Coco Connection and Community

This is a community-based support group for trans-femme people and trans women seeking connection, understanding, and shared care.

Grounded in the belief that community itself is therapeutic, the group offers a safe, affirming space for honest and open sharing. Sessions are unstructured and responsive; shaped by what members need in the moment, allowing space to unpack feelings, offer mutual emotional support, and engage in communal healing.

Together, we build community, share stories and resources, and uplift one another!

When: 1st Monday of Every Month, starting March 2nd

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Coco Coquette: 2109 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78702

18 YO +

This group is facilitated by licensed therapist, Bailey Patterson, LPC Associate (under the supervision of Ana Salazar, PhD, LPC-S). Bailey brings prior experience facilitating community-based support groups in South Texas for trans-femme, trans-masc, and nonbinary individuals, with an emphasis on creating affirming, responsive spaces centered on connection, safety, and shared healing. This group is hosted by Coco Coquette and facilitated by Bright Light Counseling Center. 

Please RSVP by 12PM the day of group. 

A support group is a safe place where people who share common experiences come together to listen, share, and learn from one another.

This group is not mental health treatment and does not replace therapy or other clinical services. You may participate in this group and mental health treatment at the same time.

If you believe that you may benefit from mental health care, please review the resources located: (Create link on BLCC webpage for group resources)

If you have a behavioral or emotional crisis, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You may contact the following Lifelines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (call or text)
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Group Guidelines

Each support group may have its own additional set of guidelines; these are the overall guidelines: 

1. Maintain Confidentiality
   • What is discussed in group, stays in group. 
2. Mutual Respect
   • We assume others have positive intentions, we do not engage in personal attacks, and we listen with openness. 
   • We do not try to change or fix others. 
   • We allow each person to speak without interruption. 
   • Use “I” statements when sharing your personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
3. Cultural Humility
   • Start from a place of respect and humility for differences in a person’s experience, culture, and perspective.
4. Mindful of the Space
   • Prevent disruptions by showing up on time and silencing personal devices. 
   • Share relevant, on-topic comments and information while being aware of others' desires to share as well. 
5. This is a substance free space

Mandated Reporter

The facilitator of the group is a mental health clinician and needs to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the profession. There are some situations in which your facilitator is required by law to reveal some of the things you disclose, even without your permission. Here are some of these situations:

1. If you are threatening serious harm to yourself
2. If you are threatening serious harm to another person
3. If you report abuse happening to a minor, an elderly person, or an individual with disabilities

 Agreement to Participation 

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. This group is not mental health treatment and does not replace therapy or other services. I may seek or continue mental health services while attending.
2. I agree to follow the group guidelines above, including maintaining confidentiality, mutual respect, cultural humility, and mindfulness of the shared space.
3. I understand that I may learn the formal identities of group members. I agree not to seek out any information about group members (e.g., using a search engine or social media), nor contact them outside of the group without their prior consent. 
4. I understand that the facilitator is a mandated reporter and acknowledge the legal limits of confidentiality as described above.