At Besties², we believe strong women need strong women.
Our retreats bring squads of best friends together to recharge, reconnect, and rise—together. More than a break, these retreats are a breakthrough. More than a community, this is a movement.
Why do we keep saying that? Because it matters. We know women crave a break from the daily grind—but then it ends, and the cycle repeats. Besties² is different. Our curriculum equips you with the tools to build lasting, meaningful connections, ensuring you don’t just recharge for a moment—you stay fueled for the long haul.
Besties² is led by Dr. Kate Smaller—a psychotherapist, researcher, and mental health specialist with a PhD in Clinical Social Work. Unlike many modern approaches to mental health, her work goes beyond quick fixes and surface-level solutions. Instead, she focuses on fostering deep, sustainable change by strengthening the core of who you are from the inside out.
While many retreats focus on personal development, Besties² understands that true growth doesn’t happen in isolation. As social beings, we thrive through connection—learning from, leaning on, and lifting each other up. While women can do anything on their own, the good news is, we don’t have to. Here, you won’t just gain insights—you’ll leave with a powerful, ever-growing network of strong women to support you long after the retreat ends.
These retreats aren’t just about deep work—we believe joy and playfulness are powerful forces for transformation. At Besties², we embrace all the best parts of ourselves, creating space for reflection, relaxation, and unapologetic fun. Because real growth doesn’t just happen in quiet moments—it happens when we let go, laugh hard, and fully live.
The theory and research behind the Besties² retreat curriculum runs deep, and a three-night retreat is just the beginning. But you’ll get a powerful, hands-on introduction to the superpowers—learning how to strengthen them in yourself and bring them out in others, both at the retreat and long after it ends.
Authenticity means letting go of expectations and embracing who you truly are. At Besties², there’s no right way to show up—just your way. At these retreats, we work together to 'shed the shoulds'. So, whether you're bold and outgoing or quiet and reflective, this is a space to drop the mask, trust yourself, and feel seen for exactly who you are.
At Besties², Confidence isn’t about always having the right answers or never feeling doubt—it’s about trusting yourself anyway. At Besties², we create space for you to step into your strength, take up space, and own your worth. Whether it’s speaking your truth, trying something new, or simply standing tall in who you are, confidence is a muscle—and we’re here to help you build it, together.
Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about moving forward despite fear. At Besties², we create a space where you can step outside your comfort zone, take healthy risks, and trust that you are strong enough to handle whatever comes next. Whether it’s speaking up, trying something new, or embracing change, you won’t do it alone—we rise together.
At Besties², creativity means more than artistic talent—it's about thinking outside the box, embracing possibility, and trusting your ability to forge new paths. When the road ahead isn’t clear, we lean into the belief that if we can’t find a way, we can make one. Creativity fuels innovation, problem-solving, and bold ideas—and it lives in all of us.
Empathy is more than understanding others—it’s feeling with them. At Besties², we create a space where you can truly be seen and heard, while also deepening your ability to do the same for others. Through meaningful connection, shared experiences, and open hearts, we strengthen the bonds that remind us: we’re never alone in what we feel.
True flexibility isn’t about bending over backward for others—it’s about making space for their needs while still honoring your own. At Besties², we practice the balance of giving and receiving, learning how to adapt, compromise, and support one another without losing ourselves in the process. Because strength isn’t about standing rigid—it’s about knowing when to stand firm and when to move with the moment.
Gratitude isn’t about settling—it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come while still reaching for more. At Besties², we honor what our striving has already given us, the lessons we’ve learned, and the strength we’ve built. But we also believe gratitude and ambition can coexist. You can appreciate the present while still pursuing the future you want and deserve.
Kindness isn’t just about being nice—it’s about intentionally going out of your way to uplift someone else. At Besties², we practice kindness as an active choice, whether it’s offering encouragement, lending a hand, or simply making someone feel seen. Small gestures have a ripple effect, and together, we create a community where generosity, support, and care are at the heart of everything we do.
Optimism isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about allowing yourself to dream big and believe in what’s possible. At Besties², we embrace the power of what if? because every great achievement starts with a vision. The only way to make things happen is to think them first, and here, we create the space to imagine, hope, and take bold steps toward the future we want.
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s essential to mental health. At Besties², we believe laughter, fun, and lightheartedness aren’t just nice extras; they’re powerful tools for connection, resilience, and joy. Whether it’s dancing like nobody’s watching, trying something silly, or simply letting go of perfection for a moment, playfulness reminds us to live—fully, freely, and without apology.
Resilience isn’t just about getting back up when life knocks you down—it’s about building the internal and external resources that help you rise stronger each time. At Besties², we focus on cultivating the relationships, mindset, and coping skills that create a solid foundation for whatever life throws our way. Because true resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward.
Wisdom isn’t just about what you’ve learned—it’s about using those lessons in real time. At Besties², we practice pausing before reacting, making thoughtful choices, and trusting our intuition. True wisdom means knowing when to listen, when to speak, and when to step back—so we don’t just act impulsively, but move through life with clarity and poise.
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