Queer Healers

and Deep Allies

A Weekend Retreat

Fall 2025

September 12 - 14

Friday - Sunday

Let’s Unplug Together!

This retreat is all about holding space for queer healers (and deep allies) to come together, unwind and relax, receive some light guidance, and go home feeling recharged, rejuvenated, and more connected.

Let me guess…

*You’ve been*
***stressed***
*and*
***overwhelmed.***

You’ve been holding space for others in a time of rising harm against queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other marginalized communities.

Me too.

That’s why I’m holding space in a quiet retreat setting.

So we can unplug and reconnect:

with ourselves, with each other,

with our nervous system, with community.

This will be a small group experience, intentionally held for queer healers and deep allies;

with warm facilitation, meaningful connection, and time to reflect together and alone.

Let’s come together
for a weekend of **rest** and reconnection.
Let’s **enjoy** private cabins,
nourishing meals,
and time to exhale.
Then let’s return home feeling
**recharged** and **centered.**

Yes. This is for me.

“Going into the retreat weekend I was carrying the weight of the world, feeling out of balance from caring for others in both my personal and professional life.

I found a safe space to just “be”, honoring my journey & feeling supported by all in attendance.

I received the gift of connecting with myself, others & nature in a way that was balancing & healing for me.”

— Christine (she/her)

What We’ll Do

FRIDAY

Check in between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Dinner together at 5:30 pm.
Meet for our first healing circle ending with a relaxing guided meditation to begin to unwind and unplug from the business of life.
SATURDAY
Breakfast at leisure
Meet for a morning healing circle, journaling based on journal prompts and sharing what feels comfortable to share.
- Free time before lunch to hike the trails, walk the labyrinth, contemplate in the Zen garden, or just chill in your cabin.

Lunch in the main house or outside weather permitting.
- Free time before dinner to hike the trails, walk the labyrinth, contemplate in the Zen garden, or just chill in your cabin.
Dinner together
Meet for healing circle for relaxation, mindfulness and decompressing.
SUNDAY
Breakfast at leisure
Meet for our final healing circle, engage together in a short processing group, say our goodbyes.
Lunch in the main house or outside weather permitting before leaving to go home for anyone who likes.

Participation Note:

Community pieces are optional.

I encourage you to participate, and for most people it enhances the experience. At the same time, I honor that this is your time. You are welcome to skip anything that doesn’t serve you. If it helps you unplug and reset, I trust you know what’s best for you.

I encourage you to take care of yourself and your needs above all.

**You won’t find bathrooms or cabins marked with binary gender signs.**
That was an important part of how I chose this location.
Each participant will have their own private cabin with a window unit and a private bathroom.
**There is no expectation of shared lodging**.
If you're attending with someone you’d like to share with, you’re welcome to request that.
Otherwise, privacy is the default.

Why you, Christa?

(she/they)

Honestly, because I love retreats.

I’m a queer therapist in private practice who loves what I do. This retreat isn’t part of my therapy offerings, it’s just something I’m excited to create and hold as a fellow queer human.

I was the kid who invited every friend to camp because I loved getting away and connecting with others. Now I’m the adult who still loves small intimate retreats.

I’ve gained so much from being in places like this. As someone who enjoys bringing people together, I want to share that experience with others.

Being a queer healer myself, I want to prioritize a safe place just for us and our deep allies.

This retreat is offered on a sliding scale to honor the realities of class inequality and economic disparity — especially within healing professions and queer communities.

I invite you to reflect on your current financial situation, your access to generational or accumulated wealth, and your capacity to give or receive support. Then choose the rate that feels right for you, from a place of mindfulness and integrity.
Your choice will be honored

without question.

Sliding Scale Options:

$475 — Supported Rate
For those with limited financial access. This rate is made possible by community support from others who pay above the standard. It helps cover the true cost while making space for more healers to attend.
$850 — Standard Rate
Reflects the full cost of running the retreat, including meals, lodging, planning time, facilitation, and care. Choosing this rate sustains the work and supports future offerings.
$1,200+ — Community Sustainer
For those with financial abundance or institutional support. Your contribution helps offset lower-income attendees and strengthens the long-term sustainability of this retreat.

Not sure what rate fits? You're welcome to reach out — I'm happy to support your discernment.

I’m In – Take Me to the Registration Form

What’s included?

The cost for the entire weekend includes:

*Individual cabin

Each comes with electricity, private bathroom, window unit, heater, desk and bed

*All meals

Meals are prepared by the chef at retreat center and are served communally.

*Small group healing circles

Healing circles are 90 minutes or less.

*Access to Osage Forrest of Peace grounds including:

*trails *labyrinth *Zen garden *Library * cave of the mothers

*Optional 1:1 Sessions

(Reiki, spiritual direction, and possibly massage – available for a separate fee)

What do you mean by Queer Healers?

There are many different ways to be a healer.

Maybe you’re a doctor, a nurse, social worker, massage therapist, yoga instructor or a healer by trade in another form.

Maybe your work doesn’t carry a title, but you’re a helper at heart giving your energy through care, volunteering, or presence.

You count.

What do you mean by Deep Allies?

There are many affirming healers who are embedded in the queer community who support this event as a sacred space for queer folx.

If that’s you, you are welcome.

How past retreaters felt: honest reflections

“Within minutes of driving into the parking lot I immediately felt a decrease in my stress level. Having driven in heavy traffic and trying to find my way through the back winding roads, I was tense but suddenly coming into beautiful woods and peaceful scenery changed all that. The staff was so friendly and helpful and the food was amazing! Christa’s meditations and journal exercises also helped remind me that it’s okay and that we all are going through something. Her time spent with us on a personal level meant the world to me. Finally, the time alone walking in the woods was just what I needed to reset.”

Brandi G
“I came to the retreat feeling isolated and overwhelmed following a year of numerous stressors due to the pandemic. Once I was at the retreat, the opportunity to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with nature and other therapists was powerful! The simple environment, homemade meals together, and an intimate group of therapists who were willing and able to show up as their authentic selves made this retreat unique and meaningful. I left feeling less anxious with a more calm and focused mind. Christa's retreat was exactly what I needed!”

Brandi M
“When I came to the retreat, I was feeling extra guarded and closed off. I knew I needed some away time and connection but struggled with making time for it. After exploring the grounds, sharing and listening with others, and being a unified support with those looking for shelter in safe spaces...I felt lighter, softer, and able to flow with my peers in a new way. My cup was filled.”

Anni M (she/her/they)
“The Forest of Peace embraces the sacredness of all life and the gifts of all people, so hosting the retreat for Queer Healers was a natural opening the space of the Forest to be a place of safety, refuge, rest and renewal. Experiencing the participants of the June retreat settle in and with each other with Christa’s guidance was a joy to see. We look forward to the next gathering!"

Macrina C (she/they)