The Embrace Retreat

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: TBA

Stay tuned for our next offering of this retreat. Add yourself to the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens.

The investment 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

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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:

What a powerful day. Something beautiful happens when women come together in love and support of each other. We were a group of strangers but Gillian and Brooke bonded us in such a beautiful way. To say the photography experience was amazing feels trite. It was inspiring, it was fun, it was empowering. Brooke has a way of making you feel so comfortable, and her gift behind the lens led to so many gorgeous photos. The conversation Gillian facilitated was powerful and real. We have work to do, as women, to re claim our place in the world. And Gillian and Brooke are making that work a little easier by building safe, open communities of women. Much love and respect to you both.

Julia

I went into this day with great trepidation, but I am SO GLAD I went. It was a really powerful day looking at preconceived notions about how I felt about my body and the way I show up in the world. It was a powerful day confronting some stories I’ve had and the way I have let them limit me, or censor me, hold me back from sharing myself authentically and without reservations. The photo experience captured me with such ease and being so fully in the moment that it was really profound. I am excited for the impact this experience will have on my life moving forward.

Cheryl

What a day that was spent at the Embrace Retreat. Women coming together to support and reflect. This world needs to hear this and change their mind on body positivity. The photo shoot was spectacular and was all about supporting each other and feeling great about ourselves.

Erin

If you are considering joining this retreat STOP and sign up!!!! It was very well thought out and the content was impressive and empowering. The food… Delish! Very worth the price paid. I was so very happy to be a part of the wonderful group of diverse women. The personality’s just worked. I felt safe and respected. I give huge compliments to Gillian and Brooke for this collaboration. Excellent!!!

Chelaine

What an incredible day, listening, learning and sharing. There is such power in a group! Gillian and Brooke were amazing at facilitating conversations with respect and kindness. I recommend this retreat to anyone wanting to get closer to body peace.

Justine

I found the embrace retreat to be a real eye opener and an AMAZING experience ! I felt safe and guided, was able to really express myself without any anxiety or fear. The process of listening to other women and their experiences and thoughts reminded me that I am not alone in how I feel, the fears I have and that I DO have the ability to change the story I tell myself and to help others do that as well. After a couple of weeks I am still feeling the love and gratitude that I felt that day and am feeling more comfortable in my own skin – it was and continues to be a strong life changing force. I soooo look forward to more retreats, more growth, more self love and more connection with strong badass women in all phases of their life and growth! The connection, realness and truth I felt filled my soul with a peace I have not felt in a long time – I saw a glimpse of “me” that has been missing!

Jen

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!

Questions?

We love them! Feel free to email either of us directly! You can contact Gillian here, or Brooke here.