Unplug
and
Recalibrate
A weekend retreat for Queer Healers and Deep Allies so that you can unplug from the noise of society, have meaningful moments with yourself, community, and nature and leave feeling more in balance, supported and resourced, centered, and prepared to take on the next steps of your journey more deeply resourced.
Next Retreat Weekend: TBA
“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 Pacheco (she/her)
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 with new friends feeling recharged, rejuvenated, and more connected.
You’ve been
STRESSED and OVERWHELMED
with caregiving through attacks on yourself and your loves. The people you serve are deeply affected, as are you. Maybe you are even making decisions of ‘should I stay or should I go’ regarding safety in where you live.
I’m holding space in a beautiful retreat setting for us to unplug and connect.
You can simply show up and leave the world and its business behind.
It’s like a vacation without the hassle.
It’s a small group event curated specifically for queer healers and our deep allies;
with warm facilitation, meaningful moments together, and space for time alone.
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. Think of it kind of like Pride, if you are going to be a spectator and see what it’s all about, this is not for you. If you go with your friends to celebrate their life and struggles we’ve overcome with bravery and vulnerability, then you’re our kind of people.
Let’s unplug together and leave
RECHARGED
CENTERED
and REJUVENATED
QUEER HEALER:
No, this isn’t just for therapists. There are many different ways to be a healer! I just happen to be a therapist. Maybe you are a doctor, a nurse, case manager, massage therapist, yoga instructor or healer by trade in another form. Maybe your work doesn’t reflect a title of healer, but you are a helper at heart and give by volunteering or in ways that aren’t spelled out here. You count!
Date of next retreat: TBA
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 -
Massages will be scheduled for Saturday as individual appointments throughout the day.
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.
Community pieces are optional. I encourage you to participate, and for most it enhances the experience. At the same time, I honor that this is your time and we all are unique. You are welcome to skip anything you want. If that helps you unplug and reset, I trust you know what is best for you. Many of us only have so much energy and that’s ok. I encourage you to take care of yourself and your needs above all.
Osage Forest of Peace is intentional about being affirming, which reflects my own values. You won’t find bathrooms and cabins marked with binary gender signs. That was important to me when choosing a location. We will be introducing ourselves with pronouns included and hold space for all gender identities.
Why you, Christa?
(she/they)
Being a queer healer myself, I want to prioritize a safe place just for us and our deep allies.
Honestly, Because I LOVE Retreats!
I’m a therapist in private practice who loves what I do. This retreat is not designed to be part of my therapy offerings, but instead just something I can facilitate as a fellow queer human.
I was the kid who invited every friend to camp because I LOVED getting away and connecting with others. Having a tumultuous home life, it provided me a place to feel safe for a short time. I knew I could be a kid and the adults handled the things like where I’d be in a container with a mix of predictability and freedom. There would be fun group activity options, meals and free time. I didn’t have to be doing homework, and I didn’t have the unpredictable turbulent hits of an unstable, unchecked adult because other adults were watching and holding each other responsible.
As an adult, I’ve attended retreats and again it’s felt like a safe haven. A place to pause decision fatigue. A place to unplug from my typical day to day stressors and distractions, to connect to others and myself, without having to be the one choosing each thing.
I’ve found this also applies to all inclusive vacations for me. I make the decision and pay before going, knowing that I won’t be dealing with the stress of deciding which place to eat each day, if I have money budgeted right to choose this meal at this time, and which of a plethora of options I want to add or not add each day. I can go with 80% handled, and have the freedom to add a thing or two if I decide to.
With the weight of the world piling up in the pandemic, and the overwhelm at it’s peak, I really desired to get away and have a space to feel safe, supported, and just focus on the parts I wanted to enjoy. I knew I wasn’t alone in feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I believed others deeply craved a place to unplug from daily life and stressors and focus on the healing power of nature, community support, and having another professional curate a safe space with safe folx to just show up and skip all the daily tasks of meal prep, supporting and caregiving for others, and leading the support circles.
As someone who really enjoys bringing people together, I’ve gained so much from retreats like this. I want to share and pass on the amazing experiences I’ve got to enjoy with others, so they can go home feeling refreshed, centered, and back in balance with themselves.
What’s the cost?
JUSTICE SEEKING PRICING
This retreat is priced on a scale to address systemic inequalities of class in our culture. Please consider your privileges, barriers, ancestry, access to money currently, and ability to make money in the future. Then choose based on what feels right for you, from a mindful and heartfelt place. The rate you determine will be honored and not questioned.
Need help determining? Email me and I’m happy to assist.
$350 - $1250
- $350 (minimum)
- $850 (standard rate)
- $850 + fill in the blank (I can afford to help offset someone else’s.)
The cost for the entire weekend includes:
*Individual cabin
Each comes with electricity, private bathroom, window unit, 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.
*1 hour massage
See meet our massage therapist section below for more information.
*Access to Osage Forrest of Peace grounds including:
*trails *labyrinth *Zen garden *Library * cave of the mothers
“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 Miller-Edge
Pronouns: she/her/they
Meet our Massage Therapist…
Parker Coppick (he/him/his)
SERVICE: Massage (included)
“My name is Parker Coppick (he, him, his), I have been a licensed massage therapist for just over two years. I structure my massage based on the goals of my client, for instance whether they need postural improvement, attain pain free movements, or a reduction of stress. I am certified in Reiki and cupping and utilize these techniques when needed.
On a personal note, I am FTM. I know firsthand it can be hard to enjoy and relax during a massage if you’re worried about your status of being. Every person is safe and respected on my table and I appreciate being able to serve the LGBTQ+ community.”
-
“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.
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to let go of their stressful and busy daily lives and center themselves through calm and enlightening every day practices.“
-Brandi Gibson (she/her)
-
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 Morgan Matthews (she/her/hers)
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Our safety is important and we are taking precautions. The staff at Osage Forrest of Peace are all vaccinated, as am I. Masks are currently mandatory at the Forest and may be at the time. We may do most things outside as a backup if needed (pending weather). Each person has their own individual cabin, and individual bathroom in their cabin. We may only have the option to take food to our cabins or eat outside if community meal is not safe at the time of the retreat. (That is an option either way if you aren’t comfortable with the communal meals. It just may turn into the only options if needed.)
Email any questions to: christa@healingforqueerhealers.com