Are you tired of being the “strong” one?

Join us for a POWERFUL

1 Day

experience designed to help you break free from the burdens of Parentification

JOIN US IN 2025

A Radical Retreat for Black Women Ready to Break Free

Are you tired of being called "strong" while feeling invisible and overwhelmed?

Do you struggle to ask for help because you're used to handling everything on your own?

Are you exhausted from carrying everyone else's burdens and ignoring your own needs? 

Are you ashamed to ask for help yet you end up feeling resentful when others don’t ask if you need help?

OR are you intentionally caring for children,  a parent, or a spouse who is unable or unwilling to care for themselves?

You and I both know it’s time for a change…..

It’s time to stop being strong for others and start being true to yourself.

In this expert-led full day retreat, you will learn EXACTLY what you need to know in order to heal from self doubt, overcompensating, and pleasing people. 

It’s time to have healthier relationships and focus more on unresolved trauma. 

Join Montina Myers-Galloway, Founder of Myers-Galloway Counseling and creator of The Responsible One Newsletter © , for a life-changing retreat: “Don’t Call Me Strong” 

This all-day retreat workshop is your chance to reclaim your identity and heal.

Claim your spot today and join the movement

It’s Time to Stop Being “Strong” and Start Being Real

This retreat is designed just for you

A Black woman who is done with the act of being strong and is ready to heal, take back your life, and find your true self.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in 1 Full Day………..

  • 🔥 Session 1: Parentification 101

    Montina Myers-Galloway, LCMHC, QS, NCC will help you get to the root of parentification and put a stop to unhealthy caregiving habits. It’s time to stop carrying everyone else’s burdens and learn how to put yourself first. This session will help you reclaim your time, energy and your peace of mind.

  • 🔥 Session 2: Mindfulness While Black

    Kimberly Reese MSW, LCSW is going to teach you how to quiet the noise of stress and anxiety with holistic self care strategies tailored for Black women. We’re diving into mindfulness practices that don’t just scratch the surface but nourish your entire being.

  • 🔥 Session 3: Ambiguous Loss

    Whitney Coble LCMHC, PMH-C, TF-CBT and Tiffany Bishop LCMHC-S, PMH-C, TF-CBT will help you confront the deep, complicated pain of ambiguous loss - where the grief seems to never fully resolve. This session will guide you through the cloudy waters of unresolved emotions helping you find a path to healing even in the midst of uncertainty.

  • 🔥 Session 4: Boundaries Without Guilt

    Kateria Poe, LCMHC, NCC wants you to know that it’s time to stop living for other people's expectations. In this session, we’re breaking the cycle of overcompensation and teaching you how to set bold boundaries that put your peace and well being first.

  • 🔥 Session 5: Your Body is Not the Enemy

    Kena Sessoms, LPA will teach you why your body is your champion, not your adversary. In this session, you’ll be breaking down the toxic narratives and rebuilding a loving, empowering relationship with your body. Say goodbye to negative self talk and embrace the beauty of self love.

  • 🔥 Session 6: Identity + Self Acceptance

    Zenitra Perry, Executive Coach will help you tap into this question ....Who are you really? Seriously! Beyond the roles, labels and expectations? This session will take you on a journey of self discovery, where you’ll shed societal pressures and step fully into the power of your true identity.

After these POWERFUL sessions you won’t be the same…

Picture this—you’re walking out of the retreat with a sense of lightness you haven’t felt in years. The weight of “having it all together” is no longer suffocating you. Instead, you’ve learned to breathe easy (literally), having redefined what it means to be strong.

You’ll go home with more than just good memories—you’ll have:

🎯 Emotional Freedom: A crystal-clear understanding of your feelings and how to express them unapologetically.

🎯 Unshakable Boundaries: The confidence to say “no” when it serves you, without second-guessing yourself.

🎯 A Tribe of Support: Real, deep connections with women who get you. You’ll leave knowing you’re not walking this road alone.

🎯 Self-Care Without the Guilt: Practical, doable strategies that make taking care of you the new norm, not the exception.

This isn’t just about letting go of being the strong one—it’s about embracing a version of yourself that’s authentic, vulnerable, and fiercely protective of your own peace. You’ll return with tools that empower you to live differently—on your terms.

  • Nani Brown-Shelton

    Retreat Director

  • Charity Matlock, LCMHC

    Host

  • Yolonda Youngblood

    Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator

Claim your spot today and join the movement

It’s Time to Stop Being “Strong” and Start Being Real

Real Stories, Real Healing

  • "Her questions allow for transparency which aid us in understanding each other better.”

    “{My Therapist} inquisitions are unbiased and open ended which allows for honest and authentic communication between my mother and I. Her questions allow for transparency which aid us in understanding each other better.”

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • "She assisted and guided me through the process of deconstructing key areas of my life that were pivotal for my new growth.”

    “I found that Myers-Galloway Counseling, more specifically, our counselor, Montina, is just what my daughter and I were looking for. Most helpful to me was Montina's professional approach to our situation. She was patient and thoughtful as she assisted and guided me through the process of deconstructing key areas of my life that were pivotal for my new growth.”

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • "My happiness now comes from within"

    “Before I began therapy with Montina I was in a place in my life where I didn’t trust anyone and felt hopeless. This included family and friend relationships. I hadn’t forgiven my father for wrongdoings in the past and I wasn’t sure how I would forgive him. With the help of Montina, I am figuring out how to love again, how to trust again, but most importantly, how to trust myself and God again. It feels amazing. And my happiness now comes from within. She taught me how to stay in the moment and practical things I could do to keep my thoughts in the moment. I am so grateful for Montina and would recommend her to ANYONE!”

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And just like that……..

You’ve made one of THE most important decisions you can ever make for yourself…….You CHOSE YOU! 

And now you are on your way to FREEDOM! 

Now you’ll have the tools to break free from the cycle of parentification and unhealthy caregiving. 

Let’s talk about the Mental Health impact of Parentification 

There are an estimated 5.4 million children in the United States experiencing some form of parentification……. 

When at least 5.4 million children are in the role of a parent BEFORE they are physically, emotionally, or mentally ready you get 5.4 million children experiencing emotional neglect, relational trauma, and chronic stress. 

Those children grow up to be ADULTS… and Black women JUST LIKE YOU!

This HAS TO END!!

You deserve access to support and protection

✔️ Learn to build trust 

✔️ Genuinely connect with others 

✔️ Let go of anger

✔️ Learn to regulate your emotions 

✔️ Improve symptoms of Depression 

✔️ Lower symptoms of Anxiety and Worry

✔️ Develop healthier coping skills + behaviors

✔️ Get your needs met in healthy ways 

There are cases where Black women have felt emotionally responsible or have been physically responsible for someone else (a parent, a sibling, or other family member) since as early as 6 years old! 

Can you believe that?! I couldn’t….

I had to take action…..

According to the CDC, the important developmental milestones that happen in children by the age of 5 are:

🔺 Playing with other children

🔺Learning to count to 10

🔺Having the ability to pay attention for 5-10 minutes

🔺Tell stories that include events

🔺Learning to write some letters in their name

Nowhere in this list does it say:

🚫 “Carry emotional burdens of others”

🚫 “Be a peacemaker for my parents”

🚫 “Be a second mom to my siblings”

🚫 “Become someone else’s confidant”

During this phase of early childhood, you probably had a lot of questions about the world around you and needed guidance and steps on how to solve problems. 

For whatever reason…….you didn’t get what you needed…..

Claim your spot today and join the movement

It’s Time to Stop Being “Strong” and Start Being Real

💬 You might be thinking 💬

  • We understand that finances can be a concern. Don’t Call Me Strong is valued at $500, but we're offering it for $299 to make this transformative experience accessible to more deserving women like you. Our philosophy is that Every Black Woman Should Invest In Herself.

    Think of this retreat as a valuable investment in your personal growth and healing. It’s not just a day away; it's a chance to give yourself an experience with long-term benefits and make a profound impact on your well-being for years to come.

  • We understand that taking a day off work can be difficult. Think about the last time you took a mental health day or time away from work to focus on yourself. This retreat will address the burnout and exhaustion many Black women experience by providing tools for self-care and wellness. By investing one day in yourself, you’re not only taking a crucial step toward recovery but also improving satisfaction and fulfillment in your professional life. Consider discussing the importance of this retreat with your employer, emphasizing its role in your personal development and well-being.

  • No prior experience is needed! Our retreat is designed for women at all stages of their journey. Each session is tailored to meet you where you are, with practical tools and strategies that you can start using immediately, regardless of your background.

  • The retreat is crafted to foster genuine connections among attendees. You’ll meet other Black women who share similar experiences and challenges, and experience the joy of community. Engaging in shared experiences and discussions will help you learn and heal alongside others who understand and empathize with your journey. Don’t worry, your emotional safety and privacy is our highest priority. Our facilitators are dedicated to maintaining a respectful and compassionate space for everyone involved.

  • Don’t Call Me Strong is specifically designed for Black women who are healing from parentification and the challenges of unhealthy caregiving cycles.

    If you are a Black woman who:

    • Neglects Her Own Needs

    • Carries Unresolved Trauma

    • Lacks Self-Care

    • Struggles With Boundaries

    • Has Always Taken Care of everyone else

    • Is Tired of Being Strong

    … then this retreat was made just for you. Trust your instincts and take this overdue opportunity to pour into your own cup. You deserve it.

Claim your spot today and join the movement

It’s Time to Stop Being “Strong” and Start Being Real

I’m telling you………This is a movement. This ENDS TODAY!

This is what inspired me to create Myers-Galloway Counseling, The Responsible One Newsletter and this event that is just for YOU…..

This retreat is a chance for Black women to set boundaries without guilt, lower stress with self-care, and find their true selves. Join us to embrace who you are, redefine your strength, and finally put yourself first.

Why This Retreat Is Right for You:

✅ Break Free from the chains of Parentification

Healing Sessions: Dive deep into workshops that confront the heavy toll of parentification on your mental health. This isn’t surface level stuff……we’re getting real about the impact and the path to healing. 

Real Conversations: Finally connect with and talk with women who truly get it. Share your story, hear theirs and realize you are not alone on this journey.

✅ Reclaim Your Identity and Power

Authentic Self-Care: It’s time to put yourself first, guilt free. Learn the no-nonsense strategies to set rock solid boundaries and boldly guard your mental space.  

Self-Discovery: Rediscover the passions and desires that have been buried for too long. This is about reconnecting with you you really are, beyond the expectations. 

✅ Build Strong Connections

Empowering Network: Meet and surround yourself with women who see you, hear you and stand with you. These aren’t just connections, they're the start of a community that’s got your back. 

Expert Insights: Get the wisdom and tools  from mental health professionals who know and understand the challenges of parentification and want to help you thrive. They are here to guide you, not just talk to you. 

“Montina, Well What’s in It for me?” 

Well I’m glad you asked! 

🎯 New Clarity and Perspective:

Leave with a clear empowered understanding of what true strength means, on your own terms. 

🎯 Real-World Tools:

Learn how to enforce boundaries, embrace radical self care, and protect your mental health like never before. 

🎯  Support Network:

Build connections with women who uplift, support, and understand you. This is your new tribe. 

Hey there, I’m Montina…….

I am the owner of Myers-Galloway Counseling, the creator of The Responsible One newsletter and also the creator of Don’t Call Me Strong retreat. In addition to being a business owner, I am a licensed mental health counselor, a qualified clinical supervisor and most importantly I am on a mission to eliminate parentification. The inspiration behind this retreat was my passion to help Black women shed the weight of over-responsibility. Negative core beliefs and over-responsibility are running rampant and it's time for it to stop! Don’t Call Me Strong creates space and opportunity for transformational learning and healing.

🙋🏽‍♀️ You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers 🙋🏽‍♀️

  • There are no specific requirements to attend the retreat. Don’t Call Me Strong is designed for Black adult women (18 and over) who are seeking a supportive space to explore self-care, healing, and personal growth. Whether you're a caregiver,  healing from parentification, or simply looking for a transformative experience, this retreat is for you. Just bring your authentic self and an open mind!

  • Don’t Call Me Strong: A Caregivers Retreat Workshop will be held on October 17, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at a beautiful, lakeside venue:

    Waters Edge, Luxe Lake Wylie Stays in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  • We are offering a complimentary, roundtrip shuttle service for participants. Please arrange transportation to the

    Charlotte Premium Outlets.

    From there, our retreat director will accompany you to Waters Edge, Luxe Lake Wylie Stays. At the end of the retreat, you will receive shuttle service back to the Charlotte Premium Outlets. Detailed instructions will be provided upon registration.

  • For the retreat, we recommend wearing comfortable, breathable clothing that will help you relax and fully engage in the activities. Consider bringing layers to adapt to any weather changes or to stay warm indoors.

  • Your ticket price includes access to all sessions and workshops led by licensed professionals and expert coaches, along with the chance to connect with other Black women who truly understand your journey. You'll enjoy meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day, and take home the workbook + healing toolkit to continue your self-care practices long after the retreat. Plus, complimentary shuttle service to the lakeside venue is provided!

  • If you need to cancel or if you are unable to attend, we do not offer refunds for any reason. However, you may gift or transfer your ticket to another deserving woman. Myers-Galloway Counseling must be notified via phone by calling (704)-750-1889 prior to the event.

Claim your spot today and join the movement

It’s Time to Stop Being “Strong” and Start Being Real