Intensive Therapy Retreats For Trauma, PTSD And Abuse Survivors

Get a Year's Worth of Healing in Just One Week

• 3-5 Days, Available Year Round
• One Client to One Therapist
• Personalized Trauma Treatment

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    Why a Retreat Instead of Weekly Therapy?

    New York Couples Therapy Speed

    Fast Results

    Heal from trauma and get back on track in days, not months or years.

    Stronger Bond

    Proven Methods

    Scientifically proven therapy for trauma to process past experiences.

    growth

    Ongoing Progress

    Studies show that progress continues even after returning home.

    What to Expect from an Intensive Therapy Retreat

    An intensive therapy retreat is a unique and transformative experience that offers a concentrated and immersive approach to addressing emotional and psychological challenges, helping you achieve significant results in days, not years. During an intensive therapy retreat, you can expect to work closely with a trained therapist to identify and address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and achieve lasting changes in your life.

    Your retreat begins with a personal consultation with your therapist to determine if an intensive therapy retreat is an appropriate fit for your needs. A personalized plan is developed, including the recommended length of the retreat, which can range from 3-5 days. Your therapist will meet with you for 6 hours per day, with breaks as needed, to work through your struggles and achieve your goals.

    Throughout the retreat, you can expect to engage in various therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR, IFS, and ART, which are designed to help you process and release negative emotions and limiting self-beliefs associated with trauma. Your therapist may also suggest activities for you to do on your own, such as journaling, meditation, or yoga, to support your healing process.

    One of the key benefits of an intensive therapy retreat is the opportunity to work intensively with a trained therapist in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. This allows for a deeper level of exploration and healing, which can lead to significant and lasting changes in your life.

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    How We Help

    Our retreats can address a wide variety of issues, providing significant relief in days, not weeks or years. By utilizing the intensive therapy model, we offer a specialized approach that provides concentrated support during your trauma recovery. This allows you to focus deeply on your healing in an immersive environment, fostering rapid personal growth and insight.


    Trauma

    Trauma


    We utilize scientifically proven methods to help you process and release the negative emotions and limiting self-beliefs associated with trauma so that you can move forward in your life.

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    PTSD

    PTSD


    Survivors of crime, abuse, war, accidents, and natural disasters, can experience PTSD. Processing trauma provides the freedom to live your life while leaving debilitating symptoms behind.

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    Abuse

    Abuse


    Physical, sexual and emotional abuse is an intense violation of our safety and autonomy. We have decades of experience using proven techniques to free you from the lingering symptoms of abuse.

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    I have tried many forms of traditional talk therapy throughout my life yet was always left feeling hopeless as my emotional state and behaviors never seemed to improve. Last year I came upon an article about ART therapy and connected with my provider, Vickie Alston. This therapy and my sessions with Vickie have been truly

    E C
    I have been in 12 step recovery for the last 30+ years and I have done so many different things to help myself recover from the trauma of my childhood. I reached out to Vickie for the retreat intending to do IFS work. I took a chance on the ART because I was desperate to

    Colleen
    It is difficult to put into words just how transformative my time with you (Bambi) was. I know it’s early days so I don’t want to claim preemptive victory but in one situation after another I find myself thinking more lucidly and being more present. People have commented on me seeming “lighter” and it’s amazing

    E S
    My intensive therapy retreat with Bambi was one of the most powerful and transformational therapeutic experiences of my life. After 14 years in recovery and a lifetime of being in and out of therapy, I was wary of ending up in a “Psych 101” situation that felt too broad or surface-level. However, this retreat was

    C E
    I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Dr. Jordan who was a pleasure to work with. He provided a warm, welcoming and effective space for me to share and gain clarity and new perspectives in the areas I was seeking help. I appreciated the therapeutic modalities he used: EMDR (tapping), trauma informed

    The retreat has changed my life. I had a major breakthrough about my childhood that gave me the validation and logic that I needed I have not gotten triggered by anything since the retreat; no physiological response such as heart pounding, chest tightness, rage I have neutral energy and created better boundaries with my mother

    Jacklyn Power

    I’ve definitely noticed a gentler approach towards my anxiety. The imagery I established during the retreat are pillars of support I still lean on today! My perspective on life is more hopeful, open, and positive.

    S F
    It was incredible. I left the below review for Dr. Hamilton. I was slightly worried about the long days and cost but it was worth every minute and dollar. I highly recommend working with Dr. Hamilton. It’s hard to put into words his whole method because it is individually catered to each client, but it

    C F

    I am still doing very well…I am not being triggered by the events about my husband’s health problems. Thanks for asking! I tell everyone about how great EMDR treatment is and how it saved my life which was out of control because I had PTSD. Thanks for helping me!

    H G
    1. What would you like to share about the primary issue(s) that you came to the ART Retreat to resolve? My main goal in coming to ART Retreat was to heal my anxiety/fear that I felt was holding me back in my daily life. 2. What interventions have you tried in the past to help

    D P
    I liked the intensive format. It enabled me to stay focused on the trauma work. I had occasional unpleasant symptoms that I could no longer avoid. I decided to take action and finally reached out for help. I am so pleased with Hannah and the treatment she provided me. I now have found freedom and

    W L C
    Since I began my trauma healing journey with Hannah my life has changed immensely. She has shown me incredible support and compassion, and fully allows her office to be a judgment free space. Her holistic approach to EMDR in combination with yoga and movement has allowed me to completely change the way I think and

    F V
    I have wanted to write to you for some time now. I want to give you excruciating details of our (my internal family) progress. The work we did has helped me so much. I say a prayer to you daily. I love you, so deeply. There are no words—thank you. I wish I could write

    Homa G
    I have felt huge shifts since my retreat. First I finally feel in charge of myself and my choices instead of feeling like a small onlooker just responding to things that I encounter. I have a good relationship with my mom, which I had written off before my retreat. I’m able to communicate with my

    Megan Boxberger
    It is hard to describe the long-lasting impact of the ART. I experienced immediate relief after the sessions. My long-term trauma responses were mitigated by the ART. Honestly, I didn’t think that the effects would remain long-term. However, it has been more than a year and I am still experiencing the benefits gained in the

    S M
    1. What would you like to share about the primary issue(s) that you came to the ART Retreat to resolve? To process some childhood trauma and cope with a toxic narcissist relationship that ending badly 2. What interventions have you tried in the past to help with the issue(s)? Self help books & Cognitive Behavioral

    Cathy Rodriguez

    If I could give 10 stars I would!!!! My life has changed and the old memories were given a new perspective. I can Not say enough about my experience! A 1-1 time for you to take care of you. This experience was mind blowing and so comfortable!!!

    Erica Kilcoyne

    Hannah is an incredible therapist! She is empathetic, insightful, highly skilled and knew exactly how to help me in my healing process. I am SO grateful to her for that!

    J

    I have been meaning to tell you how valuable our sessions are to me daily. I had a horrific trauma the following week. The many things you guided me through were so helpful and still are. I am very grateful for your sharing your expertise, kindness, and boundless patience helping me.

    D H

    I can’t express how amazing and helpful Peter was in my EMDR intensive. I could not recommend this more. I’ve done years and years of therapy and with just 3 days with Peter the weight has been lifted from me. The importance of reorganizing memories cannot be understated. I am so grateful for this.

    Aaron Cooper
    I was surprised that my recent retreat brought more healing than I even expected! Dr. Peter is a rare and highly gifted psychologist, in my opinion. He is so skilled that I felt better after 3 days then after one year of weekly CBT with a good psychologist. He isn’t just a good psychologist; he

    J A
    I did an intensive retreat with Vickie that utilized ART therapy, and I’ll start by saying that many of the testimonials I read before my retreat sounded legitimately too good to be true, much like the title of the creator of ARTs book on the therapy (Too Good to Be True? By Laney Rosenzweig) and

    Grace Miller

    Was a life-changing experience for me. Thank you for providing this service.

    Heather Kenney
    For 62 years I was the typical “I don’t need therapy” guy. Then I went through the intensive program with Ross and quickly learned how wrong I was. The issues I had experienced were disguised as events I thought I left far behind. Truth was, they were far behind, but still chained to me. The

    John Morin
    My 5 day Intensive EMDR retreat gave me a new and improved sense of self-awareness and self love by allowing me to look deep within myself. This office is a very safe and entirely accepting space. Bambi helped me walk through painful memories in order to process my trauma by gently nudging me to step

    Sky Yamagiwa
    GAME CHANGER! EMDR/ART therapy is life changing. April is amazing at her job and made me feel at ease when I was very shook up and overwhelmed. She matched me with the perfect therapist for my retreat, Amy. Amy also is phenomenal at her job and helped me more than I could have ever expected!

    Janina Simutis
    Intensive Therapy Retreats made a profound difference on my mental health and my life. Working with Nikki was unlike any therapy I’ve received in the past. She helped me bring my life into the present and release past traumas that were impacting my current and future life. I am eternally grateful to Nikki and Intensive

    Sophia Dunlap
    I loved my session with Vickie. It was amazing and transformative. I have grown emotionally and in my mental health. Since the retreat, I was able to make some difficult decisions that I had been struggling with for a while. I feel more positive and empowered to take charge of my life and make positive,

    Kayla Olvera Hilario
    1. What would you like to share about the primary issue that you came to the Accelerated Resolution Therapy retreat to resolve? Childhood issues still affecting adulthood, medical trauma, family addiction and coping skills to be able to live with someone who is still causing trauma. 2. What interventions have you tried in the past

    Jenn M
    1. What would you like to share about the primary issue(s) that you came to the ART Retreat to resolve? My life hasn’t been a life of overwhelming and horrific trauma, but over the course of my life, a series of events added up to a serious traumatic experience. 2. What interventions have you tried

    Jeff S
    Hi Vickie, I wanted to thank you again for all of your incredible hard work, I’m so grateful for your ART therapy, and that I made the trip. 1. What would you like to share about the primary issue(s) that you came to the ART Retreat to resolve? I have done traditional therapy to deal

    Barb H
    1. What would you like to share about the primary issue(s) that you came to the ART Retreat to resolve? I am a clinical psychologist who has been dealing with anxiety, secondary trauma and attachment issues for a long time. My issues affected my personal relationships and led to an overall dissatisfaction with my life.

    Andy Davidson
    Andy M Davidson, Psy.D, ABPP
    First and foremost Thank you. Thank you for science, thank you for giving me my life back, thank you for opening up a world for me that I had no knowledge of ever experiencing. When I was searching for a therapy that would help me with my PTSD, depression and anxiety I expected something like

    Cathy Shapiro

    I just wanted to express how grateful I am for the clarity you’ve brought to my life. Feels like I’ve truly woken up from being brainwashed. I can start to live MY life now.

    My early life was riddled with sadistic trauma. It affected my sense of self and impacted all areas of my life. I spent decades in therapy doing hard work to not just survive, but to transcend what happened to me and enjoy the best semblance of a good and full life possible. I thought I’d

    The retreat was both therapeutic and transformational. During my time with Nikki I was able to put into perspective past events to make more room for my present life. Although I still struggle, I have more motivation to keep going and do things for myself. I am so thankful for Nikki and her ability to

    So much has changed in my life! I feel free from so much trauma. I have more time In the day as I’m not bogged down with negative, self destructive thoughts. I am so grateful!

    Right from the moment I first talked with Amy I knew she would be a great fit. Her gentle, encouraging ways made me feel at ease and helped me to open up and explore the past. I knew she would be there to guide me through it and I went into it with minimal fear.

    Janet Y

    When I met Amy we connected right from the start. She introduced me to ART Therapy and my life changed dramatically. I was finally able to control my trauma and not have it control me anymore. Her healing hands are a true gift.

    D.E.
    The best part of my 5-day retreat with Dr. Bambi Rattner is that she was able to reach my trauma in such a gentle way. Bambi is compassionate, healing, gracious, sensitive, honest and funny. My retreat went by so quickly, even while spending 7+ hours with Bambi every day. I loved how kindly she brings

    Judy G
    My first week back home I received a priceless gift in Dr. Hamilton; a brilliant, gifted master in the healing of trauma through Developmental Needs Meeting Strategies and EMDR. In my nearly three years with Dr. Hamilton, I formed a potent foundation of real adult resources within myself for me to constantly draw upon. I

    Paul Howell

    I can’t begin to thank you enough for all the help you have given to me.  I feel so much better and lighter. You are very good at what you do!  Thanks tons.

    C Thompson
    As a career Public Safety Chaplain for over 25 years, I have had the opportunity to make numerous referrals to Dr. Jordan Hamilton, Ph.D. for those public safety professionals and family members who need a specific standard of care that I recognized he could provide. Those who have received treatment or therapy through his practice

    Chaplain Mark O’Sullivan, M. Min. P.S.
    Chaplain Mark O’Sullivan, M. Min. P.S.

    I recommend Dr. Hamilton. He’s highly knowledgeable, compassionate and has a wonderfully gentle sense of humor. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him from others as well.

    Janet Johnston
    I am a physician specializing in mood disorders with practices in Roseville, Folsom and Yuba City. I have been referring my patients to Dr. Hamilton for over fifteen years. Without exception, every one of my patients have been helped and have had nothing but the highest opinions of both of these exceptional psychotherapists. He has

    Peter Knoblich M.D.

    Dr. Hamilton is a gifted psychologist who has tremendous compassion and expertise when working with individuals, couples and families. I highly recommend his center for anyone needing help with individual, family, child or couples issues.

    Joe Bavonese
    I have known Dr. Hamilton for 35 years. He has consistently shown himself to be a man of integrity and compassion. Not only is he very competent in his profession, but he is skilled in walking step by step with his patients, showing them the path needed for their healing. I am proud to be

    Carol Visser
    When your ego is breaking apart you can feel stuck with trauma and a lot of blocked emotions you collect through your life. You need to let all those emotions go to become your new self. Bambi with her kindness, love and knowledge was the person that helped me to become my new version of

    Pablo G.

    I really felt cared for and appreciated your ability to connect and also share insights, humor, and to think outside the box.

    D.C.

    I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more seen by anyone than I did with Brian. Through working with him I felt truly strong and able to live my life fully for possibly the first time. I feel like all my pieces have been put back together into a shape that feels good to inhabit.

    G.B.

    Brian was fantastic! I had strong hesitations about working with a male therapist, but he far exceeded my expectations. Although the treatment itself was quite intense and emotional, it was a pleasure to work with someone as patient, gentle, compassionate, intuitive, and non-judgmental.

    A.E.

    Brian helped me immensely. He was patient, knowledgeable and kind. Brian gave me many useful tips that I still use today. The EMDR seemed to help immediately for me. It felt like real closure once the session was done.

    L.O.

    I am filled with gratitude for the experience because it helped jumpstart my healing process and connect me to pieces of myself I had completely lost. I was only able to have this transformative experience because of the work of Brian.

    S.A.

    As someone who has suffered from debilitating trauma, traditional forms of behavioral therapy were a frustratingly ill fit. The practice of EMDR as administered by Brian, a thoughtful and holistic practitioner, feels comparatively like a miracle.

    R.A.

    By taking the teeth from my most traumatic experiences I have made room to usher in a clarity I never thought could be available to me.

    G.R.
    I am both a bodyworker and psychotherapist. I really, really enjoyed and appreciated Ross’ ability to bring these two approaches together to address the body’s role in therapy, and the mind’s role in contracted muscles, and habitual, health negating postures. But what stands out the most in having worked with Ross is you really know

    Elena V, MT, LMFT

    With other therapists, I’ve often felt as if I was running in place. Ross gets things moving. He’s extremely intuitive and has introduced me to EMDR, which is one of the most successful tools I’ve ever used in therapy. Ross’s work has helped me resolve issues that have been with me for years.

    Eric B.
    I have worked with Ross on several occasions and found his knowledge and experience to be very helpful to me as I’ve faced and worked through mental health issues. His approach is always professional and human. There was an immediate connection between us. He got to the core of issues and gave me practical steps

    Bruce S

    I have worked with Ross for many years.  He is a genuine, compassionate therapist – someone who makes you feel valued and heard.  He has incredible positive energy which he directs to both the advancement of his own learning and supporting his clients.  Down to earth, grounded, warm and intelligent – highly recommended!

    B.R.
    Ross worked with my partner and me after we had realized we couldn’t reconcile. We had one of the most difficult challenges before us that parents can have – how to let our daughter grow up with two parents, though they lived far apart. He got us both to see reality, helped us agree to difficult compromises

    John R.
    I have worked extensively with Ross in both individual and couples therapy. I’ve never met another therapist with such extensive knowledge of the complex dynamics that exist in a relationship. The time I’ve spent with him has helped me show up in my own relationship in ways that I never dreamed. My level of patience,

    Kris M.
    At the very beginning of my intensive retreat with Bambi she told me that the process would open up my life to all the universe had to offer. That was a very nice thought but I had no idea that it would completely change my life. After struggling with chronic Lyme disease for 13 years

    Josephine Burnett, PhD
    Dr Bambi Rattner worked with me doing intensive EMDR after my mother had passed. I was experiencing a reactivation of my PTSD from the sudden death of my father when I was a kid, that got reactivated from my mother’s recent death. It would have been a much longer road of healing without Dr Bambi’s

    Dr Kate Klemer, DC, RCST
    Dr Kate Klemer, DC, RCST
    It seems impossible to describe the extent of the positive impact that Bambi’s intensive therapy brought to me. The first night after about 5-6 hours of her intensive trauma therapy, I experienced a new sense of serenity that I had not felt for close to 15 years. Physically and mentally, it felt similar to when

    C.T.
    As someone who has struggled with suicidal depression since childhood, I have done important work with many therapists, counselors, and healers. But Bambi Rattner is the first to help me recognize, name, and face my deepest wounds, and to compassionately embrace the parts into which I broke myself to survive. Bambi has not only shown

    Joy Ladin
    I have participated in intensive therapy with Dr. Bambi Rattner on three different occasions. I had not done a therapy intensive before and was hesitant, but Bambi made me feel comfortable right from the start. She is warm, accepting, non-judgmental, and deeply kind. As a trauma survivor, it is hard for me to feel safe with people and

    Jessica B.
    My life had become like ashes in my mouth. I felt nothing but fear, and maybe shame, but not even much of those because I was so shut down by a lifetime of “sucking it up” and “pulling myself up by my bootstraps” until, one day, those bootstraps ripped off in my hands. I was

    Don Cuerdon
    I sought out Bambi’s help for my son when he was 5 years old and suffering from behavioral outbursts and PTSD from early childhood trauma. I was impressed with Bambi’s abilities. She was always very calming and engaging. She was able to guide him through past traumatic memories in a way that allowed him to

    G. O.
    Bambi was an integral part to overcoming issues I was still dealing with from my past. She is very kind, open, listens, and provides positive direction to her clients. I felt extremely comfortable working with her and had no trouble opening up and talking. She really helped improve my depression and anxiety in a short

    Heather Clifford Moros
    I knew I was in good hands… Bambi demonstrated just the right balance of abiding kindness and exceptional knowledge in her craft as a trauma therapist. She brought me through a week-long intensive EMDR retreat in a way that felt safe and productive. She genuinely cared and responded with attunement and warmth to the varied

    Traccie Hilton, LMHC

    Our Proven Therapies

    We only use therapies that are proven to be safe, effective, and backed by decades of research and client experiences.


    EMDRIA Logo

    EMDR


    EMDR works exceedingly well to resolve unprocessed traumatic events and offers lasting results in fewer sessions than other psychotherapy treatments.

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    IFS Logo

    IFS


    Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a remarkable form of behavioral therapy that identifies and addresses the various sub-personalities, or “parts” within us.

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    Accelerated Resolution Therapy

    ART


    Research has demonstrated that ART therapy achieves rapid results and that the gains made by clients are maintained for at least 4 months after its conclusion.

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    Private Intensive Therapy Retreats

    Private intensive therapy retreats offer a unique and personalized approach to addressing emotional and psychological challenges. These retreats are designed for individuals who prefer a one-on-one setting and are looking for a more intensive and immersive experience.

    During a private intensive therapy retreat, you will work closely with a trained therapist to identify and address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and achieve lasting changes in your life. The retreat is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and the therapist will work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique challenges and concerns.

    Private intensive therapy retreats are ideal for individuals who have experienced trauma, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse, and are looking for a safe and supportive environment to process and heal. These retreats are also beneficial for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, and are looking for a more intensive and immersive approach to therapy.

    Preparing for an Intensive Retreat

    Preparing for an intensive therapy retreat requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your retreat:

    • Be clear about your goals and what you hope to achieve during the retreat.
    • Be prepared to work intensively with a trained therapist and to engage in various therapeutic techniques.
    • Be open and honest about your struggles and challenges, and be willing to confront and work through difficult emotions.
    • Be prepared to take care of yourself during the retreat, including getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and engaging in self-care activities.
    • Be prepared to follow up with your therapist after the retreat to continue working on your goals and to maintain the progress you made during the retreat.

    What to Bring and Expect

    Here are some things to bring and expect during an intensive therapy retreat:

    • A journal or notebook to record your thoughts and feelings during the retreat.
    • Comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be engaging in various activities during the retreat.
    • Any medications or supplements that you are currently taking.
    • A list of questions or concerns that you want to address during the retreat.
    • An open and honest attitude, and a willingness to work through difficult emotions and challenges.
    • A commitment to follow up with your therapist after the retreat to continue working on your goals and to maintain the progress you made during the retreat.

    During the retreat, you can expect to engage in various therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR, IFS, and ART, which are designed to help you process and release negative emotions and limiting self-beliefs associated with trauma. You can also expect to work closely with a trained therapist who will provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and heal.

    About Dr. Bambi Rattner, Psy.D.

    Bambi received her master’s degree in 1987 and has been in practice ever since. She received her doctorate in psychology in 1997 and has worked in pretty much every setting, with every age, and every population. She started in residential, inpatient psychiatric units, and sheltered workshops. She has worked in the schools and in nursing homes, seen clients outpatient and in-home. Her clients have ranged in age from 3–103.

    Bambi trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and received her certification in 2016. She feels that clients are experts in themselves, and with EMDR, she can effectively tap into their innate drives not only to survive, but to flourish. She is now certified in EMDR and became an EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) Approved Consultant in 2020. She regularly utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) during sessions to facilitate emotional processing.

    Meet Our Therapists

      Bambi Rattner NEW


    "I have always felt that clients are experts in themselves, and with EMDR I could effectively tap into their innate drives not only to survive, but to flourish." – Dr. Bambi Rattner

    Our Locations

    We have several retreat locations across the East and West coasts of the US and Canada.


    What Else Can Be Addressed in a Retreat?

    Every person is unique in how they cope with negative life experiences and the symptoms with which they struggle. We have worked with people facing all sorts of problems and found that all can be substantially healed, no matter how drastic, provided they are willing and motivated to do the work. Below are some problems that can be addressed during our top mental health retreats using a combination of EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy much more quickly and effectively than in weekly trauma therapy or mental health counseling services:

    •Depression: One of the most common symptoms of past trauma, depression can manifest as a general lack of motivation or interest in things that were once considered enjoyable or in severe cases as suicidal tendencies. Depression can change over time, often affected by seasonal changes and the amount of social contact. We have a tendency to downplay our depression if it is not overt, but coming to a retreat and working with a professional who is trained in the ways that trauma can manifest itself provides the opportunity to confront our depression for what it is; a coping mechanism for the unhealed wounds of our worst past experiences. Processing those memories using therapy for trauma can sometimes completely resolve depression in only a few days, freeing you from the painful emotions of your past.

    • Anxiety: Anxiety can present itself in countless ways, affecting everything from our ability to meet new people to the ease with which we drift off to sleep. We may feel tremendous work-related anxiety as deadlines approach. At the extreme end, panic disorders can cause severe anxiety that often seems to emerge from nothing, gripping our body with intense feelings of terror and a sense that the end is near. Confronting anxiety during the retreat and processing the emotions behind it can yield seemingly miraculous results, offering you the freedom to finally breathe again and recognize that today you are safe and what you are afraid of is no longer a threat.

    • Low Self-Esteem: Often our negative life experiences can trigger deep feelings of guilt and shame, either related to the event itself or our ability to cope with it. Low self-esteem keeps us from expressing ourselves easily and authentically, debilitates our willingness to reach for new achievements and limits our belief that we deserve healthy boundaries and relationships. Low self-esteem is often a side effect of past trauma, even pre-verbal trauma that occurred before we were old enough to understand words and language. We may have picked up the limiting beliefs that we are not worthy of love or care, or that we are destined to fail. All of these negative ideas can be addressed when we look at the core trauma that is connected to them. A retreat gives you ample time to unpack all of these issues in detail, allowing you to process the underlying emotions and finally put them to rest.

    • Chronic Stress: Stress is a necessary and unavoidable part of life, but the way we deal with stress has a lot to do with the intensity of our negative experiences and how we have coped with them in the past. Stress can promote healthy growth, as in the case of a fitness routine, but too much stress can cause overwhelm and breakdown. The same is the case for emotional and psychological stress. The things that hurt us, if they are chronic or too severe and we lack the necessary support, can be debilitating. But broken into smaller pieces, those same issues can provide us with an opportunity for growth. Letting go of past trauma can result in a significant reduction in the unhealthy stress you experience towards your life and responsibilities, allowing you to approach new challenges with courage and resilience.

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    What Problems Cannot Be Solved?

    There are certain active conditions that limit our ability to do meaningful trauma work with somebody. If a person is currently in a very fragile mental state or compromised by drugs or alcohol, deep trauma processing can be counterproductive and potentially dangerous. Please note that these limitations are not permanent, and when the situation calms enough that it becomes more stable, a trauma therapy-based retreat is the best way to address the root cause of these emotional and behavioral problems. We always recommend that somebody have an ongoing therapist for mental health counseling services before and after a retreat.

    • Active Addiction: We request that retreat participants abstain from substance usage 2 days prior to and throughout the course of the retreat. People who are suffering from active addiction should seek the support of a detox center or substance abuse counselor before attending a retreat.

    • Actively Considering Suicide: A big part of our work is moving through emotions related to past trauma, which can trigger intense but momentary emotional discomfort, which would be unsafe for somebody who is actively considering suicide. People who have experienced suicidal ideology in the past can absolutely benefit from a retreat, but it is requested that they be in the care of a therapist before attendance.

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    Seeking an Intensive Retreat with Your Partner?

    Head to An Affair Of The Heart to learn about the top mental health retreats to rapidly transform your relationship.

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