The Embrace Retreat (Fall 2024)
Are you ready find a more peaceful, neutral, possibly even celebratory relationship with your body?
The Embrace Experience is a unique group counselling and photography experience that has been called “truly transformational.”
If you’re looking to level up your body acceptance and love, consider joining us for this one-of-a-kind experience.
The retreat is a 3-day/ 2-night getaway of rich conversations, genuine connection, delicious food, and of course…an epic photo shoot!
One of the BIGGEST pieces of feedback we’ve received from folks who’ve attended the Embrace Retreat?
In the past this experience has been a 1-day retreat. And the number one piece of feedback we’ve received? More please! We want more time, more discussions, more embracing! You’ve asked, and we’re delivering. In this expanded version of the Embrace Retreat we will not only have more time for some new additions to the retreat, but also, a bit more spaciousness within and between the discussions and photo experience to process and connect (with yourself or the other women attending!).
About our Venue
We’re SO excited to share that we’ve booked the luxurious, private West Coast River Lodge in beautiful Port Alberni for this year’s retreat. This gorgeous property includes access to a hot tub, sauna, and lovely lush grounds (perfect for our intimate photo experience).
Dates + Details:
Mark your calendar for the FALL offering of Embrace! Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27.
Some “finer details” we’d like you to be aware of:
- It’s a slumber-party feel. The venue is a large house with 7 bedrooms and 13 beds. With up to 12 RAD women joining us, that means that some of you will be sharing rooms (everyone will have a bed to themselves). If you are coming with others and would like to request to share, you’ll have the opportunity to do that upon registration. If you would like your own room/ bed this option will be first come, first served (let us know as soon as you register that you’d like to have a room to yourself, it’ll be a “dibs” situation via email!).
- This is a clean/sober event. We are committed to this experience being positive and supportive for all involved. We feel this is best accomplished without any substance. We will provide an array of yummy non-alcoholic beverages (and you’re more than welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages you love).
Registration for the Embrace Retreat is $895*
Your registration includes:
-
-
- A full weekend of connection with fabulous women
- Shared (very comfy) accommodation at our gorgeous retreat venue (if you’re coming with someone, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know so you can room together!).
- Counsellor-led conversations, meditations, and exercises to explore your relationship with your body
- A unique perspective-changing photography experience
- NEW!! Optional (but awesome) daily joyful embodied movement breaks (all bodies and abilities welcome)
- Fully catered fresh wholesome meals and snacks (check out our delicious caterer here)
- Digital copies of our group shot and 3-5 individual shots
- One printed photo keepsake
-
Do you have Extended Benefits? Part of your retreat experience may be covered!
Please note. The discussion/ sessions we will have during the weekend can be considered “group therapy.” I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #22774) and receipts can be provided upon request for 4 2h group therapy sessions ($200 +GST total).
IMPORTANT: plans and coverage vary by plan – please confirm with your extended benefits plan regarding coverage if this is important to you.
Also, don’t let the words “group therapy” deter you. My approach to group therapy is down-to-earth, trauma-informed, and no-pressure. Nobody is required to share (though you will be encouraged, and possibly be inspired to share!). This is not a weekend of unpacking trauma, but rather a weekend of recognizing and openly discussing the challenges of living in a body, through the lens of authentic connection, with the goal of feeling truly seen, validated, and supported.
Registration Deadlines:
Regular Registration is available until we reach capacity* (regular rate is $895+GST/ payment plans only available by request)
*we are limiting this retreat to 12 women – if this is speaking to you, don’t wait!
To Register:
STEP 1: Complete this registration form
STEP 2: E-transfer (gillian@superyou.ca) or PayPal the registration fee ($895+GST=$939.75)^
^Payment plans are available by request. If you would like to pay in instalments, please contact Gillian at gillian@superyou.ca
Cancellation policy: 30 days or more before the start date of the retreat, we are happy to offer a full refund less $249 admin fee/ first payment equivalent. 0-29 days before the start date of the retreat no refunds will be given. If you are unable to attend, but can find someone to take your spot, we are open to this as long as they can complete appropriate forms and provide us with relevant information.
About the Photography Experience
The Embrace photography experience always has a theme and this year is no different. Given our unique location that has a beautiful earthy, woodsy, magical feel – we’re encouraging skin-tone undergarments (think undies, bra, tank or cami) for the group shots. We will have gorgeous drapey fabrics and blankets to bring us all together for some fabulous retreat “sisterhood” shots!
For your solo shots – girl, you do you! The world is your oyster. Want to go nude? Or draped tastefully in a blanket? In the hot tub? Sauna? We’re here to support you. Want to wear something that makes you feel fabulous? YESSS!!! Magic. Brooke will also be bringing some of her fabulous photography wardrobe you can consider (hello, dress-up trunk play!).
In addition to the group and individual shots there will also be an opportunity to have small group photos (if you come as a duo or group).
If any/ all of this makes you nervous – please hear this. The photography experience is about being seen as you are. Being celebrated as you are. And you – seeing you with a lens of love, appreciation and (maybe even) celebration.
Your Embrace Experience Facilitators:
This retreat is a collaboration between Super You (Gillian Goerzen), pictured on the left, and Captured Essence Photography (Brooke Hewitt-Morgan), pictured on the right. We are both passionate about changing the way women view their bodies and are so excited to share this day with you! We believe in immersing ourselves in this experience right alongside you. We will be part of the photography experience too! Because body peace – it’s a practice (and we still need to practice too – because we’re humans!).
What participants had to say about their experience:
I participated previously, would I gain value from coming again?
In short, YES! Not only will the conversations be completely unique (because they never are exactly the same, are they?), but you’ll have the opportunity to deepen and grow even further into this experience. It’s kind of like watching a movie you’ve seen before. Each time you see slightly different things, and deepen your understanding of the characters (in this case you!).
Plus with a completely unique photography experience this year (and a little more comfort since you’ve been in front of the camera before), you’ll have a new opportunity to shine!