Respite Retreats |
Respite Retreats
Each year I offer retreats specifically to provide rest, respite and supportive connection for various communities eg parents of children with disabilities, older adults with a history of disordered eating, parents of gender diverse children.
These multi - night, residential retreats offer a period of total removal from day - to - day responsibilities and stressors in an environment where they are cared about, understood, recognized and where their experience is normalized. They are an opportunity to attend solely their own needs, to rest, and to share moments of deep connection in a safe, accepting environment overseen with significantly skillful facilitation.
A unique aspect of these retreats is that there are a minimal number of activities. Participants are asked only take rostered turns with simple meal preparation and to participate in a sharing circle once a day. The rest of the time they are encouraged to switch off and relax.
They are held in comfortable, well - appointed accommodation, with the opportunity to receive individual sessions or reflexology treatments with Liz. Cost of Retreat, accommodation and meals in 2026 is $750 per person. Travel costs, individual sessions and activities outside the retreat are at additional cost.
2026 Retreats
Parents of Children with Disabilities Rest, Respite and Supportive Connection (5% Earlybird discount available if full payment received by 30 June 2026)
Note: Sample NASC - ready letters provided on request if applying for Caregiver Support funding for substitute care . Other potential funding pathways are also currently available eg via Individualised Funding for respite.
Bookings by email only please
These multi - night, residential retreats offer a period of total removal from day - to - day responsibilities and stressors in an environment where they are cared about, understood, recognized and where their experience is normalized. They are an opportunity to attend solely their own needs, to rest, and to share moments of deep connection in a safe, accepting environment overseen with significantly skillful facilitation.
A unique aspect of these retreats is that there are a minimal number of activities. Participants are asked only take rostered turns with simple meal preparation and to participate in a sharing circle once a day. The rest of the time they are encouraged to switch off and relax.
They are held in comfortable, well - appointed accommodation, with the opportunity to receive individual sessions or reflexology treatments with Liz. Cost of Retreat, accommodation and meals in 2026 is $750 per person. Travel costs, individual sessions and activities outside the retreat are at additional cost.
2026 Retreats
Parents of Children with Disabilities Rest, Respite and Supportive Connection (5% Earlybird discount available if full payment received by 30 June 2026)
Note: Sample NASC - ready letters provided on request if applying for Caregiver Support funding for substitute care . Other potential funding pathways are also currently available eg via Individualised Funding for respite.
Bookings by email only please
"I have just returned from an exceptional 3 day retreat, feeling completely rested and reconnected with myself.
As a parent and fulltime carer I often put my needs last, in other words self neglect, so to sit by the beautiful Lake Okareka and have nothing or no one else to worry about other than MYSELF was beyond special. I was accepted, appreciated & encouraged to see my worth.
In caring for others it’s almost inevitable we will become a servant, but I learned that I have my own permission to set aside some time to care for myself. Why? For me. because I matter too.
Absolutely recommend other carers take this one weekend out of the year to self serve & reconnect with themselves, a reminder for self care, compassion & relaxation.
The location, surrounded by nature, nutritious meals, connection, slow pace, absence of demands, quietness.. undoubtably will be something I look forward to yearly. For me.
Sonya
As a parent and fulltime carer I often put my needs last, in other words self neglect, so to sit by the beautiful Lake Okareka and have nothing or no one else to worry about other than MYSELF was beyond special. I was accepted, appreciated & encouraged to see my worth.
In caring for others it’s almost inevitable we will become a servant, but I learned that I have my own permission to set aside some time to care for myself. Why? For me. because I matter too.
Absolutely recommend other carers take this one weekend out of the year to self serve & reconnect with themselves, a reminder for self care, compassion & relaxation.
The location, surrounded by nature, nutritious meals, connection, slow pace, absence of demands, quietness.. undoubtably will be something I look forward to yearly. For me.
Sonya
© The Reflection Zone I Website developed by Outbox Ltd