There is something magical that happens when a group comes together around a common problem and commits to a shared vision and purpose.
When that happens, there is an alchemy that occurs as each person’s individual energy contributes to a larger pool of group energy. That shared group energy then returns to the individual and buoys them up, adding power and strength to their process.
This synergy between individuals and a group is a special and unique dynamic that I have spent my entire counseling career watching unfold as I’ve facilitated countless men’s and women’s groups. I am often in awe of the power of the group and what individuals who draw upon it are able to accomplish in their lives and relationships.
When I went to the drawing board to design a program for betrayed partners that would let me reach beyond the borders of Virginia and change the trajectory of healing for many more women and men, I knew it would be group based.
I wanted something that combined individual work with the power of a group. I knew that without the group component, the program would never be truly transformational. I knew that in order to do the hard things that betrayed partners must do in order to move from the devastation of betrayal into flourishing long-term, the individuals in the program would need the power of a group behind them.
Braving Hope™ was designed to harness the magical process of working together as a group to pursue a common goal: becoming the hero of your betrayal story.
Over the summer, the women who were in the Braving Hope™ program were at all different places and stages as betrayed partners. Some of them were leaving their relationship and divorcing. Some of them were staying but were facing extremely challenging circumstances with their partners. Some of them were rebuilding their marriages and learning to trust and risk again with partners committed to recovery.
Yet, despite the unique circumstances that each of these women came with, they also brought with them a shared purpose and commitment: to allow themselves to be challenged, to face their places of stuckness, to nudge their fear aside and to take action that would grow and change them.
This common purpose created courage, strength, vitality and moxie. I firmly believe that if the individuals in the program hadn’t had the combined power of the group to draw on, they would not have made the significant changes they made that moved them forward into new territory in their healing journey.
Here is what some of the women from Braving Hope™ had to say about their experience:
“This program has been a complete game changer for me. It shifted my thinking and my ability to move forward in my life. It has liberated me on this journey and after completing the course I feel lighter and happier than I have in years. It has educated me, made me feel normal and also provided a path out of the pain and suffering. This course is for every betrayed partner. You will never regret doing it. Doing the course with all the other participants and being connected on FB has been another amazing experience of doing this course. GAME CHANGER in recovery!!! If you can……. DO IT!!!!” – Catherine, Singapore
“This was the most comprehensive model I have seen to help explain the impact of sex addiction on a partner. It allowed me to find more answers, see where I was stuck and needed to take action to move forward. But most importantly it was delivered in a kind, warm and gentle way that allowed me to develop self-compassion for the big struggle I was in to heal myself. Being with the group allowed me to see how the addiction impacted other partners and I did not feel so alone. The group gave me inspiration and hope witnessing others’ work and ability to heal.” – Annie, Pennsylvania
“Braving Hope™ is the single best thing I have done for myself since the discovery of my husband’s sexual addiction. The program, from beginning to end, was worth all the effort, time, and money that I spent on it. Michelle Mays has such wisdom and compassion, and she explains things in such an impactful, easy to understand way. I feel that as a result of Braving Hope™, I have a much better understanding of myself and my feelings in reaction to my husband’s disease. This program is a life changer and I would recommend it without hesitation.” – Kara, Wisconsin
“I highly recommend Braving Hope™. After taking this course I see a completely different woman than who I was when I first discovered my husband’s cheating. I now understand my betrayal as trauma, have a clear line of sight on my partner’s dishonest behaviors, have confidence in myself, know my truths/principles, clearly understand where my cheating partner ends and I begin, and feel the strength to carry on with my healing and make decisions about my relationship. An added bonus is the connections I made with my fellow braving hope attendees (warriors all!) that I am sure will continue well beyond the program. This was one of the best investments in myself I have made in my life.” – Mary Brown, Georgia
Dealing with betrayal is hard. It requires risk, strength, vulnerability, and courage. You must brave hope in order to heal. To do this, you need a clear map and guidance through the complications of betrayal trauma that allows you to build your strength and resiliency step-by-step. And you need the power of a group behind you, lending you their energy, wisdom, support and conviction.
If you are ready to join us in Braving Hope™ and change your betrayal story, then schedule a call with me and my team and we will talk to you about where you are at and whether Braving Hope™ is the right next step for you.