Explore Our Retreat
RECLAIM YOUR BODY AND POWER
An Equine Therapy Intensive for Survivors of Sexual Assault and/or Domestic Violence
After sexual assault and domestic violence, your body stops feeling like your own. It was taken from you, turned into a crime scene and is now a place you want to escape from.
I know this because I lived it. I survived an abusive relationship and multiple sexual assaults, I didn't know how to exist in my own body. It didn’t feel like my own anymore, it felt like it was meant to be used and abused. I didn’t want to be in my body anymore. I didn't know how to trust myself or anyone else.
But horses changed that for me. They taught me what it’s like to feel loved. They taught me how to trust and how to communicate. They empowered me to find my voice again, to feel safe speaking up, setting boundaries, and showing up as my authentic self. They provided a space where I could connect with my body and feel safe again. And most importantly, FIND ME in my healing journey.
The first time I went to therapy as an adult, my therapist asked me, "How did you survive everything you've been through?" my answer was immediate: "Horses."
From that day I knew I wanted to provide that space and opportunity for others. Because I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my horses. And I feel honored to share that with you. That’s what this weekend is all about!
What to Expect
This is a three day intensive where you'll work with 2 incredible therapy horses and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Therapist. You will practice boundary setting, communicating, building trust, and reconnect with your body in ways that weekly therapy sometimes takes months to achieve.
You'll face the fear, emotions, and barriers that comes up when you try to take your power back, whether that’s through setting a boundary, speaking up for yourself or trusting someone. And you'll work with the horses to move through those barriers. The empowerment that comes from being able to get a horse to move with just your body language is pretty incredible.
You'll practice trust with other survivors who get it. You'll be guiding horses through obstacles while blindfolded, learning that you can ask for help and someone will show up. You'll work with the horses one on one, and you'll feel what it's like when a living being sees you completely and doesn't run away.
By the time Sunday comes around, you'll have noticed how often you were able to reconnect with your body. Because horses are the mirrors of the things we usually can’t see in ourselves. They will show you where you’re holding things, and they’ll respond to things none of us knew we were holding onto.
You'll feel more present in your body. More like it's yours. And you'll have proof, skills, and tools that you can keep building on that even after our weekend together! ◡̈
Schedule
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Friday 7pm-8:30
Meet the horses, therapist, and other survivors that you will be experiencing this weekend with. Enjoy some treats for yourself and sharing them with the horses.
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SATURDAY (9:00 am-4:30 pm)
9am: Arrive and mingle
9:30 am-10:30 am: Trauma-informed yoga15 minute break
10:45am-12pm: Horse session 1 - Safety & Grounding (grooming, leading, basic boundary work)
12pm-1pm: Lunch break
1:00pm-2:45 pm: Horse session 2 - Boundaries & Voice (asking the horse to move, practicing yes and no, mirroring)15 minute break
3pm-3:30pm: Journaling and reflection3:30-4:30pm Nature walk
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Sunday (9:00 am-4:30 pm)
9am: Arrive and mingle
9:30 am-10:30 am: Trauma-informed yoga15 minute break
10:45am-12pm: Horse session 3- Trust & Vulnerability (leading blindfolded, free choice time with your horse, closing circle with the horses)
12pm-1pm: Lunch break
1:00pm-2:45 pm: Horse session 4 - Reclaiming our Bodies (mindfulness in our bodies and of the horses15 minute break
3pm-3:30pm: Journaling and reflection3:30-4:30pm Integration ceremony, resource sharing, and next steps to continue your reclaiming journey
Here is a very general idea of what we’d be doing throughout the weekend. BUT! please note that any of this is subject to change as we prioritize customizing each weekend to what would be best for everyone who is attending that weekend ◡̈
Where to Find Us
This retreat takes place in the beautiful mountains of Cle Elum, Washington, about 90 minutes from Seattle. The barn sits in the Cascade foothills surrounded by pine trees and a perfect view of the Enchantments.
There's something about being in the mountains with horses that just makes this work that much more healing. You get away from the city noise. You're held by nature. You're in a place designed for being grounded and connected to healing.
What's Included:
All equine therapy sessions throughout the weekend
Our 2 therapy horses: Katie and Allstarr
Trauma-informed yoga and guided nature walks
Journals, materials, snacks
Lunch provided on Saturday and Sunday
Resource lists and aftercare planning
What's Not Included:
Lodging, Breakfast or Dinner
I'll send you recommendations for local Airbnbs and create a group chat if people want to coordinate carpooling or shared accommodations.
Exact Address will be provided after registration is complete ◡̈
Frequently Asked Questions
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Studies show that 1 equine session is equivalent to 11 talk therapy sessions! Normally in talk therapy you talk about a problem, we give a skill to go practice, you try it that week and then emotions and barriers come up that prevent you from getting the results you want. You come back to therapy and repeat that process for weeks or months until you find the solution that works.
With equine therapy, you practice those skills in real time with the horses. And the therapist is there with you to process through the emotions and barriers that are coming up so you can find the solution in that session. Now, not only have you found your solution but you feel empowered to continue practicing that skill because you’ve already had your first success story! it’s honestly such a beautiful process to be a part of! -
A: Yes. Zero horse experience needed. The horses don't care if you've ridden before. They care if you're present. We'll teach you everything.
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A: Not this time! This will all be groundwork
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We invite clients to bring closed toed shoes to use when they’re around the horses. It is a barn, which means there is a chance of walking in poop. So I don’t recommend wearing anything you’re not okay with getting dirty and a lil stinky ;)
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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The truth is, the cost of horses are expensive. They eat a lot and need a lot of daily care and that adds up. Our liability insurance to protect all of you and our horses and our company is also really expensive. And we want to pay our providers well for the work they’re doing too!
Think of it this way, one 50-minute therapy session is $145. This retreat gives you 15+ hours of intensive therapy with horses. That alone would be $2,175. But the best part is that 1 equine therapy session is equivalent to 11 talk therapy sessions! So really the perceived value is closer to $20k. We're pricing it so it's actually accessible ◡̈
Standard Pricing: $1,497 per person
Interest-Free Payment Plans are available, just text or email me and we can see what we can work out!
Sliding Scale: $800-$1,200. based on financial need and ability to pay - email us to apply for the financial assistance program!
Full Scholarship: Available (funded by community donations - apply if you have zero ability to pay). We unfortunately do not have enough donations at this time to offer this. But we are hoping to change that soon!
Any other questions about pricing? Text me: 385.202.6155