Bring compassion & care to old pain and persistent patterns.
Most people learn Nonviolent Communication because something "out there" isn't working -- a conversation, a relationship, or a work situation.

The basics of feelings & needs help. And yet — something still feels stuck. You keep having the same arguments. You keep getting triggered. 

If you've hit that wall there's more to let go of, and fall is the perfect time for releasing the old.

This retreat is about exploring that deeper place where true change takes root. 

Guided by NVC Certified Trainers, Kristin Masters & Mary Goyer, this multi-day retreat takes you beyond the conversational model of NVC and into the inner landscape where lasting change actually lives —  Self-Empathy, stretched to its full potential.

💬 Self-Empathy Beyond the Basics
Learn to bring compassion to all that's underneath feelings and needs — the recurring patterns, the stuck stories, and chronically unmet needs. We'll unpack Self-Empathy as a full practice, not just a step in a process.
🔁 Breaking the Patterns That Keep Repeating
Why do the same dynamics keep showing up — in various relationships and situations? We'll work with the inner patterns that fuel our outer ones, offer empowering lens shifts. 
🔥 Triggers and What They're Really About
A trigger isn't just a problem to manage — it's information. We'll learn to slow down, get curious about what's firing, and meet ourselves with something other than shame.
🧠 Working with Small "t" and Big "T" Trauma
We'll gently explore how NVC intersects with trauma awareness, so you can bring more compassionate and healing lens to your own history without getting swamped by it.
🛑 Over-functioning & Burnout
If you're white-knuckling life certain needs are likely at play. Learn what drives chronic over-functioning and how to replenish before hitting "empty."
🐺 Your Inner Critic
A noisy self-critic can make it hard to hear needs. We'll work directly with these voices — not to silence them, but to understand and tend what they're trying to protect.

 
Whole-Body Nourishment
 

🍂 Deep Practice, Real Application
This isn't a lecture or a workshop. Engage in interactive exercises, role-plays, and real-life scenarios to heal, all within a supportive community you'll fall in love with. 

🍂 Skilled Facilitation
Mary and Kristin bring years of NVC experience, clinical training, and deep personal practice to this work. You'll be held with warmth, expertise, and gentle playfulness.

🍂 Time in Nature
The redwoods do something to a person. Hikes, unstructured time, journaling on a quiet trail — it's built into the rhythm of each day.

🍂 Nourishing Meals
Wholesome meals prepared by our onsite chef, with many dietary accommodations available.

Choose from these accommodation options: (Please go to https://www.marygoyer.com/fallretreat and scroll down to find links to register or email
We’re committed to making this retreat as accessible as possible. We have two "work-exchange" spots (for $550 reduced rate). Email us directly for info @[email protected] or [email protected] 

We’re committed to making this retreat as accessible as possible. We have two "work-exchange" spots (for $550 reduced rate). Email us directly for info.
 
 Single Occupancy Rooms
$1325
One person per room, shared bath
3 meals/day included
Only two available
 Double Occupancy Rooms
$900
Two people to a room, shared bath
3 meals/day included
 BIPOC Reduced Rate - Double Occupancy
$550
Two people to a room, shared bath
3 meals/day included
Offered at cost for anyone identifying as BIPOC 
 Camping Pass
$600
Camp on the quiet, gorgeous land at Quaker Center
Use showers and onsite facilities
3 meals/day 
 Commuters Pass
$550
Stay offsite and join for all group programming
2 meals/day included (no breakfast)