Breaking Boxes

Dismantling Oppression. Honouring Human Dignity. Healing in Community.

Breaking Boxes is a transformative series of workshops, courses, and therapeutic groups rooted in an intersectional human rights framework. Using music, video, embodied reflection, and critical discussion, it explores how systems of oppression; like racism, ableism, patriarchy, and colonialism show up in our lives, relationships, and professions.

These systems confine people to rigid roles and expectations "boxes" that limit our potential and damage our sense of worth. Breaking Boxes invites you to unpack these structures with care, courage, and community.

Why Breaking Boxes?

Whether you’re a student, educator, mental health professional, a loved one of a queer or BIPoC person, or someone passionate about social change, Breaking Boxes offers a space to reflect, grow, and honour inherent human dignity and worth.

Grounded in academic research and real-world practice
Designed for universities, community groups, and individuals
Guided by intersectionality, queer theory, and collective care
Centers joy, connection, and healing, not just critique

Ways to Break Boxes:

1. Breaking Boxes: The Workshop

A 90-minute introduction to intersectionality, power, privilege, and critical self-awareness in a safe(r) space.

I think of this workshop as akin to ripping off a bandage. We’ve opened our awareness to how pervasive and deeply rooted structures of oppression are; within ourselves, our communities, cultures, societies, and professions. As we uncover this, it’s natural for feelings to arise: sadness, guilt, shame, anger, or confusion about what comes next. All of these emotions are valid and they can coexist. Within the workshop participants will also gain skills and tools in dismantling these structures by focusing on community, connection, joy and love.

Perfect for campus groups, organizations, and first-time participants.

“Your message is so vital to our work. And what I love is that you don't only say it - you have us experience it - you challenge us to go inside and look at ourselves and I thank you for that. ”

Christine Routhier, President of the Association of Music and Imagery

2. Breaking Boxes: The Course

A semester-long, university-level course designed for mental health, education, social work, and humanities programs.

Combining critical theory with facilitated group therapy, this course offers a deep dive into the emotional, social, and structural dimensions of oppression and how we can respond ethically, both personally and professionally.

One weekly session for theory & history
One session for emotional processing & reflection
Final project: Activism in Action

Interested in bringing this course to your institution?

Contact: hello@crescendocounselling.com

3. Breaking Boxes: Group Therapeutic Program

A 10-week therapeutic group for allies, professionals, and anyone ready to do the deep, healing work of unpacking identity, privilege, and oppression. The aim is to support participants in cultivating a deeper connection with themselves and their queer and BIPoC loved ones.

Each session includes:

Psychoeducation
Embodied reflection
Guided group dialogue
A supportive community of care

Group is provided both online and in person in Berlin.

4. Breaking Boxes: Individual Counselling

Not sure where to start? Want personalised support?

If you're curious about Breaking Boxes but unsure which offering is right for you, I offer one-on-one counselling that engages these topics in a space that’s just for you.

Book an introductory session