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BreakFree for Women+

Welcome to the life-changing program for women, non-binary, and transgender folx! This powerful group experience has helped more than 1,000 women+ build healthier relationships with ourselves and the people in our lives. 

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The BreakFree Experience

BreakFree is about:
– how to stop self-criticism (even if you’ve struggled your whole life!),
– how to say “no” and protect your time and energy,
– how to listen better to ourselves and each other,
– how to slow down and respond with connection, not shame or fear,
– how to create and maintain empowering relationships,
– and TONS more, all while learning from and supporting fellow women+.

Women Holding Hands

Go Beyond The Fluff

The series helps people clear old patterns of shame, blame, and feeling “not enough” through group learning and progressive exercises. The group setting adds jetpacks to your journey as we witness and support each other's growth. 

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A Commitment To
Your Capital "S" Self

The group meets for weekly 3-hour sessions and two all-day retreats.

It’s fine to miss a session or two; materials will be shared and content reviewed. 

Cost and Sliding Scale Funds

Cost is $250/month (yes! 14 hours for the price of two in-person therapy sessions).

A sliding scale, supported by donations and payments over $250, is available for those who could not otherwise participate. 

What Happens
During A 
BreakFree Session?

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Most BreakFree sessions open with a round of guided check-ins celebrating our successes in awareness and growth.

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We then learn new concepts through readings, activities such as simple crafts, and small-group listening exercises. We get to practice our new skills and notice what comes up as we experience giving and receiving support.

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BreakFree's clear structures can help us learn about the safety we need from relationships, especially when emotions or memories come up for care.

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Some of the powerful topics we'll

learn about together include: 
self-worth, boundaries, emotions, conflict navigation, how childhood experiences affect us today, how to work with our inner child and other parts, how to release early traumas and send them back to their sources -- all the really good stuff we need to be our fully present Wise Adult Selves today! 

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The Well: A Center For Wellness

A women+ focused space for professional, holistic healing.

Meetings take place at The Well: A Center for Wellness, 529 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, across from the Kroger by the Town & Country shopping plaza. Park behind our building and come in through the pink front door! The group space is up the flight of stairs just inside; let me know if this will be a challenge. We usually remove our shoes inside; warm slippers or funky socks are fun to bring along!

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The Well is a collective of independent, medically trained, holistic health providers including mental health therapists, birth and lactation specialists, gynecologic care providers, massage therapists, physical therapists, and more! Our event space is home to gatherings ranging from tai chi to infertility and new parent support groups. Come explore what calls to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I eat before class? 

Yes, you can! We are an hangry-free space. :) You can also bring food to eat if you're strapped for time. We also have snack breaks with light foods available, and folks are always welcome to bring some yummies to share. 

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2. I won't be able to make every session -- will I get kicked out? 

Absolutely not. No one is expected to attend every single session, though if you know you'll miss more than 2 or 3, it might be best to wait for a future class. You'll still get the handouts and content, but there's no way to replicate the mutual community support and practice. 

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3. Are you serious, it's only $250 a month?!

Actual question from multiple generous folks! Yes, BreakFree is offered on a sliding scale to keep it accessible for more folks without burning out your guide. Those who can pay more or would like to donate to help others attend are welcome to do so!

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4. Is this group therapy? Can I bill my insurance? 

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board defines BreakFree For Women+ as an educational program -- in other words, a class with lots of group participation. That means it does not qualify as a medical expense for HSA cards or insurance billing. 

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5. Do I need to see an individual therapist during the program?

It's not a requirement! That said, many folks find that exploring topics of mental health and how conditioning and experiences helped shape them can bring up things it can be helpful to work through with focused care outside BreakFree.

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Your class guide is happy to provide referrals and resources for this!

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6. What happens if things get too intense for me?

BreakFree emphasizes boundaries and making sure that we never have to "just push through" when we're feeling intense things. Instead, we model and encourage boundaries, self-advocacy, and making sure both mutual support and external support are available. 

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7. I'm afraid I won't feel like I belong -- I've never felt I fit in with other women+, and sometimes groups of them are just darn scary.

Most of us were conditioned to feel unsafe and see other women+ as threats. (Mean Girls, anyone?) Most of us feel like we're never good enough, that others will see through our masks and do us harm. The best thing about BreakFree is how it gives us the support structures and opportunities to build more trust and safety within ourselves and each other. Hang in there and thanks for being so brave!

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8. Got more questions?

Email ria@breakfreeforwomen.com!

In order to reclaim our self-worth, we have to own the following: 'I am now, and always have been, completely and unconditionally worthy and enough.'

BreakFree For Women+ founder Janet Thomas, LCSW

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