EQUINE RETREAT FOR THERAPISTS + HEALERS [SOLD OUT]
We invite you to join us for a 2-day retreat, November 4th and 5th,
in New York’s breathtaking Hudson Valley (100-miles north of NYC).
Do you make time to feel your feelings? To connect with yourself? To really sit with and observe what solidly standing in and honoring your truth feels like? And then to observe the ripple that standing in your truth plays in all of your relationships?
Horses provide a unique opportunity —a magical gift— to see yourself reflected back. And they do so honestly and without judgement. They hold a sacred space that invites healing and growth. They’ll help you see yourself. Your truths, insecurities and the shame stories that keep you stuck in a loop.
When you see yourself, you can show up more Connectfully in all aspects of your life and relationships. With yourself, your loves, your friends, colleagues and clients. With your community. With the natural world.
When you stand solidly in your own truths your insecurities and fears become your spiritual guides and teachers. Horses naturally help you find that solid ground and hold those truths, unwaveringly.
Our time together will include ample experiential equine healing + rejuvenation.
You’ll build confidence in your own reflection through gentle observation. Over two full days we’ll be diving into how you see yourself; your feelings, your observations of your shadows and your relationships. We’ll create a healing environment to nourish and nurture you that you’ll take back home and share with your clients and the all of the important people in your life. We’ll be planting seeds and exploring with curiosity the natural world around us, our intuitive and sensory experiences with our equine friends, ourselves and each other.
We invite you to join us in laying the framework and come build this with us, be part of this inaugural event.
Payment options:
Two monthly payments of $325* OR Pay in Full $597 SOLD OUT!
*2-payment option only available until September 21st.
If you need another payment option, email hello@connectfulness.com we’re happy to work with you.
The Facilitators:
Rebecca Wong, LCSW-R is a relationship therapist, consultant, and speaker. She’s also the creator of Connectfulness, a research-based practice that encourages you to explore and embrace every aspect of your humanity – including everything that’s marvelous and all that’s messy. Rebecca’s mission is to help you escape feelings of lack, overwhelm and shame and fall in and connect more fully with the life you live, the people who matter most and the gifts you bring into your community. Her work is based in the premise that sustainable, meaningful, playful, intimate relationships share key ingredients: reflection + observation. She refers to this as The Practice Of Being Seen. Together with storytelling coach Marisa Goudy, Rebecca offers consultation and community for fellow therapists and will be launching a podcast this fall. Rebecca’s work has taught her that the most common shared human concerns aren’t about mortality, but about the state of relationships and legacy. Rebecca lives, works and plays in the Hudson Valley with her husband, 2 daughters and handful of 4-legged-furry mischief makers.
Kay Trotter, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CEIP-MH, is the founder of Kaleidoscope Behavioral Health in Flower Mound, TX and is a pioneer in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy – Equine. Dr. Trotter holds a doctoral degree from the University of North Texas where she studied and practiced Play Therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy – Equine (AAT-E). She has been in private practice for over 10 years; Kay is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Equine Interactive Professional – Mental Health. Dr. Trotter is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy. She is a published author and has established a strong social media presence by providing an abundance of play therapy, parenting and animal assisted therapy resources for both professionals and laypersons. Kay’s ground breaking research on introducing horses into therapy sessions was one of the first published studies on the effectiveness of AAT-E. Her findings were published in the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, a peer-review publication of the American Counseling Association (ACA). The journal article was based on Dr Trotter’s pioneering dissertation, “A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Group Equine Assisted Counseling With At-Risk Children and Adolescents,” and is available for free download here.
Cori Nichols, is a lifelong horsewoman, trainer and instructor and an Eagala Certified Equine Specialist. She is the owner of Nichols Field Riding Club in Kerhonkson, NY, also the home base of Hudson Valley HorsePlay. The farm is set on a completely private 72 acre parcel, offering participants a peaceful and confidential environment. The property boasts a 14,000 sq foot covered arena, newly constructed center-aisle barn, 60 ft round pen, horse-course of obstacles, nature trails and a herd of beloved equines. Over the course of her 30+ years as a teacher of horsemanship, Cori has been incorporating EA Learning (ie life-skills) into her practice. “EA Psychotherapy is a natural extension”, she says. “The dynamics between horses and humans are palpable. I’m witness to journeys, leaps, and bounds made here everyday.” While she continues to conduct EA Learning sessions for children and adults (both mounted and unmounted,) Nichols now works side-by-side with Mental Health practitioners, addictions counselors and others, providing EAP sessions throughout the year.
Marisa Goudy, MA is a magic maker, word crafter, and story healer. She helps emerging thought leaders tell stories that matter. Through coaching and online courses, Marisa empowers therapists to write content that connects. Marisa is the editor of Connectfulness.com and Rebecca’s cofacilitator in the virtual Practice of Being Seen community. Marisa is going to guide you into a deep journaling dive into your sovereign story.
Lana Heintjes, E-RYT200 has been an active and passionate yoga instructor since 2009. She teaches Vinyasa yoga, partner yoga, aerial silks, restorative yoga and gives Thai yoga bodywork. Lana is the co-founder of Yoga Mountain Retreats which leads Yoga and Rock Climbing retreats internationally. We get to enjoy yoga and meditation at the farm with Lana!
Ernesto Segismundo Jr., LMFT is the founder of FYLMIT.com, a videography company that creates engaging, inspirational and authentic promotional videos for therapists. Ernesto helps therapists process through their fears, insecurities, and negative attitudes about marketing. Ernesto will be recording our event.
BONUS OFFER: Ernesto has graciously offered to produce promotional videos for your practices on Saturday after the retreat and or on Sunday. If you haven’t already, Check out the details of his offer here and get in touch with Ernesto as soon as possible if you want to schedule time with him!
Julie Seyfert-Lillis, accomplished rock climbing guide, animal trekker, photographer and explorer of the great outdoors will be joining us as our event photographer. Julie will also lead us as a guide in a rejuvenating forest bath in the nearby Mohonk Preserve, to reconnect with nature and let it cleanse away stress.
We’re also including:
- Breakfast + Lunch on both Friday and Saturday at the farm.
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we’ll do our best to accommodate. On Friday night we’ll be making reservations at a local restaurant and hope you will join us, you will be responsible for your own expense. - Every participant will go home with a copy of Dr Kay’s book, “Harnessing the Power of Equine Assisted Counseling: Adding Animal Assisted Therapy to Your Practice”
- Membership in a secret Facebook group, just for attendees. In this group you can get to know one another prior to the event and your plan travel together. You can also communicate directly with Rebecca and Kay and let us know what you want to make sure we include. And after the event you can stay connected — this will be a deep experiential process, you’ll enjoy maintaining a tribe to process this with as it continues to unfold for you.
Common Questions:
photo credit: Cori Nichols
Who is this retreat experience for?
Psychotherapists, coaches and healers; those who care for and nurture space for others to grow and heal within. Therapists and healers who are ready for a deep dive into the healing that being held in your own inner and outer observation brings to your life, relationships and the work you do.
What are the retreat dates and times?
The retreat will begin on Friday, November 4th at 9am EST and run through Saturday November 5th at 5pm EST.
How much horse experience do I need?
We welcome therapists and healers with a range of experience, from none to life long horsepersons. This is an unmounted event, meaning we’ll be spending time with but not riding horses. We just ask that you bring an open heart and a desire to connect, restore and grow.
photo credit: Cori Nichols
How many people will be attending the retreat?
This will be an intimate healing retreat. We are being mindful of the size of our group which we will cap at a maximum of 13 participants.
Are accommodations included in the retreat price?
No. All participants are responsible for their own lodging. Up to 4 retreat participants can stay onsite in this beautiful cottage for $150/night. We’re happy to help coordinate. There are also several local bed and breakfasts, retreat centers and local airbnb’s to choose from. Let us know if you need help finding accommodations. Here are a few local options:
Hudson Valley Resort
Mohonk Mountain House
Minnewaska Lodge
airbnb
photo credit: Cori Nichols
Where is the retreat being held and how do I get there?
The retreat will be held at The Nichols Field Equine Center, located at 98 Sherman Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446. SWF is the closest airport for those flying in. Other area airports are ALB, HPN, EWR, JFK & LGA but require a bit more travel. We can also help you arrange a shuttle to the equine center from New Paltz, NY. Bus service is available to New Paltz from NYC.
What is your refund policy?
Your purchase is non-refundable. That said, we get that sometimes life happens. If you find yourself in a position of being unable to attend, you can transfer your enrollment to another person. In order to transfer you must contact us at hello@connectfulness.com.
While we have no expectation to cancel this event, we strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance. We are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or for any other cause beyond its control. In the unlikely event of a retreat cancellation, Organizers shall have no liability beyond the refund of all event participants’ registration fees received by it. The Organizers may decline to accept or to retain any event participant as a participant on the event at any time or remove a participant for behavior deemed, in it’s sole discretion to be disrespectful, disruptive or hate-driven.
When does registration close?
The final deadline to register is Friday, October 21st at 11:59pm EST or when spaces fill, whichever comes first. If you are considering joining us we invite you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Payment options:
Two monthly payments of $325* OR Pay in Full $597 SOLD OUT!
*2-payment option only available until September 21st.
If you need another payment option, email hello@connectfulness.com we’re happy to work with you.