Oct 25 – “Room to Breathe” Mini Retreat in Ferndale Creating Space for Queer Joy and Connection
(Mark McMillan, McMillan Behavioral Health and Addiction Services)
Ferndale, MI – When was the last time you exhaled fully?
Before I got sober from alcohol, this phrase meant nothing to me. However, when I started my recovery journey, I began to connect with this simple phrase more and more.
As an addiction therapist, I now integrate breathwork and mindful breathing into my practice.
Today, many of us in the queer community are ‘holding our breath’—bracing against waves of uncertainty, fear, and fatigue. With this in mind, I believe the need for queer-centered healing is more important than ever before.
This is why I invite you to consider joining me for a mini retreat, called “Room to Breathe” on Saturday October 25, 2025, at 9 am.
I founded McMillan Behavioral Health and Addiction Services (MBHS) in October 2020, during the height of the pandemic. In addition to being the owner, I am also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC) with the state of Michigan, while also being a certified Trauma Informed Care provider.
I created “Room to Breathe” from hearing how countless queer and LGBTQ+ clients feel unsafe, persecuted and attacked every day. For many, simply being their authentic self has become a political act—one that can carry real risk.
I was inspired by what I heard in these sessions to offer a safe space for queer folx to gather, to fully exhale, and gather strength from not being alone.
“Room to Breathe” will meet in my comfortable office space in Ferndale. Starting at 9 am, this will be a three-hour, cozy space for us to reflect and slow down, while being held in a warm and affirming space. We’ll explore themes of queer joy, self-compassion, and resilience through creative reflection, and community conversation.
Together, we’ll explore gentle mindfulness practices and build tools to help us slow down and breathe more fully. There will also be morning refreshments, including coffee & tea, and light snacks available starting at 8:30 am.
This will be a space where queer joy and self- compassion are not just welcomed—they’re centered. This space is designed for queer and LGBTQ+ folx of all genders and identities
While ‘trauma’ is often used casually today, a trauma-informed lens helps us understand its deeper impact—especially in queer lives. Through a “trauma informed lens,” the full impact of a “traumatic experience” comes more into focus, especially for queer lived life experiences.
Emerging research shows that simply growing up LGBTQ+—especially in unsupportive environments—can mirror the effects of adverse childhood experiences. These early wounds often shape how we navigate adulthood, relationships, and safety. Every day, new laws are passed—local, state, and federal—that strip away our rights. These policies deepen the oppression faced by our community.
One client shared, “I no longer feel safe even holding my partners hand in public, and we’ve been married for over ten years.”
I believe our community is resilient and strong, our history full of tragedy and heartache, and yes, we will overcome and survive this latest assault on our basic human rights. We need small, intentional spaces to pause, reconnect, and breathe—so we can continue the journey.
“Room to Breathe” emerged from the hope that we could benefit from a community support group, where we can be ourselves, feel safe and connect. I invite you to consider joining me on Saturday October 25, 2025, at the MBHS office located at 800 Hilton, Ferndale MI.
For more information and to register, visit Mark-McMillan.com.
Space is limited, and we expect it to fill quickly—so if this speaks to you, we’d love to have you join us. Come as you are. Leave with breath in your lungs, warmth in your heart, and the reminder that you are never alone.
