Freedom programme

[Downandupdownandup]

This has been recommended to me and I’ve heard it several times on here. I sent them an email yesterday and they replied straight back saying I could do it online in the evenings in the new year.

I’m away from my abusive ex. I’m 6 years on. My parents that I’ve moved close to are difficult and they know that. We’ve had an awful few days and I’ve posted on here. Things have gone quiet now at home and are a bit better.

I found some posts from 2016 - has anyone got some recent experiences? Thanks - I assume it is free? But I’m not sure.

I've done it in person and found it really good. It was free when I did it.

Dod it last year and it was free. Took 14 years to face up and go but wish to did it sooner. Obviously no idea how it has adapted to the virtual world the pandemic has put us in...

@Otter71

Dod it last year and it was free. Took 14 years to face up and go but wish to did it sooner. Obviously no idea how it has adapted to the virtual world the pandemic has put us in...

Otter how do you think it has impacted you? if you don't mind me asking.

Yes it is still free and they are doing it via Zoom during Covid. The groups are still local (ie you search for one in your geographical area) even though they meet virtually. I start next month

Have you read Pat Craven's "Living with the Dominator" (by the founder of the freedom programme)? Also Lundy Bancroft's "Why does he do that? (Angry and controlling men)"? I found both very useful in helping me to understand the situation/tactics.

I bought it online recently; it cost £12, IIRC. It was emailed to me.

Haven't had a chance to do it yet though.

Watching with interest as this has been recommended to me too after leaving my abusive husband. I only left a few months ago, not sure if I could manage it just yet.

I did it before I left. It was what finally helped me make sense of what was happening and to leave. The knowledge then helped me with rebuilding afterwards and processing everything as well as learning how to protect myself in future.

The in-person (currently over zoom) courses are free. I found it a very safe and supportive environment. Going through it with others made a big difference.

Thanks everyone it sounds positive & I will have a look at the book recs too.

It impacted me massively. Like I say I was recommended to go when my now teenage child was small. I probably cried thru the first few sessions as I realised that what I had put up with was not normal but very common among the group and the patterns of abuse and way he turned it on me were actually standard behaviour for such guys, and that whilst I still feel bad for my kids for staying so long and them seeing it as normal, it's actually positive that I am no longer there... Obviously it isn't for everyone but I really benefitted...

Thanks Otter. That's the main thing. I recognise types of behaviour I have put up with from men as sometimes what my parents do to me. etc I just want to be move resilient.

Good luck with it! I'd recommend getting in touch with your local provider ASAP if you want to start in January as places are limited

I realised recently my husband behaves like my abusive parents. In a weird way when we first got together I'd found it reassuring, not being able to count on support, criticism, dumping festive emotions on me to sort out etc. Now after therapy I can see both as patterns of abuse but I'd been brought up to think of it as love.