Finding Community & Healing Through OSPVL

Ever notice how sometimes the best therapy doesn't happen on a couch? I've been watching something pretty special unfold with many of my clients who've joined the Ocean State Pride Volleyball League here in Rhode Island. This incredible community-based organization was established to provide a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to connect through sport.

What makes OSPVL so special isn't just the volleyball, It's the five core values they embody: Openness, Safety, Philanthropy, Vision, and Leadership. Many clients tell me that walking into their first session feels like stepping into a judgment-free zone where they can simply be themselves. The league welcomes players of all skill levels, runs year-round with both indoor and outdoor options, and hosts at St. Mary Academy in East Providence. There's something powerful about physical activity combined with genuine connection that creates a perfect environment for natural healing.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counsler, I've seen how spaces like these complement traditional therapy in remarkable ways. One participant described it perfectly: "It doesn't feel like a league; it feels like a close-knit family." That sense of belonging is something we all need, and organizations like OSPVL remind us that healing happens in community just as much as it does in individual sessions. If you're looking for connection beyond our therapy space, consider checking them out at ospvl.org – your mind and body might thank you for it!