THE EMPOWERED TRANSITIONS the STORMS OF CHANGE  PROGRAM

Facilitated by Trauma Resolution Specialist and Therapist, Laura Weber Garrison, Ph.D.

Why Join Us?

Whether navigating life’s upheavals or seeking meaningful, lasting changes, the Storms of Change Healing Retreat offers a safe, supportive, and compassionate setting to learn and practice transformative tools, find personal clarity, and peacefully move forward with a renewed sense of resilience and connection.

What to Expect:

• Immersive experiences, activities, and intensives that will allow you to process challenges, restore hope, and reconnect with your inner strength
• Trauma-informed practices and workshops to help guide you in transforming pain or difficulty into resilience, growth, and clarity
• Meaningful playtime and connections that support continued healing, renewal, and a sense of shared purpose

While retreating to recalibrate is essential after life’s upheavals, we’ve created an experience that offers exactly what’s needed for restoration and growth. The Storms of Change Healing Retreat is designed to support you in gaining clarity, rediscovering inner strength, and connecting in ways that feel both meaningful and supportive. Hosted at the incredible Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica, this experience allows you to step away from daily demands and immerse yourself in a setting dedicated to your well-being where you can truly refocus and renew.

Join us for a transformative experience, where each practice is intended to nurture resilience, deepen personal insights, and inspire a renewed sense of purpose. This is your time to restore, reflect, and revitalize, with the guidance of experienced facilitators and the support of a compassionate community that honors each individual journey

Questions? Please email us at hello@betterwellnessretreats.com 

The Empowered Transitions Storms of Healing Retreat is part group therapy, part individual work, and part Mastermind group. Incorporating many aspects of psychotherapy, accelerated learning, personal development, and comprehensive holistic healing techniques, the Program is experiential, fun, transformational and, if you commit yourself to fully immersing yourself in the Program and doing the work, can be incredibly life-changing.

Rates are based on the accommodations. Please see more about them here.

THE CORE LEARNINGS OF THE STORMS OF CHANGE RETREAT:

• Why you're feeling stuck in the liminal space and what the next best steps are
• The impact and effects of trauma on the brain and body- and how to navigate the challenges
• The relationship between trauma, chronic pain, grief, and various illnesses
• Reconnecting with the body’s intelligence through restorative yoga and mindfulness practices
• Relearning to trust the ‘body’s barometer’--and your intuition 
• Breaking free from destructive coping mechanisms and unhealthy patterns
• Letting go of shame, guilt, toxic feelings, chronic sadness, and anger associated with upheavals
• Shifting into a life of peace, happiness, and loving connections after big changes
• Setting new goals and moving forward with transitions
• The power and necessity of FUN and PLAY in the healing process

We intentionally limit the number of participants to honor the privacy and cohesiveness of the group, the Program, and the Retreat experience.

THE PRE-PROGRAM:  PREPARATION and PRE-RETREAT SUPPORT

We'll work with you ahead of time to help map your Intentions for your time in retreat! 

You'll meet with the Facilitator in person, via phone, or by Zoom for a Clarity Session before admittance to the Retreat Program and there are written pre-retreat assignments. 

We want you to dive in and really get the most out of your Program and your Retreat experience.

Not only will this Pre-Program help our team better assist you in integrating your learnings while 'on campus', it will also help you to gain greater insight and will make navigating your transitions Post-Retreat easier and more productive. 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

All Retreats also include the option for extended pre and post-counseling and small-group coaching at a discounted rate. 

WORKSHOPS and PLAYTIMES WITHIN THE RETREAT PROGRAM

We'll work with habit loops, patterns, trauma, emotional regulation, behavioral changes, and the formation of new ways of being.  You'll also be receiving a Workbook and a binder (and a great swag bag of goodies!) The Facilitator will be on campus during the entire time in retreat. 

SOMATIC RECONNECTION, and INTENTIONAL CREATIONS

The construction--and reconstruction-- of your life story from past, to present, to future is pivotal in creating a new level of self-understanding.  While we cannot change the past, we can, indeed, change our subconscious and somatic responses to those matters which no longer serve us and begin intentionally living a purpose-filled and purpose-driven life. 

RESTORATIVE YOGA and MEDITATION

Our Retreats include daily practices to help improve your ability to navigate your day-to-day life outside of the Retreat. New to yoga, mindfulness, and meditation? No problem! Dr. Garrison breaks the practices down into super easy-to-follow components.

NOURISHMENT

Gourmet-plated plant-based meals, snacks, and beverages are included throughout the Retreat.  As a participant in The Storms of Change Healing Retreat, you'll also have unlimited access to the Wellness Bar for incredible local coffee and signature smoothies if you wish.

RITUALS, EXPERIENCES, ACTIVITIES, CONNECTIONS 

We'll incorporate some amazing experiences including extended Sound Healing sessions, a Blue Clay Waterfall experience, and other immersions, activities, and ceremonies.  We'll also have a very special closing ceremony.

THE SPA SERVICES: PAMPERING AND SELF-CARE

Imiloa has an incredible spa program that offers a range of spa services tailored to individual needs, including shamanic, Ayurvedic, Swedish, facials, relaxation, and Thai yoga massages.  Their practitioners are consistently rated among the very best! (These services are optional and not included in the retreat package. )

WEATHER and TERRAIN

The weather and terrain in Costa Rica offer a perfect backdrop for the Storms of Healing Retreat.

Costa Rica's climate boasts warm days and slightly cooler evenings. With temperatures reaching highs around 85°F and lows around 75°F, you'll find the conditions ideal for relaxation and exploration between activities, workshops, and sessions.

Nestled in the breathtaking Savegre mountains, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged terrain while surrounded by pristine nature. Imiloa is situated on approximately thirty privately held acres.

So, please be prepared to traverse jungle paths that include varying inclines, stairs, rocks, and exposed tree roots. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear such as sneakers or strapped sandals like Chacos, Keens, or Tevas for stability and comfort. While the trails cater to a range of fitness levels, a basic level of physical capability is recommended to fully appreciate the experience.

During your stay at Imiloa, expect also to be embraced by nature's elements, including seasonal rain, gentle breezes, geckos, lizards, and yes, even the jungle insects! (You might even see the resident sloth!) You'll also find that there is an incredible symphony of wildlife sounds at Imiloa, from the playful chatter of monkeys and parrots to the melodies of other tropical birds and the soothing hum of cicadas. 

Imiloa Institute is simply magical—a dedicated, intentionally designed five-star retreat center where luxury meets the untamed beauty of the rainforest. As you move along jungle paths alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of nature, each step invites a deeper connection with yourself and your surroundings. Here, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s woven into the retreat experience. 

POST-RETREAT SUPPORT and COMMUNITY

We'll have a Group follow-up Zoom meeting after our Retreat to further integrate the learnings and reconnect with one another. All Retreats also include the option for ongoing telehealth group coaching at a discounted rate. 

CEUs: Continuing Education Units for Healthcare Workers and Yoga Professionals!

For Yoga Alliance registered teachers AND I-AYT Professionals, 35 hours of continuing education are available with this retreat.

                                       ** PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE-- PLEASE ASK!** 

 
Questions? Please email us at hello@betterwellnessretreats.com  

TRAVEL and ARRIVAL

Imiloa provides a seamless, stress-free arrival experience for all of its guests. From the moment you arrive at SJO, you'll be greeted by their helpful concierge team who will guide you through customs and bring you to a private aircraft. The short 25-minute flight to Imiloa is just the beginning of your experience.

Upon landing in Quepos, Imiloa's Welcome Home team will be waiting for you with spacious LUX SUVs to transport you up the mountain to Imiloa. Sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking views during the under-30-minute drive.

We want to make sure you have all the necessary documents for your trip, so please remember to bring a valid passport that's valid at least six months after the date of travel. Three weeks prior to your departure,  please provide us with your up-to-date flight information so we can prepare for your arrival.

We'll coordinate with you insofar as arrivals to the SJO airport and subsequent transfer to the Imiloa Institute once you are signed up for the retreat.  You'll have direct contact info for our Welcome Home Team at Imiloa to further answer any questions you may have.

If you're interested in extending your trip, Imiloa is happy to recommend tours and sights to see in the area. 

We can't wait to welcome you home to Imiloa and provide you with an unforgettable retreat experience!

Here's a brief overview of flight times, etc:

***ARRIVAL DATE INFORMATION***

Please book your international flights to/from San Jose International Airport (Airport code; SJO). 

If arriving the same day

*If arriving on the same day the retreat begins, arrival to SJO should be prior to 7:00 AM. You will need to be at SJO domestic terminal no later than 8:45 AM for check-in. 

*Look for CarmonAir representative holding the Imiloa logo sign after passing through immigration
*A representative will guide you to join the rest of the group
*Domestic terminal is a 5-10 minute walk from SJO arrivals

For those arriving the day before (or those who are already in Costa Rica)

If it is not possible to arrive prior to 7 AM please book your flight for the day before and spend the extra night in San Jose. 

Imiloa's Recommendation: Here is Imiloa's list of recommended hotels: https://imiloainstitute.com/welcome/#hotels 

On the day of flying please be at the Domestic Terminal at 8:45 AM for check-in. 

Find CarmonAir Charter counter, get your ticket and check-in 

The charter flight will depart at 9:15 AM. 

Arrival to Imiloa is approx. at 11:30 AM, just in time for lunch

Departure date 

Please book your departure flight from SJO after 1:00 PM.

You will depart Imiloa around 8:45 AM, with an estimated arrival to SJO airport at 10:30 AM.
The domestic terminal is a 5-10 minute walk to the international terminal at SJO. It is recommended to be at the international terminal at least 2 -2,5 hours prior to your international departure.

**The Program and Retreat are All-Inclusive** 

(Payment Plans are Available)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

The Program, the Accommodations, the Charter Transfer from SJO to Imiloa by air, All Gourmet Plated Vegan Meals and so much more...

*The Empowered Transitions Storms of Healing Retreat is part of the Healing Series of the Empowered Transitions Programs developed and facilitated by Trauma Resolution Specialist Dr. Laura Weber Garrison

*6 days and 5 nights of eco-luxury lodging at the Imiloa Institute

*Three gourmet plant-based plated, multi-course, plated meals and amazing snacks daily

*Welcome Home Concierge staff and Retreat Facilities Team to address all your needs

*The Empowered Transitions Program sessions, immersions, workshops, and activities

*Special Offsite Activities

*Curated Costa Rica travel and packing guides + a direct number to the "Welcome Home" Concierge staff

*Transfer from the SJO airport by charter air and then by luxury SUV to Imiloa

*Transportation to Dominical shops, beaches, and excursions

*Workbooks, Journals, and Swag bag 

*Experiences, workshops, activities, and immersions within the Program
*Pre-retreat meeting with Facilitator

PRICING:  The Booking price is based on your choice of accommodations. 

**PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ROOM WITH SOMEONE** 

Current Availabilities are based on single occupancy and we may or may not have a shared space available.  

Rooming with Someone? Please email us at hello@betterwellnessretreats.com  

 ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE: 

*Gorgeous beaches perfect for sunning, shelling, swimming, and strolling 

*Surfing lessons, kayaking, SUP, horseback riding, ATV tours

*Transportation to Dominical’s shops and cafes 

*Access to the Imiloa on-site spa with a variety of massage and healing therapies 

PLEASE NOTE:

We kindly ask you to please take note that there are certain expenses associated with your participation that are to be met by the participant.  These costs include passport costs (which are required), airfare, flight changes, airline baggage fees for all baggage, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations, gratuities, and taxes for personal services, spa treatments, and any additional tours and excursions which are outside the scope of the Empowered Transitions Retreat to Recalibrate Program.

You may cancel 120 days or more before the start date of the event with a penalty of 20% of the deposits and payments made. 

Your deposit and payments are non-refundable after May 12, 2025 (see Insurance and other requirements as noted below), and may be applied toward a future Empowered Transitions Retreat (offered 2-4 times per year) with a $450 transfer fee.  

As a participant, you understand that chargebacks are not an acceptable way to cancel the Agreement. 

Insurance is not included for Retreat participants and it is highly recommended that you have your own insurance policy which includes a Cancel for Any Reason Clause. 

*Cancel for Any Reason insurance is Highly Recommended* 

This type of insurance provides coverage in the event of unexpected circumstances, such as personal, political, environmental, health, or weather-related incidents, or pre-existing medical conditions that may prevent or interrupt your travel plans. To help ensure your peace of mind, we recommend obtaining a policy that will serve your needs. While we cannot recommend specific policies or providers, Imiloa offers an insurance plan through Global Rescue. 

 ** PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE-- PLEASE ASK!** 

Retreating with a Friend? Ask about our Roomie Rate!  
Please email us at hello@betterwellnessretreats.com  

Thank you for your interest in our retreat! We anticipate high demand for this exciting event which always sells out quickly, so we recommend placing your deposit as soon as possible to secure your spot and start planning your remarkable retreat to this incredibly beautiful location.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE:  To register, kindly submit the $1500 deposit to reserve your space in the retreat.  The Deposit will not be processed until your required Retreat Agreement is signed.  

***The Retreat Agreement will be emailed to you for signatures after the deposit is received and after you meet with the Facilitator***

The balance will be due no later than May 12, 2025. As a precaution, we also ask that all participants purchase a Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance plan within 20 days of placing their deposit, as per most policy guidelines.

We're excited to have you join us for this unforgettable Retreat experience!

You can secure your space in the Retreat with a $1,500 deposit and make no-interest payments on the rest! 

Questions? Just send an email to hello@betterwellnessretreats.com