somatic yoga retreat 2027
Somatic Yoga Retreats allow you an opportunity to explore embodiment practices in a supportive group setting. Somatic Yoga is designed to slowly and gently re-introduce sensation and bodily presence into our experience, while also engaging in evidence based practices to support trauma recovery.
Why yoga? Yoga, particularly trauma-informed yoga, can be a powerful tool for healing trauma in adults by helping regulate the nervous system, reconnect individuals with their bodies, and foster a sense of safety and self-awareness. Through mindful movement, breathing techniques, and somatic awareness, yoga can help release physical tension, reduce stress, and promote emotional regulation.
During this retreat you will engage in daily gentle morning and yoga sessions to facilitate the mind/body connection. Each Somatic Yoga Session includes:
Journaling to engage the mind and set intentions for your experience
Slow gentle yoga, including chair yoga
Restorative yoga that incorporates props for support
Gentle exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve
Gentle and accessible breath work
Options for reflection in a supportive group setting
Participants can also enjoy optional art therapy, sound bath therapy, time in nature, and plenty of free time to integrate your experience. Dinners and continental breakfast provided.
WHEN: February 25-28, 2027
WHERE: GilChrist Retreat Center in Three Rivers, MI. Each participant will enjoy their own cozy cabin tucked into the natural setting of GilChrist. Meals and yoga will take place inside GilChrist’s Windhill meeting house.
WHO: This retreat is ideal for anyone that has completed Trauma Touch Therapy, Somatic Yoga 8 Week Series or Intensive, or is curious about exploring embodiment practices and somatic therapy.
COST: $775 per person; $275 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot, $275 due February 1. Afterpay available for retreat fees. $225 lodging fees paid directly to GilChrist upon arrival via cash, check, or Venmo.
YOUR FACILITATOR: DENA WOODS, LMT/CYT/TTT
Dena Woods is a Trauma Touch Therapist, licensed massage therapist and certified yoga and meditation teacher and has worked with clients since 2014.
Using a strengths based approach, Dena facilitates somatic sessions to meet clients where they are in their healing journey, knowing that each part of the journey is necessary for healing integration. She encourages you to show up as you are, knowing that showing up is sometimes the hardest part, and to trust that simply showing up as you are is enough.
Dena holds a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Indiana University and is an artist and musician. She also deeply loves plants and being in nature, and incorporates nature into somatic sessions when clients are ready for the healing support of nature.
As a survivor of complex trauma and cancer, Dena has utilized massage therapy, yoga, and Trauma Touch Therapy through her own journey in trauma recovery. These modalities have offered her the deepest healing and support in her own journey and she now offers these services to help others in their trauma recovery. Dena specializes in working with clients that experience PTSD/C-PTSD, survivors of cancer, survivors of religious trauma, survivors of sexual violence, and survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. Clients that work with Dena can expect to be heard, to be validated, to move at their own pace, and to participate in evidence-based services to help support the nervous system.