retreats
Push Pause: Restorative Retreat for Mental Health Service Providers
When
May 28-31, 2026
(Thursday - Sunday)
Where
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
120 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA
Who
Up to 12 mental health service providers who want to push pause for some self-care
How Much
$595 (includes 3 CE credits)
Overview
This in-person retreat for mental health care providers will offer time away from work and the demands of daily life so you can truly focus on yourself. Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a beautiful setting for the retreat with over 65 acres of forest, prairies, orchards, and gardens. The group will be small, limited to 12 participants. All genders are welcome.
The retreat will cultivate somatic awareness, introspection, awe, compassion, and gratitude. The retreat will feature mindfulness meditations, somatic regulation exercises, as well as opportunities for movement and to connect with nature.
All aspects of the retreat are optional. This is your time, and you are encouraged to listen to your inner wisdom about what feels right. Attend the sessions that intrigue you and skip those that don't.
The retreat opens with arrival and check-in 3:30-4:30pm on Thursday, May 28th. We say farewell at 10:30am on Sunday, May 31st.
More Details
Thursday opens with a welcome and orientation session, followed by dinner. The evening closes with a session on intention-setting and information on the next day's optional phone renunciation (including how loved ones can reach you if there’s an emergency).
Friday and Saturday mornings will begin with yoga and meditation before breakfast. Friday will focus on downshifting to a slower pace and attuning to inner wisdom and what feels good for your body. You may choose to relinquish your phone for the remainder of the retreat (or for whatever portion of the time you'd like). We will close the day with group connection and reflection.
Saturday afternoon will feature a period of noble silence in which we refrain from all vocalizations as a mindfulness practice. Saturday evening closes with movement and music.
After you register, you’ll receive an email with a list of items you may want to bring to enhance your comfort and experience (e.g., journal, your own pillow, travel mug).
General Retreat Schedule
Arrival and check in 3:30 - 4:30pm Thursday, May 28
Farewell 10:30am Sunday, May 31
8am Breakfast
8:45am - 12pm Sessions (including breaks)
12pm Lunch
12:45pm - 5:30pm Sessions (including breaks)
5:30pm Dinner
6:15pm - 7:30pm Session
7:30pm Self-directed evenings
ACCOMMODATIONS
The guest rooms at Prairiewoods are humble and comfortable. During your stay, you'll have your own room with a sink. The shower and toilet are shared between two rooms, separated by locking doors.
Continuing Education
Participants who work as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and social workers can receive three continuing education credits for their attendance at these particular sessions. Experiential exercises will be included in these sessions. A certificate of completion will be emailed following the retreat.
Learning objectives include:
01.
Understand the role of awe in mental health.
02.
Learn about nervous system functioning and strategies to promote somatic regulation.
03.
Learn three approaches to mindfulness meditation.
But wait! there’s More!
Prairiewoods offers massage and reflexology services.
Consider treating yourself to these relaxing supplements during the retreat. Book your service for an additional fee by contacting Prairiewoods via their website or by calling (319) 395-6700.
Meet your retreat facilitatorf
I'm Nicole Holmberg, Ph.D.
I’m a queer-identified psychologist in private practice. I regularly use somatic- and compassion-based exercises with my clients. I’ve been practicing mindfulness for more than 15 years. I’m in yoga teacher training. To say I’m a retreat enthusiast is putting it mildly. I believe in the restorative power of pausing and slowing down.
Includes single accommodation for three nights at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, all meals (dinner May 28; breakfast, lunch, dinner May 29-30; breakfast May 31), all retreat programming, and three continuing education credits for psychologists, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and social workers.
Cancel for full refund, less $50 processing fee, by May 13, 2026 at 12pm by emailing info@drnicoleholmberg.com. No refunds for cancellations made after that time.
Supplemental services (e.g., massage, reflexology) may be booked directly through Prairiewoods by calling (319) 395-6700 for an additional fee.
