Discover the profound impact of Something Positive for Positive People is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with herpes using holistic approaches. We focus on navigating the complexities of stigma and relationships associated with the virus. Our mission is to provide stigma-free communication skills and other resources to sexual health service providers, including therapists, nurses, sex educators, and public health professionals. We advocate for the integration of the experiences of those living with herpes into broader sex education and STD prevention efforts, ensuring a comprehensive and empathetic approach to sexual health and wellness.

Our resources are meticulously crafted to address the specific needs of those living with herpes. We provide insightful guidance on dating and disclosure to navigate the emotional complexities that often accompany these experiences. Our unique yoga sessions are tailored to help manage the stigma associated with herpes, offering a holistic approach to wellness. For more personalized support, SPFPP offers donation -based one-on-one support calls and therapy (we connect you to a therapist), ensuring everyone has access to the care and understanding they need. These resources are invaluable for those seeking to understand and cope with their diagnosis in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

By donating or becoming a member of SPFPP, you are not just supporting an organization; you are investing in a movement. Your contribution helps us continue providing these essential services and expand our reach to more individuals in need. Join us in our mission to offer empowering herpes support resources by making a tangible difference in the lives of many. Together, we can create a world where herpes stigma is a thing of the past. Support us today, and be a part of this transformative journey.

Here's what you can expect from us:

• Podcast Interviews: Engaging conversations with people living with herpes and healthcare professionals, offering insights into stigma and personal experiences.

• Non-Profit Advocacy: Our efforts focus on raising funds to support our initiatives, including research and advocacy for integrating our stigma minimization program into sex education and STD prevention.

• Workshops and Training: We provide workshops and specialized training on stigma-free communication for public health professionals, sex educators, therapists, nurses, and more.

• 1-on-1 Support Calls: Personalized support calls to guide individuals in their journey with herpes stigma.

• Community Support Groups: A supportive network of groups bringing together people navigating herpes stigma.

• Restorative Yoga Sessions: Yoga classes are designed to help manage the emotional impact of living with herpes.

Discover more about our vision, mission, and comprehensive services, and join us in our commitment to creating a supportive, educated, and stigma-free community.

1. PODCAST

Welcome to the Something Positive for Positive People podcast, a pivotal space exploring the intersection of herpes and personal relationships. Centering on the often-searched topic of dating with herpes, this podcast provides a platform for honest discussions about the challenges and experiences of managing a herpes diagnosis in the dating world. It's an invaluable resource for those dealing with herpes, offering guidance, support, and community. Additionally, it serves as an educational tool for sexual health professionals, deepening their understanding of herpes-related stigma. Join us for empowering stories and expert insights, contributing to a more informed and empathetic conversation around herpes in the realm of dating and beyond."

2. NONPROFIT

Your donations are the lifeblood of our restorative yoga sessions, specifically designed to provide both physical and emotional relief for those grappling with herpes stigma. These sessions are more than just yoga classes; they are a sanctuary for healing and a unique approach to wellness and stigma management. Additionally, your support ensures the continued production and enhancement of the SPFPP podcast — a crucial platform that offers personal stories and professional insights, and fosters deeper understanding and connections within the herpes community. Beyond individual support, your contributions are pivotal in our advocacy work. We strive to integrate real-life experiences into sex education and STD prevention programs, playing a key role in transforming healthcare approaches and reducing stigma at a systemic level. Moreover, your donations aid in developing and maintaining a wide array of resources, including educational materials, support groups, and one-on-one counseling with licensed mental health professionals. All these elements work synergistically to support individuals with herpes in every aspect of their journey. As a donor to SPFPP, you're not merely contributing financially; you're actively part of a movement that champions empathy, education, and empowerment. Your generosity enables us to reach and support more individuals, expand our services, and continue our vital advocacy for a stigma-free world. Your donation is a step towards breaking down barriers, fostering honest conversations, and uplifting individuals who benefit the most from these resources. We invite you to join us in this transformative journey, where your contribution makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of many.

3. Research

Surveys by Something Positive for Positive People offer key insights into living with herpes, focusing on managing outbreaks, treating symptoms, and the realities of dating and relationships. This data highlights effective strategies for dealing with herpes, from outbreak control to successful partner disclosure. It also reveals the dynamics of patient-healthcare provider communication, informing our sex education and STD prevention programs. These insights ensure our initiatives effectively address the unique needs of those with herpes, fostering better understanding and support. The SPFPP Herpes Stigma Conference on May 23, 2024, is virtual and we will present our latest data on these very topics.

4. Advocacy

Something Positive for Positive People's advocacy centers on integrating stigma-free communication into the realm of sexual health, especially for individuals living with herpes. We focus on transforming the lived experiences of those with herpes into actionable insights and practices that foster open, judgment-free dialogue. Our advocacy extends into reshaping dating practices and empowering individuals to communicate about their sexual health status with confidence — and without fear of stigma. In the sexual healthcare field, our efforts aim to cultivate an environment where healthcare professionals engage in empathetic, informed interactions with patients, enhancing the overall quality of care and support. This dual approach of personal empowerment and professional education strives to create a more inclusive and understanding community, breaking down barriers and misconceptions associated with herpes.

5. WORKSHOPS

We offer a range of engaging and informative sessions designed for herpes support groups. Our workshops cover crucial topics such as coping with stigma, effective communication about your condition, understanding herpes, and nurturing healthy relationships. We also delve into mindfulness and stress reduction, the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in herpes management, and the legal and ethical aspects of STI disclosure. Our supportive storytelling sessions encourage community bonding, while art therapy provides a creative outlet for emotional expression. These workshops are geared towards empowering individuals with herpes to lead confident, informed, and healthy lives.

6. Training (STIGMA MINIMIZATION) for sexual health service providers

Our stigma-free communication training, designed for sexual healthcare providers, serves as a vital intervention to be integrated into sex education and STD prevention programs. It offers practical scenarios for therapists, counselors, coaches, nurses, and public health professionals, focusing on non-judgmental, empathetic patient interactions. Patients then provide real feedback, enhancing the effectiveness of care. While trauma-informed care addresses past trauma, our stigma-free approach specifically targets the elimination of judgment and bias in healthcare conversations, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive experience for those with STDs.

7. Support calls

At Something Positive for Positive People, we're dedicated to offering a listening ear and practical advice for those navigating the complexities of life with herpes. Our one-on-one support calls are here to provide you with a safe space to vent, seek guidance, and explore coping strategies, whether you're dealing with your own diagnosis, a partner's disclosure, or unique challenges related to herpes. Please note that while these calls offer empathetic support and can connect you to a network of licensed mental health professionals, the calls themselves are not conducted by licensed therapists and do not constitute medical advice. Our goal is to provide non-medical, supportive discussions to help you navigate your situation with understanding and care. We understand the sensitive nature of these conversations and are here to support you with the insight and empathy you need. Whether you're directly affected by herpes or supporting someone who is, we are here to help you find clarity and comfort. Don't face these challenges alone. Reach out to us for a herpes support call. Your conversation with us is a step towards managing your experiences more confidently and contributes to our mission of providing compassionate support within the herpes community.

8. Community

Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP) actively connects individuals navigating herpes stigma through a variety of dynamic and supportive avenues. Our Restorative Yoga classes offer both physical and emotional wellness, tailored to those affected by herpes stigma. Live podcast recordings provide engaging, real-time discussions on pertinent topics, while in-person pop-up events create a space for community bonding and shared experiences. Our herpes disclosure workshops offer practical guidance and support, empowering attendees in their personal journeys. The SPFPP Facebook groups and virtual events serve as accessible platforms for continuous connection and support, fostering a vibrant, interactive community. Each of these avenues is designed to facilitate meaningful connections, shared understanding, and a sense of belonging among those dealing with herpes stigma.

9. Restorative Yoga

Experience the healing power of Restorative Yoga designed to provide emotional support for individuals living with herpes. Our soothing session is tailored to help you navigate and heal the emotional challenges associated with herpes stigma. In this class, we concentrate on gentle, restful poses supported by props for deep relaxation, with a strong emphasis on emotional healing. By combining mindful breathing with restorative postures, we create a nurturing environment that encourages emotional release, self-compassion, and resilience. Join us to ease anxiety and stress related to herpes stigma, promoting emotional healing and finding a supportive community. Ideal for all levels, this class offers valuable tools for navigating life with herpes with greater emotional ease and confidence, without the spiritual elements often associated with traditional yoga.

10. THERAPY

At Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), we connect our community members to therapy services uniquely tailored for those navigating the complexities of living with herpes. Our therapists, many with personal experiences of herpes themselves, provide invaluable understanding and empathy, addressing the specific emotional and mental health challenges associated with herpes stigma. They offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and manage feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety, ensuring a holistic approach to your well-being. Our herpes community business directory connects you to this empathetic network of therapists, enhancing your journey towards healing and empowerment. Discover a supportive and stigma-informed therapeutic experience with SPFPP. Visit our directory to explore our growing network of therapists today.