Whidbey Island Grief Retreat
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE TIDES OF ENDURING GRIEF

AUGUST 5-7TH, 2023
DANCING FISH FARM HOUSE

Grief is a lifelong experience that changes somewhat like the tides. Please join us for a grief retreat on Whidbey Island in Washington State to learn to navigate the everchanging landscape of grief. Retreat attendees will immerse themselves in the beauty of Whidbey Island with a community of fellow grievers to develop insight and tools to better navigate long-term grief. The Island sanctuary provides attendees the opportunity to reflect on the deep impact of grief and how it has formed and informed their lives. Using the gifts of the Island, attendees will explore who they were prior to grief and then, examine who they are today, to gain a new perspective on how grief has changed identity and relationships. Participants will engage in individual reflection, group interactions and experiential activities on the Island. Attendees will leave the Island with an expanded understanding of selves and identity, strengthen connections with loved ones no longer present, and fresh vision for future directions.

Intended Audience: This retreat is designed for individuals who have processed the shock and initial impact of their loss and want to explore the on-going influence of grief.

Early Bird Pricing: $1,495 until 4/30/2023. $1,695 beginning 5/1/2023. Pricing includes retreat fees, daily breakfast and lunch each day. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Island for dinner on their own on the 5th and 7th. A group dinner will be held on August 6th. Lodging and transportation to the Island are not included.

Additional Workshops:
Nature Therapy: Take Your Grief for a Hike: August 4th 3-9pm, $150
Get Creative and Put Your Grief in a Box: August 8th 9am-3pm, $150

The retreat experience will emphasize wholeness and include:

  • Optional morning movement
  • Group processing
  • Time for individual reflection
  • Island field trips
  • Social time with participants
  • Community meals
  • Soul work
  • Creative projects
  • Optional closing meditations

Topics to be explored include:

  • The impact of the changing grief tides on your life
  • Stepping in to who you are now
  • The mixed emotions associated with happiness
  • Staying connected and fears of forgetting
  • Finding future directions when the tides feel low

While you are waiting:

Participants who register for the retreat will receive a list of helpful grief resources including journal prompts, a list of suggested readings, movies, music, podcasts, and Ted Talks.  Registrants will also have an opportunity to meet via Zoom at least 2 times prior to the Whidbey Island Grief Retreat to begin establishing community, ask questions and prepare themselves for the retreat experience.

Applications will be used to ensure participants are well suited for this retreat. To apply, go to the registration link under the navigation bar or email info@therapyheals.com.

Grief Retreat Facilitators:

Dr. Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT is a traumatic grief therapist and a Fellow in Thanatology.  Jennifer specializes in unexpected death and working with individuals with cancer loss.  She is also the host of the podcast “Untethered: Healing after a Sudden Death” and is a sought-after speaker in the areas of grief, sudden death, and living with life-threatening illness.

Cindi Sinnema has worked in the field of traumatic response and community support for over 30 years. She has worked with individuals, families and communities who have been impacted by disasters, both natural and man-made. In her role as Chaplain, she trained community volunteers to provide assistance in the aftermath of trauma and loss.