General Comments
I had a fantastic experience and am so thankful to finally identify what the hell I’ve been struggling with for 35 years. I felt loved, cared for, and listened to. I had a very positive, helpful, and healing experience.
Very helpful and transformative program. Really excellent and wonderful staff – every single person.
Loved it; so validating and healing. One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
Well-structured and not only informative, but great practical sessions for practicing the methods. A wonderful and formative experience that is helping lay groundwork for sustainable change.
Good balance of unstructured open time and scheduled talks and workshops.
I cannot express how amazed I am with the program, the administration, and the organization of the retreat. Everyone did a magnificent job at managing our needs so that we could concentrate on our healing and education. The ratio of lectures was perfectly matched with stimulating activities.
Highlights of the program
I am blown away with all the new information I have received.
Connection to other people with my similar experience! Feeling not alone
The skills practice circle and having time to actually do it in a safe environment. The inner child work/dialogue was the key component for me. Something I was afraid to do but was able to do in a supportive/safe environment.
Being with the group, telling our stories and experiences to each other. It felt like being with the community again but with only the good parts and with real genuine connection. The body work part was awesome!
The emphasis on movement and how important it is, music and fun
Free time to connect and resonate with other participants
The reparenting experience, being reparented as a group effort
Teachings: Trauma healing, focusing, autonomy
Talent show, quiet room, teddy bears, hot tub, food, drawing/painting
Comments about Marlene
Marlene is a wonderful, compassionate, and calm leader. She is knowledgeable and informed and demonstrates the principles and practices she’s talking about.
I liked all info she shared and her choice of words and humor!!
I respect her expertise and passion. Very warm and caring in one-on-one interactions. I enjoyed her irreverence and wit.
I like her humor. Her peaceful energy was very easy to listen to when I tend to struggle with listening and comprehending. She welcomed me with a hug when I arrived and it helped me to feel like I belong here.
She introduced me to new tools and ideas that I feel I can utilize back home.
The best! She really knows how to lead a group and how to direct us. I so appreciate her doing this work and paving the way for us to heal.
Marlene is a deeply caring doctor. She is passionate, and has a great sense of humor in her lectures. It is obvious that Marlene is very well-versed in her field!
I really appreciated the wisdom and depth of knowledge. Created an accepting space.
I’m so grateful for you Marlene. Thank-you for making it possible for me to come to the retreat and gently pushing me to do it. I love how you guide all of us together, but let us have space when needed and space to help each other heal.
Comments about other staff and volunteers
So grateful for their input and support, from the practical running of the logistics and food to the special sessions.
Helpful, kind, friendly.
They were so supportive and understanding!
They made me feel so welcome. Their insights were extremely relatable and helpful.
So supportive and individually wonderful. I learned a lot from the staff. Rachel, Mindy, Carlos, Josh, Jayme, Paul, and Marie were all good teachers.
Very friendly, helpful, and easy to connect with – thank-you.
They were all amazing, friendly, and helpful. I appreciated them sharing their own stories and listening to mine. I was thankful for Jayme’s support day one when I felt I was going to have a panic attack during opening circle! Cooks were great!
I’m glad the staff were participants of previous retreats. It was nice talking with them and getting to know them as well.
Please express my deepest gratitude to the staff and volunteers! The food was unbelievably delicious! Everyone was so kind to us.
Paul was amazing. Such a lively caring person. Rachel needs to open her own restaurant. Mindy is so kind. Josh was super helpful. Carlos worked so hard to make things wonderful.
Marie- So incredibly empowering. I love her honesty.
Jayme – Her playlists! I love that she got us moving and out of our comfort zones with love.
Comments about the place, food, & logistics
Serene surroundings, food was good and nutritious.
Food was incredible, the place was appreciated for the view and surrounding beauty, the option of the hot tub & pool & outdoor space.
Nice house, hot tub, great food; thanks for the vegan options.
Beautiful, comfortable home with the best views. The hot tub was awesome! Food was great, very organized but laid back.
What would you say to someone considering a future retreat?
Definitely do it. It’s amazing to connect to a community with so much in common. It felt like finally finding my tribe. And I learned and processed so much that is helpful in healing and moving forward.
It’s heavy work, but if you give your focus to doing the practices and activities, it will be life changing. We’re treating causes and not just symptoms!
100% worth it. It’s hard to put into words how much I needed to be with a group of people who fully understand this experience. I’m going home with tools to support myself and the confidence that I’m on the right track and to keep going.
It’s enjoyable, helpful, fun, made friends.
Definitely COME!! Life changing!! I’m not alone!