What We Do

Strength, support, and community are the three pillars of our organization. To this end, we offer a variety of creative and body-based programs designed to educate, empower, and foster connection.

Empowerment Self-Defense

The heart of Thrive is Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD), a unique and evidence-based approach to personal safety that acknowledges the statistical realities of everyday violence. More often than not, assault starts with small violations and then escalates, and it’s more likely to be perpetrated by someone you know. While it’s important to always be situationally aware and prepared for “the stranger in the alley,” true self-defense is multifaceted and includes recognizing the warning signs of interpersonal violence, effective boundary setting, and learning to use your voice and posture to move through the world safely and with confidence. ESD also acknowledges the cultural, historical, and gender issues that are undercurrents of power-based violence.

Our curriculum is powerful, effective, and comprehensive because it addresses the entire continuum of safety: violence prevention, assault resistance, and healing in the aftermath of trauma. No matter what your experience or goals may be when you walk into a class, you will leave empowered.

The Storm: Trauma-Informed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Team

Our Storm program uses the grappling martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai boxing as vehicles for personal growth and strength-building. Taking a trauma-informed approach, we start with the simplest fundamental movements, emphasizing mind-body connection, consent for touch, and a spirit of playfulness and community. No prior experience necessary. Open to women, transfolks, and gender nonbinary folks ages 13 and older.

Yoga & Reiki

We’re grateful to have two incredible trauma-conscious yoga instructors who lead practice at our Annex.

Instructor Erin DeSantis of Breathe Free Wellness invites you to cultivate and sustain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation. As a reiki master, Erin integrates this energywork into her weekly Yoga for Empowerment classes, as well as offering individual and small-group reiki sessions. Erin leads practice on Monday nights, as well as for a monthly Friday Nidra session.

Instructor Afton Palmer of the Reflective Lotus offers both Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga, blending care for mental, emotional, and physical well-being in her practice. Afton leads practice on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings.

Sexual Health & Education Individual & Group

Especially for those of us socialized as women, sexuality is presented as something that does not belong to us. We “lose” it. We “give it away.” Or, worst of all, it’s “taken” from us.

To put it politely: We call bullsh*t.

Your sexuality is yours. It belongs to you—then, now, and always. It’s an integral part of who you are as both a physical and spiritual being. Our goal is to provide the safest and bravest space, education, and support to claim—or reclaim—it for yourself. Our group class, Sexually Speaking, is a place where you can say, ask, and discuss all that may have been taboo. It’s a place to learn and heal, to mourn and laugh. Individual coaching is also available if a group setting doesn’t feel comfortable for you.

Note from Lindsey: I want to acknowledge the appalling lack of attention given in the field of sexual science to those who identify as gender nonconforming, sexual orientations that are not primarily heterosexual, and relationship styles that are not monogamous or traditional. Far too little has been done in these important areas of relationships, sex, and sexuality, and I hope we as a field do better.

Creative & Expressive Therpapies

Writing * Art * Dance

Each person’s path to healing and empowerment is different, and we celebrate that! Express yourself through movement, the written word, and various art mediums through programs like Writing ReConnection, Art of Empowerment, and Nia.

Mental Health Counseling Services Individual & Group

Coming Soon!

Thrive Empowerment Center believes the ability to protect and defend oneself is a human right. To this end, we welcome all individuals, regardless of age, physical ability, athletic/martial experience, race, religion, gender identity, or ability to pay. Though some courses may be specially designed for certain population segments, it’s our mission to provide varied programs for all. We encourage you to reach out to us if you feel our programs are not meeting your needs or if the cost of registration is a barrier to your attendance.