Retreat
What it is & who it is for
An intensive therapy retreat is appropriate for any adult who has significant problems related to unresolved traumatic memory. This kind of memory may involve violence and physical injury; often it does not. Many people are affected adversely by traumatic memory but do not know it. Experiences of neglect, as an example, may cause worse psychological symptoms than either physical violence or sexual abuse but may not be recognized as “trauma”. Traumatic memory–whatever the nature of the original event–undermines the person’s capacity to feel OK in the present even when they are objectively safe in the moment. When traumatic memory remains unprocessed, it can cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, rage and a host of other clinical issues. Clients having completed trauma work often report a sense of being unburdened, free from psychological, emotional and even physical symptoms that they experienced for years. Any person who feels that their quality of life in the present is markedly reduced by their past experiences may want to learn more about trauma work generally or an intensive therapy retreat specifically
How it works
The retreat program works by connecting a client with a clinician who specializes in trauma work. ITR is an organization with a number of trauma specialists employing different modalities, including EMDR, ART and others. By visiting the ITR website one can learn about the trauma intensive retreat and set one up. The on-site part of the retreat happens at one of my offices, either in Beacon, New York or in Northampton, Massachusetts. Each day is planned to start at 9 AM and ends at 4 PM. The morning of the first day is devoted to a discussion of the intensive plan and a clinical interview. The rest of the retreat is spent on processing of memories, generally done in chronological order. The retreat ends either when the time allotted is reached or the client’s list of target memories is finished (whichever comes first).
The space
The Massachusetts office is located at 150 Main Street in Northampton, subject of Tracy Kidder’s nonfiction portrait, Home Town. From its location in the suites of Thornes Marketplace, shops and restaurants are easily accessible both within the building and on the street.
The New York office is located at 451 Main Street in Beacon, affectionately known as ‘Little Brooklyn’ by visitors from NYC. Art enthusiasts will enjoy access to Dia Beacon (in town) and Storm King (half-hour drive). Shops and restaurants and chocolatiers (!) are easily walkable.
Benefits
People who do trauma intensives report a range of benefits.
Facilitation of psychotherapy work, allowing new progress at points where the client had previously been stuck.
Having an increased ability to envision goals and make plans for a desired future due to less intrusive thinking about how bad things tend to turn out. More spontaneity in choices due to less exaggerated safety concerns.
Improved personal relationships through the client having clearer self-knowledge and less trepidation in setting personal boundaries.
Being less “triggered” by usual daily events and being able to respond to challenges without overreacting.
Decrease in reactive or impulsive behaviors related to an increased sense of safety and less compulsion to act out as a way to manage emotions.
Improvement in physical symptoms connected to a decrease of tension held in the body.
Less cognitive confusion related to a decrease in intrusive thoughts and emotions that previously had undermined mental focus.
Less compulsive busyness as a result of being comfortable with thoughts and emotions that arise when activity stops.
Pricing
The retreat requires a minimum length of three days but can be extended to five days depending on your individual needs. Upon booking, a deposit equivalent to one full day is required, which will later be deducted from your final bill. You only pay for the actual duration of your stay at the retreat.
One full day: $1550.00
Starts at 9 AM and ends at 4 PM.
One half day: $830.00
Starts at 9 AM and ends at noon.