements for navigating complex and sensitive discussions, especially with fellow neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

After much thought and consultation, we have concluded that the most supportive and protective next step for the community is to discontinue our biweekly NQC meetings. This decision comes with heavy hearts but is rooted in our commitment to honoring the experiences and reflections of our members of color as well as the safety and well-being of all group members.

We know that this news may come as a surprise or a disappointment to some, and may be a relief to others. We understand our members have diverse experiences of belonging and community, and that NQC has meant different things to different members.
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What's Next

Here’s what the winding down process will look like:

• Cancelled Session: The group session originally scheduled for next Wednesday, December 11th, will not take place. There will be no further meetings in December 2024.
• Final Gathering: We will hold our final group session on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.
  • This session is open to members who have attended at least one prior meeting.
  • Our focus will be on holding space for each other, honoring the time we’ve shared, and grieving the closing of this chapter as a community.
  • Our final gathering will include less verbal processing than usual, we will likely spend time in guided meditation, grief practice and collective journaling.

We encourage group members to attend this transition session, with the focus of offering ourselves an experience of collective grief that can be witnessed and held.

We will send a newsletter reminder in early January with information to register for our final gathering (on January 8th) in early January.

While this marks the end of NQC in its current form, it is by no means the end of our commitment to serving neuroqueer individuals. Kim and I are taking time to reassess and recommit to our practices, Yung Mee Psychotherapy, and Intentions Therapy. I (Dani) will continue to reflect on the lessons learned from NQC and explore new ways to create spaces for collective care that honor the needs of our community, and allow us to gather together in this time where so many of us are seeking affirming connection.

We are immensely grateful for the trust, vulnerability, and insights you’ve brought to the Neuroqueer Connections group. Thank you for sharing this space with us.

If you have questions about this transition, please feel free to reach out.

With gratitude and care,

Dani & Kim

Dani Sullivan, LCSW (they/them) intentionstherapy.com​

Kim Konopka, LCSW (they/them) yungmeepsychotherapy.com​

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