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

3-5 Day Intensive Mental Health Retreats in East Granby, CT for Survivors of PTSD, Trauma, Child and Sexual Abuse

• Available Year Round
• One Client to One Therapist
• Proven Trauma Therapies
• Personalized To Your Goals

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    Intensive Therapy Retreats in East Granby, CT

    East Granby is a rural community located just 16 miles North of the capital city of Hartford. Experiencing a population boom in the early 18th century with the discovery of a large and profitable copper deposit, things evened out in the mid 1700’s and the town has remained quaint until the present day.

    East Granby is the perfect, distraction-free location for you to spend your week in the beautiful and historically rich hills of Northern CT focused on healing and transformation.


    Therapists in East Granby:

    Vickie Alston

    Vickie Alston, LCSW, DCSW


    Intensive Therapy Retreats in East Granby CT

    From Hartford and Bradley Airport: 10 min drive W

    Pricing & FAQ

    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 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
    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
    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.

    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.

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    Ongoing Progress

    Studies show that progress continues even after returning home.

    Contact Us

    Accommodations


    Truman Gillet House

    Historic Bed & Breakfast
    10 min drive from office
    151 N Granby Rd
    Granby, CT 06035
    (860) 844-1212
    Website
    Reviews

    Sheraton Hartford

    New and Clean Location
    6 min drive from office
    1 Bradley International Airport
    Windsor Locks, CT 06096
    (860) 627-5311
    Website
    Reviews

    SpringHill Suites

    Breakfast Included
    8 min drive from office
    225 Ella Grasso Turnpike
    Windsor Locks, CT 06096
    (860) 758-7000
    Website
    Reviews

    Restaurants


    Gio's Pizzeria

    Italian Cuisine
    2 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd # 3E
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 413-9474
    Website
    Reviews

    Three Brothers II

    Breakfast Cuisine
    2 min drive from office
    58 Rainbow Rd
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 413-3435
    Website
    Reviews

    J&G Restaurante

    Italian-American Cuisine
    1 min drive from office
    35 S Main St
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 653-3540
    Website
    Reviews

    TJ's Burritos

    Mexican Cuisine
    3 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd #3L
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 413-3473
    Website
    Reviews

    Wok On The Wild Side

    Chinese Cuisine
    2 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd I
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 413-9588
    Website
    Reviews

    Everlasting Nutrition

    Healthy Shakes & Coffee
    drive min walk from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 310-4217
    Reviews

    Fitness & Embodied Practices


    Amped Fitness

    Gym & Cross-Training
    3 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd #3s
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 413-3424
    Website
    Reviews

    Far East Healing

    Spa & Massage
    1 min drive from office
    11 School St
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 264-7424
    Website
    Reviews

    Spirited Health

    Yoga Studio
    10 min drive from office
    Spa 1670, 124 Mountain Rd
    Suffield, CT 06078
    (860) 306-6875
    Website
    Reviews

    Shopping


    Center Shops

    Shopping Mall
    2 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 214-9900
    Website
    Reviews

    Expressions Pottery

    Pottery Workshop
    1 min drive from office
    9 School St
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 844-0138
    Website
    Reviews

    The Long Stem

    Flower Shop
    2 min drive from office
    3 Turkey Hills Rd M
    East Granby, CT 06026
    (860) 808-7622
    Website
    Reviews

    Your Retreat Space

    Our office is conveniently located less than 10 min drive from Bradley International Airport in a beautiful rural location, offering you complete privacy and security during your retreat.


    Address:
    28 School St, Suite 3F, East Granby CT

    East Granby, CT Retreat Location


    E Granby CT 2

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    The Retreat Space

    Retreat Intake Process

    The First Retreat Day

    Accelerated Resolution Therapy

    How ART Processes Trauma

    How ART Helps Us Reimagine Our Past

    Measuring Progress

    Retreat Results

    What This Work Means to Me

    Client Testimonials

    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 with the issue(s)?

    I tried CBT therapy and other modalities, however outside of sessions I found myself continuing to struggle with anxiety.

    3. How did the ART Retreat compare in regard to the ability to decrease symptoms or resolve the symptoms that are related to the issue(s)?

    What I gained from the ART Retreat was a deeper level of awareness, acceptance and a new sense of peace in my self. It’s like I have a new pair of eyes and finally, I can see the world outside of fear.

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Yes. I think a huge part of this experience was possible because of the connection I was able to build with Vickie. She made me feel safe, heard, and most importantly, seen. I am so grateful that our paths aligned and I was able to have such a lovely and caring person be with me along my journey.

    D P

    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 Therapy

    3. How did the ART Retreat compare in regard to ability to decrease symptoms or resolve the symptoms
    that are related to the issue(s)?

    I was finding it hard to function before doing the ART Retreat and nothing seemed to be helping. I was STUCK. I was already starting to notice a difference in my body and mind after the second day of ART Therapy. My body was less tense and the vivid scenes and feelings that once took me over daily were decreased significantly or resolved completely by the end of the Retreat.

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I am so grateful for finding Vickie and the ART Retreat. Vickie’s kind spirit made me feel validated, safe,
    and hopeful for my future.

    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

    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 I was slightly skeptical. I felt like I had “tried everything” and was a bit nervous to fail at achieving those same results from the reviews I had seen. But doing this retreat with Vickie was nothing short of remarkable- it was freakishly effective and life altering in the best way, and I would recommend this experience to anybody in a heartbeat- but especially to people who have tried many other types of therapy over the years only to remain “stuck” in whatever their specific circumstances may be. Also, to people who enjoy structure, science, and a goal for their therapy- even if that goal is somewhat nebulous at first.

    Vickie is a magnificent therapist and clinician, and anyone who gets to work with her is so fortunate. She’s such a generous, kind, and wonderful person and she puts her all into this experience for clients. I will forever be grateful for her. And I will forever be grateful to Laney Rosenzweig, the creator of ART, for her amazing brain, dedication, and passion that has allowed for ART not only to be available at all, but especially in the context of an intensive retreat. I feel renewed, genuinely. If you asked me a month ago if I’d be leaving a review like this after the retreat, I would have been cautiously optimistic- yet a bit skeptical like I said above. However, I mean every word of this with every fiber of my being.

    I am genuinely astonished by the results I had- since the retreat I have spoken in ways about myself, my future, and my capabilities that I haven’t heard come out of my mouth in years, or ever. My capacity for self compassion and compassion for others, my trust in myself, and joy I wasn’t sure would ever come back have increased dramatically. Those closest to me have said I sound different, and notice the huge changes that I do too. Relationships that were already great have somehow gotten even better. My startle response is all but gone, I don’t have anxiety in cars, I have energy that had been gone for years, and I’ve felt truly present for the first time in ages. Things feel possible, and I have found confidence I had believed was lost forever. I’ve had little moments of having tears of gratitude and awe no less than 20 times since the middle of the retreat and it ended ten days ago.I think the most wild result, though, is that my crushing PMDD symptoms have not shown up at all, where they typically did like clockwork every two weeks and should have ten days ago. Now, am I saying my life is suddenly perfect? Most certainly not. But I am saying that with old traumas having been processed in this manner, in addition to the myriad individual positive changes I’ve noticed I now also feel equipped for life ups and downs in a way that I never have before. Life used to really scare me, and now it feels like a blessing and also something that I can handle when it hits the fan.

    A quote from Laney’s book says, “To experience the therapy is to know it is real, and to see someone you love having been healed thanks to ART is to know it is real.” and this statement could not be more true for me. Thank you so very much to everyone involved in this process, this was the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done for myself.

    Grace Miller

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

    Heather Kenney

    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, healthy changes. I loved Vickie so much, I saw her again at the beginning of May. I am a huge fan of ART therapy. Vickie pours her heart into every session and her passion for her work shines through tremendously. I was also provided many resources to continue my growth. Thank you Vickie, you are amazing!

    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 to help?

    Talk-Therapy, Marriage Therapy, speaking with Addiction Counselors, Gottman Marriage Retreat.

    3. How did the Accelerated Resolution Therapy retreat compare in regard to ability to decrease symptoms that are related to the issue?

    Resentments, Anger and Confusion are no longer there. Clarity is still there on the actual events that caused resentments, but anger doesn’t consume every moment. I’m particularly impressed at my current ability to not react to those trying to get a reaction from me, as well as my ability to give my kids the daily tools to handle situations.

    My family is seeing a huge difference in my calmness — and what I love — Is that they are matching my energy! It’s radiating throughout generations, because one person was impacted from ART.

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I love how much ART is paving the discussion in my extended family. Taking the discussion of getting help beyond just “getting help,” but what kind of help will be the most successful and why.

    Taking the extended time (5-Day) was absolutely necessary to get the mind in a better place for success. I questioned whether or not I needed it, but what I worked through on Day-5 brought it all together. It’s hard to fathom how a successful ART could work within a 1-Hour session.

    My ART Therapist (Vickie) brought a theme to what we were trying to accomplish overall that continuously grounded me and carries me day to-day chaos back home. 4 Kids, full time job, and back to 100% at 5am the morning after treatment. But Accelerated Resolution Therapy gave me tools to be able to react to that abruptness with calm in the chaos. It can only be viewed as: Clarity in the Chaos. It no longer feels like the glass is full of stress and each additional drop of water will send larger amounts spilling over.

    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 in the past to help with the issue(s)?

    I have tried traditional ‘talk’ therapy, but I never made any significant strides. A lot of discussing the same issues over and over with little results.

    3. How did the ART Retreat compare in regard to ability to decrease symptoms or resolve the symptoms that are related to the issue(s)?

    The ART retreat was an incredible experience. I was able to rewrite the events of my life in a more positive way. Being able to take an event from the past that has supported a ‘story’ in my mind and rescript it to lessen its impact on how I look at that event or how that event feels inside is extraordinary.

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Since the ART retreat I have often thought back to the ‘negative’ scenes of my life and what I remember most about those old events or scenes is that what I rescripted is what I remember the most. The old negative feelings have disappeared. Even when thinking about the details to those older events I no longer feel the same way about them. The new ‘rewritten’ versions prevail. Amazing!

    I hope this helps Vickie. Thank you, again, for you patience. Most importantly thank you for your guidance and determination when working with me!

    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 with some family issues and trauma, and it’s been absolutely life changing. However, I felt that there was still more to work on, that I still wanted some further resolution or something. I was still always looking for something more, more healing and peace, and to really let things go. ART came about since I started therapy. I felt that it could take me further in healing, and in a quicker amount of time. There was also something that continually pulled me to go and try and I listened to that voice, and I’m so happy that I did.

    2. What interventions have you tried in the past to help with the issue(s)?

    Traditional therapy

    3. How did the ART Retreat compare in regard to ability to decrease symptoms or resolve the symptoms that are related to the issue(s)?

    It’s the most peaceful that I’ve felt in years. Seriously, years, perhaps the most peaceful that I’ve ever felt. It’s transformative and I’m incredibly grateful to you for your vast passion and dedication to helping me. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am, and the wash of peace over me since attending. Also, I feel a dedication to maintain my boundaries and peace, and I learned a great deal of tools through the process. I also now have information at my fingertips. Incredibly Thankful & Peaceful!!!

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Due to some change in circumstances, I didn’t end up starting the day after flying, but several days after arriving. This was not originally planned, but it was a huge blessing in disguise. I think if I had started the day after I arrived in CT, I would have been too tired to be so productive. It was much better to start being rested and coming to it from that place.

    Barb H
    Andy Davidson

    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. After my divorce of 42 years and a second break-up, I knew I needed to do something on an intensive basis. I needed to face my wounds, I needed to revisit my story. Everyone has one.

    2. What interventions have you tried in the past to help with the issue(s)?

    I was involved in therapy throughout my separation from my ex-wife and during the first year of my divorce. But it wasn’t until I determined to commit all of my time and resources to working on me that therapy began to make a difference.

    3. How did the ART Retreat compare in regard to ability to decrease symptoms or resolve the symptoms that are related to the issue(s)?

    While at my personal ART retreat, I revisited my entire life from birth to present which allowed themes in my life to surface. No, I didn’t change any memories, I didn’t change any past events. But I did change implicit memories, my beliefs that I thought were facts. And now I am able to let go, to let the past be, and this has freed me to pursue my life on my terms.

    4. Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Since ART, I continue in therapy, I continue to work and I continue to love and I’ve left my anxiety behind. I am in a relationship that brings me peace, I am closer to my world. I feel like me again.

    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 what I had experienced over the last 10 years. Talk therapy and even a stay in a treatment facility that I felt might help me. Though I took some small steps forward I was still so far away from my goal of feeling whole and at peace. Being 64, all I wanted was to live life with some joy and happiness. What I wanted and what I had achieved fell very short of these hopes and wishes.

    What I found was you Laney and you Vickie and ART. When I first watched your TED talk and saw the parent store it struck such a deep emotion in me that I teared up. It’s imperative to know that I learned from earliest childhood that crying had deep consequences and I almost never even felt that urge. I wanted a new parent more than anything I could imagine.

    So I read the ART website completely, twice over! I heard you say, Laney, that science was the key and as Vickie will confirm, I am all about the science. I watched every video, TED talk and read every study done on ART, and found a ray of hope. Vickie, your videos spoke to me and I made plans to do the 5-day retreat. I almost didn’t go because I was afraid that if this failed my lifeline would be dashed and my future dark.

    What I found was astonishing and beyond anything I could have hoped for. All of my deepest and darkest traumas, physical, psychological and sexual could be reframed and put in their place. As I saw in the TED talk, I know the facts but I don’t have the trauma that I had been carrying my whole life and even more amazing I realized how much I have accomplished and would never had made these choices without the trauma. As I told Vickie. I am the strongest person I know. Both of you gave me this. The knowledge and understanding that I am not just the sum of my PTSD, I AM PTG (post traumatic growth).

    The physical and psychological gifts that I have in my toolbox leave me breathless. I am still walking around above the ground. When I finally realized a new emotion that I had never felt and named it peace, I could for the first time in my life be truly happy and whole.

    I will be shouting ART’s praises as often and as loud as I can to anyone who will hear and listen. If there is anything I can do as a successful recipient of this amazing science, all you need to do is ask.

    So I don’t go on and write my own soliloquy, let me just say again thank you for developing ART and sharing it with me and Vickie thank you for your compassion and caring and I will always remember, neurons that fire together wire together!

    Cathy Shapiro

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