Common Ground: Community Support Group & Healing Group
Monthly Peer Support & Community Connection in South Jersey
At Waves of Change, we believe healing happens in community. Common Ground is our monthly peer gathering created to give you a safe, welcoming space to slow down, feel heard, and connect with others navigating similar life experiences.
While our focus shifts each month—from guided discussion circles and expressive arts to mindfulness, seasonal resets, the core mission remains the same: accessible, low-pressure community support for every body.
Different Monthly Experiences, Same Welcoming Community
No two months look exactly alike, allowing us to meet our South Jersey community’s changing needs throughout the year. Every session is facilitated with warmth, compassion, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive space.
Peer Discussion Groups
Open, guided conversations focused on shared life themes like stress, life transitions, burnout, and self-compassion.
Mind–Body Gatherings
Interactive gatherings incorporating gentle movement, breathwork, or creative integration to help process emotions beyond words.
Seasonal Resets & Mindful Gathering:
Dedicated spaces to pause, reflect, and establish practical grounding habits alongside a supportive group.
What’s Coming Up at Common Ground
Vision Boards: Setting Your Season’s Anchors
Create a vision for where you want to go—and how you want to feel along the way.
Vision boards often focus on the big things we want to accomplish: career goals, travel, relationships, or personal milestones. But reaching those goals is only part of the picture. How do you want to move through the season ahead? What will help you stay grounded when life gets busy? What do you want to make space for along the way?
In this special Common Ground workshop, we’ll take a more intentional approach to the traditional vision board. We’ll begin with a guided reflection designed to help you identify both your active goals and the practices, boundaries, and everyday moments that help you feel grounded. Then, you’ll turn those reflections into a visual reminder of what you want to move toward and what you want to protect along the way.
Session Details:
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Waves of Change Studio | Franklinville, NJ
Audience: Open to adults & teens (14+)
Investment: $30 | All materials provided
Note: Pre-registration is highly encouraged to secure your spot in our cozy space and ensure we meet our minimum enrollment.
This Is For You If…
You are looking for a reason to get out of the house. Sometimes you just need an excuse to change your environment, break up the weekly routine, and be around other people.
You want low-pressure social interaction. You appreciate a space where you can engage as much or as little as you want—sharing is always welcome, but listening is just as valued.
You prefer a low-stimulation environment. Our Franklinville studio is thoughtfully curated with soft, warm lighting and a mirror-free layout so you can entirely unwind and feel comfortable.
You enjoy open-ended conversation. Whether the evening's topic is a deep discussion about life transitions or simply a lighthearted excuse to gather and swap stories, you are just looking for genuine, local connection.
Meet Your Facilitator
Amanda M. Gonzalez is a Clinical Mental Health student and counselor-in-training with 12+ years in child and family services. She works with children, families, and survivors of domestic violence, integrating holistic, nature-based approaches. Fluent in Spanish, she provides culturally sensitive, compassionate care.
Amanda Gonzalez
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Yes, pre-registration is highly encouraged! To keep our conversations intimate and the environment low-pressure, seating is limited. Registering ahead of time also ensures we meet our minimum enrollment policy (3 participants) so the gathering can take place.
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No. These conversations are not therapy and do not replace counseling. They are gently guided community discussions focused on connection, reflection, and shared experience.
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Not at all. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels right. Listening is participation. There’s no expectation to speak, process, or “fix” anything.
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No preparation is needed. Just come as you are. Comfortable clothing is encouraged, and you’re welcome to bring water, a notebook, or anything that helps you feel at ease.
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Absolutely. Many people attend because they’re feeling depleted, unsure, or hesitant. There’s no requirement to feel “ready” — showing up is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group Experiences in Franklinville, NJ
This group is held at the Waves of Change studio in Franklinville, NJ and welcomes students from Newfield, Buena, Vineland, Williamstown, Glassboro, Clayton, and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Disclaimer: Support groups are peer-based and educational and are not therapy or clinical treatment. Participation does not establish a therapist–client relationship.
If you’re looking for therapy or ongoing support - contact us.