Somatic Preparation and Integration for Dark Retreats
Without light, screens, or the usual distractions, the mind can begin to quiet and the body has room to bring up what it has been holding. Emotions, visions, insights, and sensations may surface that are new, surprising, or difficult to explain. This kind of experience can be life-changing, not because of what is added, but because of what falls away. As old emotions and patterns are released, more of who you already are has room to come through.
A dark retreat is an invitation to turn inward.
The Preparation & Integration Package
Somatic support before and after your time in the dark
The Preparation Session
The preparation session helps you enter the darkness with more steadiness and support. Tailored to your history and goals, we’ll talk about your intentions and any expectations you may be carrying. Intentions are important, but work best when held loosely, leaving room for your experience to unfold in its own way.
We’ll discuss how your nervous system may respond to the dark and learn trauma-informed practices, including breathwork, grounding, and somatic meditation. These tools can help you work with emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations in the dark, and recognize when to stay with an experience and when to step back.
The Integration Session
In the integration session, we’ll reflect on your experience and what it brought up in you. You may have insights or visions you want to discuss, emotions that are still moving, or parts of the retreat that don’t fit neatly into words. We’ll explore what you remember, what you notice in your body now, and what needs more attention or support.
Healing is a somatic experience which may continue to unfold in the weeks and months after you return. Integration is about how you relate to your body and yourself afterward, and how your insights and experiences can shape new ways of being with yourself and others as you return to daily life.
This package includes
One preparation session before your dark retreat
One integration session afterward
A written guide to somatic practices for the dark
Cost: $325 for two 50-minute individual sessions.
Additional sessions can be purchased for $150 each.
Sessions are held by video, with an in-person option available in the DFW area.
Ready to move forward?
Schedule a free consultation to ask questions or reserve a session time, or purchase the package below.
Please note: My experience as a licensed somatic therapist informs this work, but these sessions are not psychotherapy or mental health treatment. They do not replace the retreat facilitator’s screening process or any mental health care you may need. If you have any questions or concerns, please schedule a consultation so we can discuss your unique needs.