Free Workshop: Setting Meaningful Boundaries

Learn how to identify, set, and maintain healthy
boundaries that
honor your values and
strengthen your relationships.

Saturday, December 6th, 2025
1006 Lamond Ave, Durham NC
9am – 12 pm

A one-day interactive workshop designed to help you create boundaries that support your emotional well-being and create deep connection with others.

Do You Struggle with Boundaries?

Maybe you’ve found yourself saying yes when you wanted to say no.

Maybe you feel like you’re constantly overextending yourself—or pulling away just to protect your peace.

If setting (and keeping) boundaries feels confusing or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many people find it hard to balance caring for others with honoring their own needs.

Over time, this can lead to frustration, resentment, or burnout.

This workshop is designed to help you change that.

Inside the Workshop:

Part 1: Understanding Boundaries

Explore what boundaries are, why we need them, and how rigid, porous, and healthy boundaries show up in everyday life.

Part 2: Setting SMART Boundaries

Learn how to create boundaries that align with your values and goals. We’ll use the “Garden Fence” analogy to visualize what flexible, protective boundaries can look like.

Part 3: Communicating and Maintaining Boundaries

Practice assertive communication skills for setting limits with care and confidence. Learn how to anticipate pushback, explore healthy flexibility, and reflect on next steps for continued growth.

In this 3-hour, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to:

Identify what healthy boundaries look like .

Practice setting S.M.A.R.T. boundaries.

Build confidence & self-trust in yourself.

Communicate your needs clearly and kindly.

Adjust boundaries as life changes—without guilt or fear.

Recognize when values & boundaries do not align.

MEET YOUR FACILITATORS! 

circle-headshots-for-the-website

Oliver Holmes, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Oliver is passionate about helping individuals develop insight into their patterns and relationships so they can make choices that align with their authentic selves. He brings warmth, curiosity, and a down-to-earth approach to his work.

circle-headshots-for-the-website

Caroline Grant, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Caroline supports individuals and couples in building healthier relationships by improving communication and boundary-setting. Her style is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in helping people feel empowered to make meaningful change.

3

Katherine Velardo, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Katherine creates intentional, affirming spaces for clients to explore identity, emotions, and relational patterns. She partners with people collaboratively, bringing tools and curiosity while honoring their pace, goals, and lived experience.

All therapy interns at Mathews Counseling are supervised by experienced licensed clinicians, and committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment for all participants.

DETAILS & LOGISTICS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 9AM-12PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 9AM-12PM

1006 LAMOND AVE, STE A, DURHAM, NC

1006 LAMOND AVE, STE A, DURHAM, NC

FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS

LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS

OPEN TO ALL ADULTS AGE 21 AND UP

OPEN TO ALL ADULTS AGE 21 AND UP

NO PREVIOUS THERAPY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

NO PREVIOUS THERAPY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Take the first step toward healthier boundaries.

Healthy boundaries don’t push people away.

They bring you closer to the relationships that matter most.

Join us for an afternoon of reflection, conversation, and growth.

Space is limited.

Save your seat today and start learning how to set boundaries that support your peace, purpose, and relationships.

Boundaries Group Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! This workshop is completely free to attend. Mathews Counseling offers select community workshops throughout the year as part of our commitment to improving access to mental health education and practical tools for growth. There’s no sales pitch, no obligation, and no hidden fees — just an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect.

Not at all. This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are just starting to explore what healthy emotional balance looks like, you’re welcome here.

Participants often include young and middle-aged adults from across the Triangle area — professionals, parents, partners, caregivers, and anyone who finds themselves stretched thin or unsure how to say no. You’ll likely meet others who’ve had similar struggles with overcommitting, guilt, or feeling responsible for others’ emotions. The environment is warm, relaxed, and supportive.

Only if you want to. This isn’t a therapy session where you’re expected to open up about your private life. It’s a skills-based workshop focused on reflection, discussion, and practice. You’re welcome to participate at your comfort level — listening quietly or joining in conversation. Many people find it encouraging to hear others’ experiences, but there’s never pressure to share.

You’ll spend the afternoon learning about the different types of boundaries, exploring your personal values, and practicing how to set limits with confidence and compassion. The facilitators use structured activities, discussions, and reflection exercises — plus short breaks to rest and recharge. You’ll leave with practical tools and a clearer sense of your limits and needs.

Not exactly. This workshop uses therapeutic principles, but it’s not a substitute for individual or group therapy. Instead, think of it as a focused learning experience led by therapy interns under licensed supervision. You’ll walk away with insights you can apply in your daily life — and if you decide you’d like to explore therapy afterward, our team can help connect you to the right therapist.

We intentionally keep this workshop small — usually between 10 and 12 participants — so there’s space for meaningful conversation and personal reflection. Spots tend to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

We understand that life happens. If something comes up, please email or call us to let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else on the waitlist. You’ll still be the first to know about future workshops.

No homework, but you’ll receive optional handouts and reflection prompts to keep exploring on your own. Many participants like to continue practicing what they learned through journaling or sharing insights with friends or partners.

We recommend bringing a notebook or journal for personal reflection, a pen, and a willingness to explore new ways of caring for yourself. Light snacks and water will be provided.

Absolutely — attending with someone you’re close to can help both of you practice boundaries together. Just make sure each person registers individually so we can reserve their spot.

The workshop takes place in our Durham office, conveniently located for participants coming from Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill. We offer free on-site parking and easy access to nearby restaurants and coffee shops if you’d like to grab something before or after.

Click the “Reserve Your Spot” button on this page to sign up. You’ll fill out a quick form with your name, contact information, and confirmation that you plan to attend. We’ll send you a reminder email with details and directions the week before the event.

That’s completely normal. Many people feel anxious before attending their first workshop or group event. You don’t have to have it all figured out — just bring curiosity. We’ll meet you exactly where you are, and you’ll be surrounded by others who understand what it’s like to want healthier, more balanced relationships.

Yes! The skills you’ll learn complement any therapy model or counseling relationship. You can share your insights with your therapist afterward to deepen your ongoing work.

Learn more about Therapy at Mathews Counseling. 

QUALIFIED AND VERIFIED PROFESSIONALS

badge-image
ico_in-office2

Located near downtown Cary, NC in a comfortable, safe office space.

ico_online2

Live video therapy using a safe and secure application.

Best Marriage counselors in Cary
best-of-star-160x160-2019