“The opposite of trauma is connection,” says therapist and sociologist Terry Real. Traumatizing experiences leave us feeling isolated and lonely. In this retreat, therapist and professor Carla Dahl will lead us in exploring how to relate to our personal trauma histories, how to recognize and tend to the evidence of traumatic experiences in others, and how to deepen our awareness of collective trauma (including intergenerational trauma and community experiences of disaster). We will discuss physiological and spiritual aspects of trauma, the importance of self-compassion, and practices and rituals that help re-establish connection with ourselves and others. Whether you are personally experiencing trauma or caring for others with traumatic experiences, (or both), this retreat will increase your capacity to live with hope and healing in the midst of it all.
Carla Dahl is Professor Emerita of Congregational and Community Care at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has trained therapists and clergy since 1993 and also has a private counseling and consulting practice, working with individuals, couples, and groups around issues of grief, spirituality, relationships, and life transitions. She’s written in the areas of ambiguous loss, families and spirituality, and the training of helping professionals; her current research focus is on long-distance grandmothering, and her research assistant, 6-year-old Guthrie, lives in northeastern Wisconsin.
Rough Schedule (detailed schedule available for registrants)
Monday August 8
Morning: Check-in, Coffee/Cinnamon Rolls, Sessions 1 & 2 with Carla Dahl
Lunch
Afternoon: Forest Bathing, Creative Art Session, Free Time to move, reflect, rest, and Session 3 with Carla Dahl
Happy Hour & Dinner
Evening: Snacks & Beverage Bar, Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna, Conversation around the Fire
Tuesday August 9
Morning: Breakfast, Mindfulness Meditation, Sessions 4 & 5 with Carla Dahl
Lunch
Afternoon: Free Time & Departure
A variety of overnight accommodations are available including single or double occupancy in our hotel-style rooms and occupancy in our dorm rooms (limit 6 people to a dorm). Cost includes one-night stay (except for commuters), four meals, beverage and snack breaks, programming, use of amenities, and tax.
No refunds after July 31.