Support Circle for Women in Northern VA

Rise in Harmony…

Rise in Harmony is a support circle for women
who seek a creative space to release stress and emotions,
embody empowering messages through music and movement,
and feel more connected in community.

Check out samples of our songs and dances!

Supportive conversation, music, movement and relaxation

Facilitated by Dr. Diana Bermudez (DrD)

Six 1-hr in-person sessions
Max 15 women
Saturdays at 1pm
Oct 3 – Nov 21, 2026 (Revised)
(No meetings on Oct 10 & 17)
Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N Park Dr. Arlington, VA

Register now!

Feel seen, heard and loved by a private, small circle of women committed to supporting each other.

Embody empowering lyrics of pop songs while dancing to simple steps together, and having a blast!

Release stress and emotions in mutually supportive conversation and relaxing visualizations.

Dr. D is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Art Therapist, with 25 years of clinical & creative experience.

More Details and FAQ

Based on the surveys with women in a pilot group, we believe the emotional benefits of Rise and Harmony may include an increase in sense of wellbeing, greater self-awareness, decreased stress and anxiety, relieving muscle tightness, and feeling more positive, relaxed, accepted, supported and connected with peers.  However, there are no guarantees and the benefits may vary according to each participant’s motivation to make changes in thinking, feelings and actions outside of sessions.

We maximize the benefits of a support group by combining the supportive conversations with the mental health benefits of music and movement.  The pop songs are carefully chosen because the lyrics repeat empowering and healthy messages related to the theme of each session.  Adding simple dance steps congruent with the lyrics and melody helps with loving our bodies and integrating the benefits comprehensively.  Research has shown that music, movement and positive affirmations can decrease stress hormones and generate “feel good” hormones (D.O.S.E: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins).

Rise in Harmony was designed for women, non-binary and female-identifying participants who:

  • Need to reduce stress, anxiety, and body tension
  • Struggle to make time for self-care without guilt
  • Deserve to feel relaxed, supported and connected
  • Love creative, uplifting, and active approaches
  • Value the facilitation of a joyful licensed professional counselor

You do not need to have previous music, dance or fitness experience, as the songs and dance steps are simple and fun. If you have a physical limitation, modifying the dance steps will ensure your full participation and benefits from the group.  Dr. D creates dance steps for each song, which you can choose to follow along, or to use as a base and modify as you wish. Movement can be dancing, swaying, rocking, bouncing or anything that feels good to you, and is congruent with the themes of the group.  You might feel like singing along too!

1) Music and discussion about feelings, and personal reflection may cause you uncomfortable feelings temporarily.
2) The gentle dance requires some physical effort and potential minor fatigue.

There is a theme for each of the sessions, for example: “It is healthy to listen to ALL my feelings (positive and negative),” “I am in charge of my thoughts, my feelings and my choices,” and “I send love, gratitude and support to people around me, and open my heart to receiving their love and support.” Each session has the following structure; 15 minutes of intro to the theme and setting your personal intention; followed by 25 minutes of dancing; and ending with 15 minutes of relaxation, sharing thoughts and feelings, and a suggested homework.

Dr. D does not receive payment directly from insurance companies. However, your insurance company may reimburse you directly for the cost of group psychotherapy with an out-of-network provider. Dr. D provide the necessary superbills, yet is not responsible for your claims or the outcomes.

Please call your insurance company before the first appointment, to find out what your benefits are for group sessions with an out-of-network provider, if there is a deductible, and how many sessions per year are covered. Your insurance can find Dr. Diana Bermudez in their list of out of network provider using her National Provider Identification (NPI): 1427567965.

Cost

$100 for registration interview with Dr. D (free of charge for current or former client).

You chose either $60 per drop-in session, or $300 for a 6-session package ($50/session).

Superbills are available for participants who wish to submit directly to their health insurance for reimbursement for group therapy with an out-of-network provider.

Register now!

Please submit this form.
Dr. D will contact you to schedule a 1-hour registration interview (15-min for current or former clients).
Payment is required to complete your registration.

Are you available to attend most of the group meetings? Please see time and dates above.
Are you over 18 years old?