In-person Developmental Bodywork Retreat
Join us for an Immersive Healing Experience at the Imiloa Institute in the Costa Rican Rainforest
w/ Dr Levine and his team of Somatic Experiencing® Practitioners
March 16th - 25th, 2024
All-inclusive Pricing Includes Retreat Offerings + Individual Sessions w/ SEPs + Special Imiloa Activities + Gourmet Plant-Based Meals + 9-night Lodging + Hopper Plane from SJO Airport to the Imiloa Campus + Pre and Post Retreat Online Gatherings & Programming
LIMITED CAPACITY approx. 24 - 30 Participants + 9 SE Practitioners
*Cost Based on Lodging Selection
*Scroll Down to see the Pricing Options & Retreat Schedule
*This retreat is designed to develop deeper SE tools for personal enrichment
Lowest Pricing Available Now
What is Developmental Trauma?
Adverse childhood experiences generate displacement, disembodiment, and shame. These experiences challenge our self-worth, thwart our creativity, discourage us from embodying ourselves fully, and inhibit us from living into our capacity to be in our true, full, authentic self-expression.
At the heart of developmental trauma are the wounds of repeatedly not being seen, not feeling a sense of worth, and not realizing a sense of belonging. This can happen through neglect, abuse, displacement due to disaster, medical trauma, long separations from family/community systems, intergenerational trauma, and systemic oppression. These adverse experiences often leave us feeling relationally disconnected or dissatisfied, feeling too close, too far away, or both.
We can grow into adults, have relationships (if desired), raise children (if desired), have gainful employment, and still have a strong sense of not existing, not mattering, and not having an inner sense of worth or sense of self. This holding stems from these experiences being housed deep within our tissues - once a protective mechanism, now a hindrance.
In our time together, we will
Define and explore the roots of developmental trauma and how it affects the body
Identify the unique, complex grief held within us that is often overlooked when working with developmental trauma
Review developmental milestones that might have been missed due to trauma or stress
Understand undesired behavior patterns in our relationships - whether from our partner or us
Explore the connection to complex physical health conditions in adulthood and where our bodies hold developmental trauma memories
Experience somatic practices that can help reset the nervous system back to a more authentic place of being
Utilize therapeutic bodywork sessions to gain insight and expansion at the cellular level
Create a real-time partnership with Self
“SE is not what you do, but how you do what you do.”
What is Bodywork?
When clinically helpful, and only if the client is fully comfortable with doing so, we will integrate Therapeutic Touch into our retreat sessions.
Bodywork Practitioners utilize the attention and intention of mindful attuned contact to support a safe and relational container to integrate bracing patterns from stress, overwhelm, or fright towards regulation and resiliency.
Human touch is a primal and biologically essential requirement for the formation of a physically and emotionally healthy human being. Neglected babies who are not touched fail to thrive. Touch is a vital, critical component for the formation of identity and ego. The caregiver’s prosody and facial expressions are equally important to touch and holding. Attuned touch, holding, prosody, and facial expressions are the seeds of the touch-and-talk connection.
Dr Levine has been a courageous pioneer in fostering healthy exchange between Psychotherapists and Bodyworkers. The gift of Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory emphasizes the connection between talk, touch, and the social engagement system. The Somatic Experiencing training brings both professions together as a way to integrate the two fields.
“Touch is as vital to our existence as food. It is the first sense we develop, our first and most primal communication, and the only sense without which we cannot survive.”
Therapeutic Touch
Works with symptoms of early childhood, developmental trauma, and relational trauma
Connects to pre-verbal adverse experiences
Implements a body-up approach to psychological & physiological healing - a heart, brain, and body collaboration
Creates long-lasting results by addressing the root of where the trauma is stored
Builds the capacity to track sensations as a guide to stabilizing physiology in their body
Provides the missing physical support that speaks directly to the nervous system for clients whose developmental experience of touch was misattuned, neglectful, or abusive
Supports the restoration, stabilization, and integration of sustainable states of well-being so that the full range of the human condition can be experienced
Offers a safe and relational field to understand sensations, symptoms, pain, and injury that might have occurred during the early developmental stages of neurological wiring
Mobilizes bodily patterns of discomfort and emotional overwhelm, facilitating a settling and resolution
Explores the dynamic, subtle, and profoundly healing dance between touch, emotions, cognitions, and talk
Helpful for nervous systems that may be activated by talk therapy alone
*Bodywork will be done in individual sessions or as demonstrations in the larger group - fully clothed, either sitting in a chair or lying on a massage table - differs from a massage.
*Guided self-touch will be implemented in group work - not sexual organs.
Examples of Bodywork Modalities Somatic Experiencing® Touch / NeuroAffective Touch (NATouch™) / Craniosacral / Ortho-Bionomy® / Kathy Kain Somatic Practice
During the Retreat
Dr Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing® (SE™), and his team of SE Practitioners and expert Facilitators will support self-exploration through group work, individual sessions, and guided therapeutic practices to stimulate healing and transformation. Daily opportunities for guided meditations, content integration, movement, nature exploration, and onsite activities.
As we begin to move forward, let’s discover the obstacles together.
Retreat Offerings Include
Small in-person group work w/ Dr Levine throughout the retreat
Daily pathway to trauma integration w/ Master level SE Practitioners & Facilitators
SE practices & discussion w/ Q&A
Individual SE & therapeutic sessions with SE Practitioners (including Bodywork)
Movement, yoga, resource integration, healing sound meditation, and more
Unique lodging at the Imiloa Institute - March 16th through March 24th
Gourmet plant-based meals (vegan)
Use of the Imiloa Institute pool, lounge areas, waterfall, and nature hikes
Open-air dining and program space
Dry campus (no substance use)
A completely closed/private campus just for our group
Short hopper plane ride from San Jose, Costa Rica Airport to the Imiloa Institute campus (ground shuttle available for an extra fee)
*Due to his personal capacity, Dr Levine will not be the primary facilitator and he will not be offering private individual sessions.
Online Pre-Retreat
3-hours of Live Programming
Group meet-up with the practitioner team & participants
Private meet-up with your assigned SE Practitioner (20-min)
Online Post-Retreat
Ongoing group gatherings & check-ins led by SE Practitioners
A referral list of SE Practitioners who work both in-person & online
*A welcome email with more details will be sent approx 30-days prior to the retreat.
MARCH 2022 SEDONA RETREAT REVIEW: ”The retreat was life-changing. The skill and professionalism of the team working with Peter A. Levine were an inspiration and far exceeded my expectations. I entered with the goal of taking my personal development further and beginning a new path. I left with the clarity I was seeking, a clear plan, renewed enthusiasm, more tools to help me succeed, and precious new friends.”
Why 9 Nights?
We have found that a longer retreat allows time for settling, getting to know one another, space for group lessons and individual sessions, opportunities to explore the beauty of retreat locations - and last, but not least, a greater chance to integrate the work before returning to your daily life.
Schedule (subject to evolution)
Saturday, March 16th
Afternoon
Travel to Imiloa Institute
Evening
Dinner
Welcome Gathering
Sunday, March 17th through Sunday, March 24th
Mornings
Breakfast
Lessons/group work
Afternoons
Lunch
Option to swim, hike, or rest
Private sessions
Resource integration
Evenings
Dinner
Lessons/group work
Monday, March 25th
Morning
Breakfast
Departure
Additional Activities throughout the week:
Two Yoga classes
Sound Healing experience
Cacao Ceremony
Afternoon beach trip, including gourmet dinner on the beach
Who Should Attend
Those who are suffering from known developmental trauma or loved ones of those with developmental trauma
Those who may be struggling and unsure of the origin
General Public, Somatic Experiencing students, and SE Practitioners are welcome
Partners, colleagues, relatives, and friends are encouraged to attend together
*This retreat is not intended to treat active addiction, medical illness, psychosis, or severe mental illness.
*Please consult your doctor/therapist/practitioner or contact us for guidance on whether this may be right for you.
*Age requirement is 18 and up; no infants, children, or teens on campus.
*No non-participating guests are allowed on campus.
Location
The Retreat gatherings and hosted meals are at the 5-star, 22-acre, Imiloa Institute Campus
Imiloa is located in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, approximately 40 minutes north of Uvita and 1 hour of Manuel Antonio on the central Pacific coast
The pool is saltwater
The entire jungle is ours - the private road is great for hiking, and there are adjacent acres that you can explore endlessly - including a waterfall and small swimming holes (some terrain outside the main roads is rugged, so please plan appropriately - no guided group activities will be on steep or overly strenuous terrain)
Fiber optic high-speed internet - certain parts of the campus, like the House of Masters, you’ll find intentionally without Wi-Fi
2,000 feet above sea level, making it much cooler than the beach and fewer bugs - average temperature is under 85°F (27-33°C) during the day and 65-75°F (17-24°C) at night
Spa Services at Imiloa (additional cost - booked directly with Imiloa) - all spa services are tailored to individual needs - from Shamanic to Ayurvedic to Swedish, facials, relaxation, and Thai yoga massages; they tailor the schedule based on break times
If you have any particular concerns regarding the property during the retreat, you will have Imiloa staff communication 24 hours a day via Whatsapp
Important Information about the Imiloa Campus - including a packing list and campus rules
Imiloa Gourmet Plant-Based Cuisine
Imiloa proudly serves conscious comfort food - meaning healthy, locally-sourced, gourmet vegan meals that are as artistically plated, scientifically nourishing, and delightfully crafted for all of their retreat guests.
Eighty percent of guests report eating some animal product before arriving at Imiloa. One hundred percent rate their plant-based culinary experience at either 4.9 or 5.0 stars on their guest surveys.
Meals are served at a long family table in an open-air setting
Tea and coffee are available as needed
Water is UV triple-filtered from their mountain’s well and perfectly healthy and safe to drink from all faucets on the property
Meal Allergies and Preferences
During registration, there is an opportunity to indicate meal allergies and preferences. A special wristband indicating food allergies or modified food needs will be provided.
Travel to & from Imiloa
Fly into San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Please plan for your flight to arrive prior to 1:00 pm local time on March 16th
Immigration lines run as fast as 45 minutes or as long as 2.5 hours
You may choose to fly in the day before and stay at a nearby airport hotel
The local charter flight to the Imiloa campus will board at 3:00 pm on March 16th at the small domestic terminal at SJO
It is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal
The flight duration from SJO to the Imiloa campus is 20-minutes
Included in the retreat cost are the chartered hopper planes for the group - however, if you prefer ground transportation, this can be set up as an alternative - there may be an additional cost
We will depart the Imiloa campus after breakfast on March 25th - your return Flight should be booked for after 1pm to ensure time to get through the International Terminal
The flight duration from the Imiloa campus to SJO is 20-minutes
Ergos staff will contact you for your flight/travel information prior to the retreat
Lodging Details
Shared and single options vary from a Geodesic River Dome to an imported Bali House.
*Limited availability for single rooms; book soon for this option
*Shared rooms provide a retreat discount
Lodging Variations Include (scroll farther down to reserve your selection):
Shared Geodesic River Dome w/ bathroom - with two other retreat participants or two relatives or friends (3 Twin Beds - option for 4th bed available)
Shared Jungle Bungalow w/ bathroom, including tub - with one other retreat participant or a partner, relative, or friend (King or 2 Twin Beds)
Single or Shared Jungle Bungalow w/ bathroom, including tub (King Bed)
Single or Shared Bali Village Suite w/ bathroom near Saltwater Pool
Please inquire if you’d like to share a Bali Village Suite with a partner
Single or Shared Bali Village Potoo House w/ bathroom, kitchen, and plunge pool - with a partner, relative, or friend (King and Twin Bed)
Single or Shared Bali Village Jogolo House w/ bathroom, kitchen, and plunge pool
Please inquire if you’d like to share the Jogolo House with a partner
Please inquire if you are non-binary and there are no remaining shared rooms reserved specifically for non-binary
*If the participant-shared option is selected, we will create the best match based on registration information
*Partners, relatives, friends, and groups of friends will list the names of those they are sharing with in registration
*We will be diligent to accommodate all preferences and contact you with questions - no guarantees
If you desire guidance in selecting the proper lodging, please email info@somaticexperiencing.com or text 760-815-7588.
(SCROLL DOWN FOR PAYMENT INFORMATION AND REQUIRED AGREEMENTS)
Lodging/Retreat Pricing & Registration
The lodging, meals, hopper plane, and retreat costs are combined - click the images below to learn more about each lodging option
Please check your spam if you do not receive your registration receipt
We will contact you within 7 days for your balance payment
Lowest Pricing Available Now
(BEFORE REGISTERING, SCROLL DOWN FOR PAYMENT INFORMATION & REGISTRATION/PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS)
LODGING / REGISTRATION CLOSED
Payment
Deposit due upon registration
Each occupant must select the corresponding lodging, register, and pay the deposit separately - including partners, relatives, and friends
Balance invoices will be emailed to you within 7-days - payments due upon receipt
Each occupant will be contacted within 7-days to arrange the balance payment by wire transfer, check, or credit card (3.49% credit card fee)
Monthly payment plans are available - final balance is due 30-days prior to departure - email info@somaticexperiencing.com to make arrangements after you register and pay your deposit
Registration/Lodging costs may increase over time
A portion of Ergos profits go towards BIPOC scholarships for Ergos SE Master Classes
Please check your spam if you do not receive your registration receipt (this is common)
Partial BIPOC Scholarships
Partial scholarship awards are available to be applied to shared dome lodging at the all-inclusive Imiloa retreat.
Available to BIPOC attendees in financial-need who have experienced generational and continued systemic oppression based on the color of their skin.
For submission, please email your qualifications to info@somaticexperiencing.com.
Refund
Deposits and balance payments are non-refundable
For last-minute extenuating circumstances, like a family death - you may receive a future Ergos program credit, excluding the deposit and lodging/meal costs
Please be mindful 2-weeks prior to and during travel to the retreat to avoid illness - no refund for illness
If Ergos Institute cancels the retreat you will be refunded your deposit and retreat payment - you will need to purchase travel insurance for your outside expenses
If Dr Levine is unable to attend due to unforseen circumstances, we will not cancel the retreat, and you will be refunded $1,100 for his absence (highly unlikely)
Please Read Carefully Before Registering
Attendance and retreat happenings are highly confidential
Your consent is required prior to touch work from the SE Practitioners
No recording or photographs of participants without explicit permission
There will be times during lessons when we will ask participants to put away/turn off their cell phones for complete privacy
We will use a private online portal for communications prior to, during, and post-retreat
Dry Campus (no substance use of any kind)
This is a rainforest with rough terrain, wildlife, and insects - the staff have taken precautions to create pathways and keep guests safe; self-diligence is expected
Illness safety protocol will be determined 30-days prior to the Retreat
If, during the pre-retreat orientation process, an Ergos team member feels you are not ready for this type of retreat, you will be refunded and recommended to apply at a later retreat
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENTS
We have agreements for our time together.
We agree to be present to our best degree possible and for that to be good enough for today
We agree not to hold ourselves to the standard of perfectionism - we will simply start with what we can right now
We agree to personal responsibility - responsible for the energy we bring to the group and responsible for our reactions - there is no space here for blaming others for our problems, our mood, or our reactions - there is no space for saving others - we agree to personal responsibility
We agree to support this space for everyone - we do not share our trauma stories outside of invitation; we share experience, strength, and hope
We agree to take direction from those who are here to help guide us
We agree to have faith in the power of the somatic based healing process being presented
ERGOS INSTITUTE REGISTRATION AGREEMENTS
By registering, I agree to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of fellow participants and copyrighted material
By registering, I agree this will be a safe space of openness where cultural, religious, historical, generational, societal, and personal differences are respected without judgment, criticism, or harm
By registering, I agree to take what serves me and leave what does not
By registering, I agree to treat my fellow participants with respect and dignity as they process their trauma, acknowledging that everyone processes in their own way
By registering, I agree to reach out to a practitioner or the director privately if I require support in this shared healing process, if I find myself in conflict with another participant, uncomfortable with a practitioner, or if I have a general complaint to resolve
By registering, I agree to honor the campus and staff of the Imiloa Institute
By registering, I agree not to record or photograph participants without explicit permission
By registering, I agree not to share my private online portal link and passcode
By registering, I agree that I meet the prerequisite for this program - no active addiction, psychosis, or severe mental illness
By registering, I agree to no substance use on the Imiloa campus
By registering, I agree that I have read the refund policy
By registering, I agree that neither Peter Levine, the Ergos Institute, FHE, SEI, Imiloa, nor any of the staff, facilitators, assistants, or representatives have any responsibility or liability for my participation - therefore, I hereby release them from all claims in connection with such
This retreat is for self-healing exploration purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition or treatment before undertaking a regimen.
IMILOA INSTITUTE INFORMATION REQUEST & AGREEMENTS
When Registering, please fill out this Participant Information Form and this TERMS & CONDITIONS AGREEMENT for the Imiloa Institute.
Inquiries
Questions & Payments: Cortney at info@somaticexperiencing.com
Managing Director: Melissa Stager (text/WhatsApp 760-815-7588)
Presented by: Ergos Institute of Somatic Education
“Trauma is not what happens to us. But what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
Content developed by Barbara Collier, Laura Melton, and Melissa Stager.