Find Your Voice: A Women's Retreat for Authentic Expression

Date: November 30
Dates: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Downtown Vancouver

In a world that often demands perfection and conformity, many of us have lost sight of who we truly are. You might feel like nobody really knows the real you, or that it is really hard to speak up and let yourself be seen. If you’ve spent years deferring to others’ needs, and feeling like your voice doesn’t matter, this retreat is for you.

🎨 Creative Exploration: Through guided art therapy exercises, you'll have the chance to express your feelings and thoughts in a safe and nurturing environment. No artistic experience required—just bring your willingness to explore!

💫 Empowerment: Dive into tangible nervous system exercises that will help you rewire the people-pleasing response and reclaim your authenticity in decision-making, relationships, and daily life. Learn to prioritize your needs and desires, because you deserve to take up space.

♥️ Community Connection: Connect with like-minded women on a similar journey. Share your stories, support one another, and celebrate the courage it takes to be seen.

🌷 Personal Growth: We’ll explore the narratives that have held us back and rewrite them into stories of worthiness and self-acceptance. You'll leave with practical tools to cultivate self-love and embrace your imperfections.

🪴 Caretaking: You always do everything for others. Let us do something for you. We will provide pastries and tea in the morning and have a full lunch spread in the afternoon. Come in, eat, explore, play, make a mess, make some art and we will take care of you.

📔Personalized Take-Home Resources: Information and resources so that you can continue your personal work well after the retreat ends.

This is a women's retreat that centres experiences of perfectionism and people-pleasing. The retreat is open to trans-women and non-binary folks. From a young age, women are often put into a box, with anxiety and stress building up as we try to live up to impossible standards and expectations. Sometimes it feels easier to just do everything for others rather than taking on even more emotional labour by dissapointing someone. This creates a pattern of overextension and exhaustion and it can be easy to lose sight of your true self in the process. It starts to feel like you are living for others and you need permission to slow down and take a break.

The pressure of feeling like you have to get everything right all the time can hold you back from self-expansion, growth, nourishment and connection.

Why Attend?

You are enough just as you are. This retreat is an invitation to silence the inner critic and step into a space of self-acceptance. It’s time to shed the weight of others’ expectations and nurture your true self.

Advisement

It is recommended that you have already done some personal work (e.g. therapy, reading, journalling) around these topics before attending the retreat. This environment can feel very intimate and vulnerable. Some activities may feel uncomfortable and emotional. Although emotionality is welcomed (that's how we process!), please consider if you are comfortable sharing your experiences with a group of people.

If you are unsure if the retreat is right for you, book a phone call with Elspeth:
Book Your Introductory Call: Connect with Elspeth to ask any questions you may have and gauge if this retreat will be a good fit for you. Book Your Call Now

Elspeth Robertson

Elspeth is a registered clinical counsellor and professional art therapist with a special focus in anxiety, chronic stress and burnout. She is a recovering people-pleaser and former “good kid”. She knows that going with the flow and deferring to other people’s needs might make you “easy-going”, but sometimes it causes you to lose sight of what you truly want. Over the past 4 years, she has been on a personal journey to reconnect with her authentic self, with the personal mantra “You are a worthy being just for being”. In her therapeutic work, she helps folks let go of perfectionism, inspire self-expansion and uncover their inner creativity through art and play.

Chloe Kwok

Chloe is a Taiwanese-born Canadian practicum student in the Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy program at Adler University. Chloe is grounded in her commitment to fostering a multicultural and inclusive atmosphere. Her practice is rooted in mindfulness and a deep respect for her clients' diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Tickets are released October 31!

• Standard Price: $275
• Early Bird Rate: $235 (save $40! available until November 9)
• Join with a Friend: $195 (sometimes joining a retreat can feel really vulnerable on your own. Join with a friend and save $80 each).
• Avoid Fees: Save on Eventbrite fees by opting for e-transfer. Email [email protected] to arrange.
  

Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate and impactful experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a creative journey of self-discovery and healing. Secure your spot today!

Past workshop participants have said:

"Elspeth's skill and delivery provide for a lasting impression and connection to self and others"

"Elspeth creates such a warm space to explore your inner world."

"Elspeth creates such a beautiful, welcoming and healing atmosphere that will make you feel held and inspired. If you are looking for a warm, compassionate, creative and safe art therapist, I highly recommend connecting with her."

"I appreciated Elspeth's approach to art which gave us permission to let go of perfectionism and embrace what art is truly about. If you are someone who grapples with anxiety, perfectionism, or the pressure that comes with being a high achiever, I highly recommend booking a free consult with Elspeth to see if her holistic counselling and art therapy services could be a source of support for you."

View all reviews/feedback here.

• Registration is open women (18+). This retreat is trans and non-binary inclusive.
• This group is limited to 6 participants to allow for deeper processing.
• As this is an in-person event, punctuality is appreciated. Participants are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in before the workshop starts.

Refunds & Cancellations

• If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so within 5 DAYS of the retreat to receive a refund.
  Accessibility Notes:
• The studio has 3 steps at the entrance and is not wheelchair accessible.
• There are scents used within the space.
• Chairs are 45 cm wide and do not have armrests. Cushions or blankets are available if you need additional padding.
• Elspeth provides food during the retreat. (We can't do incredible, transformative work if you are hungry!). If you have any allergies, please let Elspeth know in advance.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

402 W Pender St, 402 West Pender Street, Vancouver, Canada