TITLE: The Next Chapter

To RSVP or learn more: email monicam@liberationinstitute.org

TITLE: Caring For Our Nervous Systems In These Political Times

DESCRIPTION: The current political climate is stressful for many people. In this workshop we explore how nervous system awareness and intentional restorative practices support self-care, sustainable engagement, empowered action, and connection to self and

Where: RSVP for time and location

Suggested donation: $10 per session (or what you can afford). No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

To RSVP or learn more: email melora@liberationinstitute.org

About the Facilitator: Melora is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, nervous system educator, and lifelong political activist. Raised in a politically engaged family, Melora has been immersed in political analysis and social justice action since childhood. She brings potent professional and life experience, along with a deep commitment to creating a more just and hospitable world—one nervous system at a time.

TITLE: The Ethical Slut Book Club

DESCRIPTION: We are going to be reading The Ethical Slut and having an accompanying discussion on Ethical Non-Monogamy and Polyamory.  Whether you are new to polyamory and ethical non monogamy, you’ve been doing it forever, or you’re currently single this group is a great opportunity to talk about what is happening in your life and coming up for you in your relationship(s). The Ethical Slut is the essential classic book on polyamory and is a great icebreaker for us to talk about what we are reading and what is coming up for us.

EXPECTATIONS (how to prepare/show up/takeaways): Have a copy of the book The Ethical Slut and an open mind.

Date/Day of the Week: Wednesdays starting on October 7th through December 2nd.

Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm

Where: Online, email RSVP for video call link

Suggested donation: $10 per session (or what you can afford). No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

To RSVP or learn more: email bear@liberationinstitute.org

About the Facilitator: Bear is finishing his masters in counseling at Prescott College this semester and his passion is working with queer and polyamorous/ethically non monogamous individuals, couples, and polycules. He has been in polyarmorous and non monogamous relationships himself for 20 years and loves the opportunity to bring his own lived experience being in the polyamorous and queer communities to support people.

Authentic Movement is a relational movement practice centered on deep listening, embodied expression, and witnessing. In this practice, one person moves while another witnesses with attentive presence, creating space to be seen in authenticity without judgment or performance. Through spontaneous movement, stillness, and reflection, Authentic Movement invites communication through the body and cultivates awareness, connection, and trust in inner experience.

Facilitator Bio: Sarah-Luella Baker (Sarah-Lu) facilitates Authentic Movement spaces focused on embodiment, presence, and relational witnessing. Their work supports participants in exploring authentic expression through movement, reflection, and compassionate observation. Sarah-Lu is a transdisciplinary artist, witch, somatic practitioner, and experiential evolutionary astrologer. An RSMT/E with an MFA in dance, they weave somatics, ritual, ancestry, astrology, and radical education in service of individual and collective liberation. Sarah-Luella is a graduate student in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. Supervisor #: Brad Byrum #T2185

When: 10 AM- noon Saturdays, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 12
Where: SE Portland, Location shared upon RSVP. We will provide the Zoom/Google Meet link or physical address after registration to support privacy and confidentiality.
Cost: Donation-based
RSVP Email: [sarah-lu@liberationinstitute.org](mailto:sarah-lu@liberationinstitute.org)

When: Wednesdays, beginning July 29, 2026

Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Where: Online (link provided when registering)

Cost: Free

To RSVP or learn more: jean-paul@liberationinstitute.org

Positive Masculinity is a therapy group for anyone who identifies as a man, including cis and trans men. Together we’ll explore what kind of man we want to be through honest conversation, reflection, and shared experience. We’ll examine the messages we’ve inherited about masculinity with curiosity rather than judgment, exploring how they shape our relationships, work, purpose, friendship, love, fatherhood, sexuality, and the expectations we carry in a changing world. This is not about finding the “right” way to be a man, but about discovering what authenticity, integrity, and connection look like for each of us.

About the Facilitator: JP Jenkins is a clinical mental health counseling intern whose work is informed by over 30 years in the creative arts, mindfulness practice, and a deep interest in relationships, identity, and human flourishing. He integrates mindfulness, somatic awareness, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to create spaces where people can slow down, reflect honestly, and deepen their relationships with themselves and others. JP is supervised by Brad Byrum (license #T2185)

To RSVP or learn more: Email brittneyv@liberationinstitute.org

The Long Beginning is a process-oriented space for women in the midst of early adulthood who are navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and the pressures of becoming someone in the world. Group sessions will include relational sharing, gentle somatic awareness, reflection, and facilitated group dialogue. Curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to show up as you are are all that is required.

About the Facilitator: Brittney Van Matre is a depth-oriented facilitator who works with anxiety, identity development, career change, and life transitions. She brings 20+ years of executive leadership and coaching experience to her practice. Brittney works with women in early adulthood who are navigating career stress, relationships, and the uncertainty of this life stage. She brings warmth, steadiness, and deep respect for the unfolding process of change. Brittney is a therapist trainee, supervised by Brad Byrum #T2185.

Time: 515pm-645pm

Where: FOR THE ADDRESS, PLEASE RSVP TO elizabeth@liberationinstitute.org

This community gathering invites people in recovery who are interested in, or currently integrating psychedelics into their healing practice. We will discuss how psychedelics impact addictive behaviors and risks of relapse.  We will explore relationships with altered states of consciousness, sobriety vs moderation, various recovery models, and systemic pressures leading to overconsumption and addictive tendencies.   The purpose of the gathering is to be in dialogue about these topics and how they impact our relationship to self, others, substances and altered states.

While we’re not requiring everyone to be sober or abstinent from all substances, we do ask that everyone attending the meeting not be engaging with whatever substance that triggers the addictive behavior.  Our intention for this monthly gathering is for everyone to have a confidential and safe space where people are able to self manage and discuss openly.  This group offers support for people who already have an active healing process around their addiction and are looking for a community to share it with and get support from.

This group is offered to the community in collaboration with Portland Psychedelic Society https://www.meetup.com/psychedelic/events/299239325/

RSVP to elizabeth@liberationinstitute.org

Facilitators:

Elizabeth Hoke is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Oregon who has over a decade of personal and professional experience with addiction recovery.  She is dedicated to helping people in need receive mental health services through Liberation Institute where therapy is provided for all on a sliding scale. Elizabeth also works with Dr. Rosonke at Rainfall Medicine, sitting with patients as they explore their relationship with addiction through the use of ketamine and psychotherapy. https://www.liberationinstitute.org/our-clinic/team/

Daisy Posada Draine is a co-facilitator of this group, and single mom of two youths. Her older son has ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and her advocacy, love, and care for him brings her to the work that she does today- Peer Support. Daisy is a Family Support Specialist (professional name for family peer) at Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN). Daisy supports families- moms, dads, and caretakers with children and youth with mental health struggles and developmental disabilities; as they navigate complex and difficult systems to receive care for their children. The reason she does peer support work is because it’s rooted in relational wisdom and presence and her lived experience helps others in their own lives and struggles.  Daisy also believes in the power of the people and has spent much of her life organizing and supporting her community to make their lives better. She believes all organizing should be rooted in building relationships and caring for one another and the collective.  Daisy understands deeply that her healing is connected to all beings that she comes into contact with.  She aligns with one of the principles of Recovery’s Remedy, being in right relationship with all things we do, take, and are in contact with. Daisy practices being in right relationship in her daily life and helps hold the container for this group and the Recovery’s Remedy Group.

Time: Monthly gathering for addiction support, held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Contact: To RSVP, please email Elizabeth at elizabeth@liberationinstitute.org .

Location: TaborSpace

Who this group is for: “Recovery’s Remedy” is a supportive community designed for individuals seeking addiction support. Whether you are on the path to recovery or supporting a loved one, you are welcome to join this gathering.

How many times this group will run for: This group meets on a monthly basis, offering consistent and reliable support for those navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery.

“Recovery’s Remedy” serves as a beacon of hope and support for those on the journey to recovery. The focus here is on creating a safe and welcoming space where you will find the support you need. To join this monthly gathering and take steps towards healing and recovery, simply reach out to Elizabeth at elizabeth@liberationinstitute.org  to RSVP. You don’t have to face addiction alone, and “Recovery’s Remedy” is here to remind you of that.