The Self-Advocacy Circle

A Peer Support & Self-Advocacy Cohort for People with Chronic Illness

If you've ever faced years of medical gaslighting, long waits for a diagnosis, or systemic barriers that made getting proper care an uphill battle, this space is for you. Patient Power: The Self-Advocacy Circle is designed for people navigating chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and complex diagnoses—especially those who have faced instability in jobs, housing, or healthcare access that makes long-term medical continuity difficult.

We know that the healthcare system often fails those of us who don’t fit into neat diagnostic boxes. Whether due to systemic biases, lack of resources, or life circumstances that make consistent care challenging, we need tools, strategies, and community support to advocate for ourselves effectively.

This group goes beyond simple peer support—it’s a structured cohort where members gain practical skills, share experiences, and build capacity together. Plus, members receive priority discounted access to a second-tier, high-touch support program designed for deeper guidance and strategy-building. Patient Power: The Self-Advocacy Circle “Taking charge of our care, together.” A Peer Support & Self-Advocacy Cohort for People with Chronic Illness & Complex Diagnoses

What Makes This Group Different?

Unlike traditional support groups that focus solely on emotional sharing, Patient Power blends peer support with somatic tools and practical self-advocacy education.

We center marginalized experiences—including the barriers faced by Black, Brown, disabled, queer, trans, and neurodivergent individuals in medical settings. This is a space where your lived experience is valid, your frustration is understood, and your voice is powerful.

We also recognize that instability—whether in employment, housing, or relationships—can make navigating chronic illness even harder. This group supports those dealing with the real-life impacts of delayed diagnoses, healthcare discrimination, and the struggles of managing symptoms without consistent care.

What to Expect

Inclusivity: Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, this space is designed for you. We welcome a diverse range of chronic conditions, disabilities, and intersecting identities.

Sliding Scale Accessibility: Participation is available by joining Forum (link) or by registering directly through Emergent Phoenix’s website. The first session is free so you can see if this space is the right fit for you.

Structured Sessions:

𖤓 Begin with micro-introductions (please arrive within 5-10 minutes of start time as the room will lock for security after the introductions).

𖤓 10-15 minutes of psycho-educational wellness presentation from Evvie (topics like emotional literacy, navigating medical bias, preparing for appointments, accessing care while unstable, and managing medical trauma), including a somatic practice.

𖤓 30 minutes of peer support in a large group and smaller breakouts to discuss the session topic and share lived experiences.

𖤓 Special Workshop: Occasional sessions where Evvie shares practical strategies or guest peer facilitators with expertise in disability justice, patient rights, and medical tourism.

Priority Access to The Deep Dive Cohort

For those who want to go beyond the monthly group, Patient Power members receive priority discounted access to a second-tier program. This cohort offers deeper strategy-building, including workshops, guided advocacy templates, small group coaching, and more high-touch support.

First Session & Details

📅 First Session: TBD 2025, Thursday @ 7 PM CST

⏳ Session Length: 75 minutes (with a 5-7-minute break)

👥 Capacity: Limited to 10 participants for an intimate and supportive space

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not a therapy group but a therapeutic, peer-led space offering support, community care, and shared wisdom.

Sponsor This Work

This initiative thrives on community support. If you or someone you know can connect us to sponsorship opportunities, please reach out. Together, we can expand access to this vital work and create a broader network of care and understanding.

We look forward to seeing you and building a community of resilience, connection, and shared wisdom.