RETREATS
January 3-5, 2025
At a private residence in Ojai
About the Experience
Going through a divorce can be incredibly challenging, and it’s essential to have a supportive environment during this time. Our Healing through Divorce Retreat is designed to provide you with the necessary resources, connections, and legal guidance. The retreat is led by Jennifer, an experienced family lawyer, and Wendy, a seasoned somatic psychotherapist, both of whom have personally experienced divorce while raising children. They understand the emotional toll of the process. Nestled in the serene upper Ojai Valley, this retreat offers a tranquil setting to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with other women facing similar experiences.
While divorce is difficult, it doesn’t have to be traumatizing. With the proper support and coping mechanisms, you can navigate this process successfully and emerge feeling empowered and self-assured. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have had the opportunity to rest, build meaningful connections with other women, and continue to engage in support through Zoom sessions.
We understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for all our guests. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, accepted, and supported. We are dedicated to assisting you through this challenging time and encourage you to join us in January.
Topics
Topic Sessions will be based on the needs of the group and will include the following areas:
- Spousal Support and Child Support: Who pays and how do the courts decide?
- Separate and community property: What happens to property during a divorce?
- Legal and physical custody: What the Court’s look for when deciding custody of the children.
- Mediation vs. Litigation: Pros and Cons
- Post-divorce Identity
- Emotional Rollercoaster
- Financial Worries
- Parenting Challenges
- Health and Wellbeing
- Dealing with Difficult Partners
- Betrayal Trauma
Schedule and Flow
You’re invited to settle in on Friday afternoon between 3-5 pm. Our opening circle will take place that afternoon, followed by a mocktail/cocktail hour, a healthy, locally sourced dinner, and an evening circle where we can begin to connect and share our stories. Saturday morning offers the option of yoga or hiking, followed by breakfast and our first topic session. We will break for lunch and have an afternoon session, and then you can enjoy some free time for activities such as massages, hiking, or just hanging out. The day will conclude with a mocktail/cocktail hour, dinner, and an evening circle. Sunday will follow a similar flow, with optional yoga or hiking, breakfast, morning session, lunch, afternoon session, and a closing circle. The retreat will conclude on Sunday at 5 pm.
FRIDAY:
5:30-7:30 mocktails/cocktails
7:30-8:30 dinner
8:30-9:00 Closing Circle
SATURDAY
7:30-9:00 am: Free time
9:00-10:00 am: Breakfast
10:00-1:00 pm: Session 1
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-5:00 pm: Session 2
5:00-6:30 pm: Free time
6:30-7:30 pm: Mocktail/cocktails
7:30-8:30 pm: Dinner
8:30-9:00 pm: Closing circle
SUNDAY
7:30-9:00 am: Free time
9:00-10:00 am: Breakfast
10:00-1:00 pm: Session 1
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-4:30 pm: Session 2
4:30-5:00 pm: Closing circle/Conclusion of Retreat
*During Free time there will be options such as yoga, hiking, massage, body work, journaling, quiet contemplation, or any other practice you would like to perform to nourish your soul.
Location and Weather
Our retreat will be held at a stunning private residence in the breathtaking Ojai Valley. Just a short, scenic drive up the 33 leads to a picturesque organic farm, where our expansive home with tranquil views awaits you. Situated on 135 acres, this exclusive setting boasts a network of trails, inviting outdoor sitting areas, a spacious patio with a rejuvenating hot tub, refreshing outdoor showers, and a cozy fire pit.
Inside, you’ll find two fireplaces to keep you warm and snug on cool nights. Approximately 1.5 hours north of Los Angeles, Ojai’s enchanting history dates back over 10,000 years to the Ancient Chumash Indians, who revered the valley for its mystical energy and harmonious ambiance.
Discover Ojai’s vibrant culture, featuring art galleries, top-notch restaurants, unique boutiques, craft breweries, and tasting rooms showcasing wine, kombucha, olive oil, and honey.
This eclectic community is home to talented artisans, visionary farmers, free-spirited individuals, renowned personalities, and seekers of spiritual enlightenment.
Embrace the idyllic charm of Ojai in January as the holiday rush subsides, and the air becomes crisp and refreshing. Greet with the sun’s warmth each day and enjoy peaceful moments in the gentle 68-degree daytime temperatures. Clear nights offer a touch of magic, with temperatures dipping into the low 40s.
Meals
All meals are included in the retreat price and will be organic and locally sourced. Our menu will focus on plant-based menus accentuated with animal proteins. Colleen will lovingly prepare everything. Snacks, fresh fruit, water, and beverages will be available throughout the retreat. We want you to feel nourished in body, mind, and soul. If you have any special dietary needs, you can let us know once you register, and we’ll take care of you.
The Team
Wendy
Wendy is an LPCC with over 35 years of experience. She has assisted numerous women in navigating the challenges of divorce. Her expertise lies in empowering women to recognize their strengths while allowing them the space to grieve and heal. As a somatic psychotherapist, she guides individuals in finding stability during tumultuous times. Wendy helps her clients reframe feelings of guilt, urging them to acknowledge the loss and their emotions with self-compassion and tenderness. She will provide you with somatic resources and tools for grounding.
Jennifer
Jennifer is a family law attorney who has been practicing family law since 2008. Jennifer has assisted hundreds of clients and families in navigating divorce, custody, and other divorce-related issues via litigation, mediation, and consultation. She has participated in high-asset divorces, contentious custody matters, and high-profile cases. Jennifer provides a unique legal perspective to the retreat and is here to provide information and insight to our guests.
Moriah
Moriah Stapf is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and certifications in Mind-Body Eating, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Equine-Assisted Therapy. During the retreat, Moriah will be supporting with emotional processing as well as assisting in creating a nourishing and comfortable environment for all participants. Moriah finds deep fulfillment and purpose when co-creating intentional and connective healing experiences.
Accommodations and Pricing
Master bedroom #1
Spacious room that opens to a balcony with valley views. It has a King bed with luxury Hasten mattress and an additional comfy foldout single bed. Two retreat guests can stay in this room and will have their own separate bathroom. The ensuite bathroom with mountain views has a Jacuzzi tub, 2 sinks and separate shower.
2 Guests
$2,100 for King
$1,900 for a fold-out single
Master bedroom #2
A spacious bedroom that shares the balcony with the Master bedroom #1. This room has 2 twin 100% organic natural latex mattresses.
2 Guest
$2,000 per guest
Bedroom #3
A bedroom with mountain views that has 2 twin Tempur-pedic mattresses.
2 Guest
$2,000 per guest
Bedroom #4
A bedroom #4 with a skylight facing the mountains, and one queen high density foam mattress.
1 Guest
$2,000 per guest
Sunroom
The lovely sunroom is surrounded by picture windows and has a couch that converts to a comfy queen bed. Two curtains on both sides of a wall separate it from the living room.
1 Guest
$2,000 per guest
Registration Information
One-half of the cost of the retreat is due upon registration, the other half of the cost of the retreat is due by November 15, 2024. If you cancel your registration prior to November 15, 2024, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel your registration between November 15, 2024-December 1, 2024, you will receive one-half of your monies paid to date. If you cancel after December 1, 2024, there will be no refunds.
