"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put together"

-John Burroughs

Get Away…

These retreats are designed to nourish both personal and professional growth. Our personal retreats focus on self-discovery and healing, providing a serene environment where you can reconnect and discover new parts of who you are. For professionals, there are specialized retreats that delve into clinical skills, including EMDR, DBT, and other therapeutic techniques, helping you enhance your practice and support your clients more effectively (all while earning CEs!)

Befriending The Joy Within:

Somatic Interventions for Trauma Healing

a retreat for mental health professionals

General Details:

Date: Friday 10/4/24-Sunday 10/6/24

Location: The Barn @ Rock N’ Refuge Retreat, McEwen, TN

CEs hours available: 10 CE hours (NBCC ACEP No. 7477)

  • These hours will include lecture, group discussions, experiential segments, practicing and applying skills, etc.

Cost: $800 private room, $650 or $600 shared room

  • Cost includes: CEs, lodging, food & drink, & supplies

Presenters: Katie Casey, LPC-MHSP-S and Holli Ellis, LPC-MHSP

Additional Information

Location & Lodging: The retreat will be located at The Barn @ Rock N’ Refuge Retreat in McEwen, TN. This barn is perfectly set up with retreats in mind — having a large dining table, multiple gathering spaces, sleeps 10+, and is on acres of land perfect for exploring! You can see pictures of the hiking trails, garden, horse stalls, pond, and more in the gallery below.

Cost: Cost is determined based on your preference for a shared or private bedroom. There are 3 private bedrooms (1 king and 2 queen beds) and multiple shared rooms (all with twin beds).

  • Flexible payment options are available. If you are signing up with someone else and would like to share a private room or would like more information on flexible payment options, please contact me here.

Meals & Snacks: Registration cost covers all meals, snacks, & drinks for the weekend. Upon registration you will be emailed a short survey which will include questions around food allergies & diet needs.

CEs Hours: 10 CE hrs. Abundant Hope Therapy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7477

Learning Objectives:

  • Outline the process of neurobiological stress reaction

  • Describe the neurobiological basis of trauma and its impact on the body

  • Identify evidenced-based clinical interventions that address neurobiological aspects of chronic stress and trauma

  • List somatic-based coping skills that can be used for chronic stress and trauma

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of somatic interventions in promoting trauma recovery

  • Utilize knowledge, interventions, and skills discussed in a practical manner with clients in session

  • Develop treatment plans that incorporate somatic interventions

  • Discuss how to implement tools and skills learned in their own life to aid in burnout prevention

About the presenters:

  • Katie has been in the field for over 10 years. Through various experiences within inpatient, short and long-term residential settings, rehabs, and outpatient settings, Katie has honed her specialties to working with those with PTSD, chronic pain/illness, and other helping professionals. She has extensive expertise in EMDR, mindfulness skills, DBT skills, and other somatic-based interventions. Katie is passionate about helping both clients and professionals connect the body and brain to foster healing.

  • Holli has lived and worked in the Nashville, TN, area for 10 years. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development earned her LPC-MHSP licensure in December 2015. Through Befriending Our Bodies, Holli is committed to helping all individuals ease their nervous systems. Holli is mindful of the oppression faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people in larger bodies and works to dismantle these barriers. In addition to individual therapy, Holli incorporates yoga, Reiki, and bodywork into her practice.

Specifics including address, directions, arrival times, and other important information will be sent out after registration.

General Schedule

Friday

  • Arrive & check in

  • Welcome dinner with introduction to the weekend

  • Fire pit with smores and introduction to practicing

Saturday

  • Breakfast with a discussion on how trauma impacts our relationship with food & eating

  • Session 1: Trauma’s impact on our body

  • Session 2: Basic practical skills for nervous system regulation

  • Lunch

  • Session 3: Somatic-based clinical interventions & coping skills

  • Session 4: Group discussion, experiential practice, ect.

  • Dinner with a discussion around application for self (burnout prevention & self-care)

  • Session 5: mindful movement practice

Sunday

  • Breakfast

  • Session 6: Case formulations, treatment planning, discussions

  • Session 7: Practical options (practicing skills learned through equine therapy, guided meditation, nature walk, etc.)

  • Check out

Upon registration you will be emailed a short form that will include questions about accommodations, among other questions. Please fill that out completely as that will help Katie and Holli formulate the hands on practice and application to meet everyone’s needs! If you have any questions about accommodations or specific activities, please email with any concerns.


Coming Soon

More information on the first personal-focused retreats will be posted soon! Be sure to sign up to stay connected via email below!