Women’s Retreat: Heal Emotional Pain with Self-Love – Weekend

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Women’s Retreat: Heal Emotional Pain with Self-Love – Weekend

Registration for this event has closed

Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar
Registration Closed

Women’s Retreat: Heal Emotional Pain with Self-Love – Weekend

March 27—29, 2026

Registration for this event has closed

Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar

Break away from your everyday stress for a complete central nervous system reset.

Join Brett and Stefanie in a sanctuary of spirit where you’ll be guided step-by-step through a personal healing transformation. Brett’s intuitive coaching swiftly heals emotions, as he helps release your deepest pain to your higher-power. His guided meditations swaddle you in a safe haven of divine love with your higher-self.

Stefanie leads gentle morning Qigong to ground and empower you, to be fully present for your healing of the day.

“There were NO palpitations on my EKG right after the retreat, that hasn’t happened in two years. My mom and I are feeling so fulfilled. Thank you for helping me.”
— Kelsey Foster, Supply Chain Planner, NY


Saturday Night Special Event Included

Three world-renowned guest facilitators bless us for an epic event. Dance and drum your way back to joy. Feel your spirit return to your body. Join Brett, Stefanie, and inspirational love catalysts…

  • Toni Bergins: embodiment trailblazer, author, and founder of JourneyDance®.
  • Manas Itene: mental health champion, singer and drummer with Michael Franti.
  • Laura Caton: celestial sound practitioner and founder of Radiant Sounds.

The Dance of Destiny is a one-night special event on March 28 from 7:30-10pm that includes dinner from 6-7pm. This event is included with the weekend and full-week retreat or can be purchased separately for $67.

If you’re ready to let go of the past, open your heart, and embody self-love that lasts — save your spot at our retreat now.

This safe space allows you to lovingly unpack all your pain. Imagine so much acceptance that your true nature feels safe enough to re-emerge. Join us and soak your soul in the support of amazing women, who are gathered to truly restore self-love from the inside out.


Healing Sessions Overview

Brett’s group healing sessions are typically 2½ hours and include intuitive questions to quickly surface the hidden source of your pain, channeled 1-on-1 and group coaching exercises to release the pain, plus music, movement, and meditation.

Stefanie’s Qigong sessions are a ½ hour and include music and gentle movement.

“Brett creates a safe space to open up and has an innate ability to get to the core issues. You feel them leave your body. It was a life-changing experience.”
— Sarah StanczewskI, Working Mom, NY


If You’re Ready to Do Just One of These, Then This Retreat is for You!
  • Put Your Needs First, Practice Sustainable Self-Care and Healthy Boundaries
  • Hand Over All the Overwhelming Family Stress to Your Higher Power
  • Unload All the Stress that Has Piled Up Over the Last Few Years
  • Love Yourself While Caring for Elderly Parents or Raising a Child with Special Needs
  • Heal After Surviving Sexual Assault, Military Sexual Trauma, or Domestic Violence
  • Heal from Having Parents who were Abusive, Neglectful, Addicted, or Mentally Ill
  • Unpack the Traumatic Memories from Military Service or Being a First Responder
  • Finally Release the Work or Home Stress from Your Mind and Body
  • Release Negative Relationship Patterns and Open Up to True Love
  • Heal After a Loss, Relationship Breakup, or Stressful Divorce
  • Break Free from Generalized Anxiety, Insecurity, or Low Self-Esteem
  • Shed Old Layers of Hopelessness, Sadness, and Feeling Lost
  • Release the Pain in 5 Days and Return to Life as Your Real Self
  • Open Your Heart to Life Again After Surviving Suicide Loss
  • Put that Narcissist in Their Place Forever

As tension releases, participants usually feel:
  • More lightness and openness in their heart
  • Warm waves of love in and around their body
  • Uplifted, supported, and reconnected with their inner strength

“As a clinician, it was impressive feeling my own stress lift out of my body. I’ve already encouraged several family members to call for coaching!”
— Gerri DeBenedetto, LCSW, NY


What to expect when you walk into the room.

Comfortable options for your personal space; a chair, backjack, or lying comfortably on the floor with a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow. An introduction from Brett and Stefanie about themselves and the work, a few ice-breakers, and we begin. You will see and hear others release their pain and when it’s your turn, you will do the same.


Option 1: Full Week

Check-In: Friday 3/27 at 4 pm
Check-Out: Tuesday, 3/31 at 12 Noon

Includes:

  • 8 Group Healing Sessions with Brett
  • 4 Gentle Movement Sessions with Stefanie
  • 3 Guided Meditations with Brett
  • 1 Sound Bath with Laura
  • 1 Bonfire (weather permitting)
  • The Dance of Destiny

Cost:
$399 Retreat Tuition + Your Choice of Accommodations (accommodations paid separately and include meal plan)

➔ Learn More and Register for the Full Week Program


Option 2: Weekend

Check-In: Friday 3/27 at 4 pm
Check-Out: Sunday, 3/29 at 12 Noon

Includes:

  • 4 Group Healing Sessions with Brett
  • 2 Gentle Movement Sessions with Stefanie
  • 1 Guided Meditation with Brett
  • The Dance of Destiny

Cost:
$199 Retreat Tuition + Your Choice of Accommodations (accommodations paid separately and include meal plan)


Option 3: Dance of Destiny

A. Staying at HI
Check-In: Saturday 3/28 at 4 pm
Check-Out: Sunday 3/29 12 Noon

Includes:

  • Dinner 6-7 pm
  • Dance of Destiny 7:30-10 pm
  • Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am

Cost:
$67 Tuition + Your Choice of Accommodations (accommodations paid separately and include meal plan)

B. Not Staying at HI
Check-In: Saturday 3/28 at 6 pm
Check-Out: same day at 10 pm

Includes:

  • Dinner 6-7 pm
  • Dance of Destiny 7:30-10 pm

Cost:
$67 Tuition

➔ Learn More and Register for Dance of Destiny


Registration Details

This retreat is a private event hosted at the Himalayan Institute Retreat Center.

Registration is a two-step process:

  1. Program Registration – Use the Register Now dropdown at the top of this page to register directly with the presenter for the main retreat tuition.
  2. Accommodations or Commuter Pass – To participate in this retreat, you must book either overnight accommodations at the Himalayan Institute or a commuter pass. Use the Book a Room link in the Register Now dropdown at the top of this page. For commuter passes or questions, call Guest Services at (570) 253-5551 x1.

Anyone solely registering for the Dance of Destiny and NOT staying on campus (Option 3 B) does Not need an additional commuter pass. It’s included in the $67.


To get a feel for these retreats please check out this YouTube playlist, for a deeper dive check out these podcasts, and for quick tips follow the SIG Instagram Account.

Brett Cotter

Brett Cotter is the award-winning author of The Stress Is Gone Method, 3 Keys to Managing PTSD, and The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook. He has 25 years' experience helping clients process the most traumatic events of their lives. Brett leads workshops for military spouses through New York State and healing circles for s...
See Full Bio and Upcoming Events

Himalayan Institute Retreat Center

For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop

Retreat Center Highlights

Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
Date
March 27—29, 2026
Duration
3 days, 2 nights

$199 per person + accommodations

Registration

Dates
Friday, March 27, 2026 @ 4:00 pmSunday, March 29, 2026 @ 12:00 pm
Tuition
$199 per person + accommodations
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