Bellevue Counseling Presents
Costa Rica Trauma Intensive
A Guided Step in Trauma Recovery
February 1st- february 6th, 2027 | COSTA RICA | LIMITED AVAILABILITY
6 Days in Costa Rica to Begin Your Trauma Recovery.
A Guided Step Forward After Traumatic Exposure — Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This Trauma Intensive offers a powerful step forward for those navigating the aftermath of trauma, whether from a single event or the cumulative weight of complex, relational, or childhood experiences. Over six days, you'll work closely with licensed, qualified clinicians through a blend of one-one guided sessions, group healing experiences, somatic practices, and nature immersion, in a supportive, consent-centered environment.
This intensive draws on trauma-informed approaches — including EMDR, exposure therapy, somatics, and NET — to help you better understand how trauma lives in the body and has shaped your patterns, responses, and relationships. You'll gain clarity around your nervous system and the tools available to you moving forward, alongside others who understand what you're carrying. This event is not a promise of complete healing. It's a doorway to start, and an opportunity to create movement with licensed clinicians in your corner, helping you define the path to recovery.
Is This Retreat For You?
You've been carrying something. A single event, or years of pain.
Whether it was one moment that changed everything, or the slow weight of an ongoing or childhood experience, you're still feeling its effects in your body and your relationships.
Talk therapy has helped, but something is still missing.
You've done the work in a chair. What you haven't had is a body-based approach — somatics, EMDR, or exposure work — to help shift patterns that talk alone hasn't reached.
You want expert guidance, not another self-help book.
You've tried to figure this out on your own. What you need now is time with licensed clinicians who can meet you where you are, in a setting built for it..
You understand trauma logically, but your body hasn't caught up.
You can explain what happened. You know the "why." But your nervous system still responds like the danger is present, and no amount of understanding has changed that on its own.
You're tired of feeling like the only one who understands what you're carrying.
You're not looking for sympathy. You're looking for a room of people who don't need it explained to them — because they've carried something too.
You're ready for a first step, not a fix.
You know six days won't undo years — and you're not looking for a promise that it will. You're looking for real clarity, real tools, and real movement forward.
What You Can Expect
Clinical Expertise Meets Guided Recovery
At the heart of this intensive is a commitment to your next step forward.
Each day blends individual clinical sessions, group healing experiences, and time in nature —
a container built for clarity, connection, and real movement forward.
Individual Sessions
Daily One-on-One Therapy
Personalized Clinical Support
Confidential Space to Process
Create Your Path Forward
Group Healing & Connection
Structured Group Experiences
Shared Consent-Centered Participation
Understanding, No Explaining
Ceremonial Cacao & Fireside Connection
Nature Immersion
Beachfront Setting in Guanacaste
Guided Excursions
Ocean Ceremony & Saltwater Release
Nourishment for Vitality
All-Inclusive Gourmet Cuisine
Harvest-to-Table Dining
Health-Conscious Nutrition
Organic and Local
Nervous System Regulation
Trauma & Stress Psychoeducation
Trigger & Pattern Awareness
On Site Self Care & Calming Practices
Somatic Practices
Trauma-Informed Body Work
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Shift Patterns, Not Just Discussion
World Class Accomodations
Directly on Playa Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Beach) on the Northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Only an hour from the Liberia International Airport (LIR), the retreat is located on Playa Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Beach) on the Northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste. We are only a few steps from the beach in one of the world’s five Blue Zones (the Nicoya Peninsula).
Costa Rica: A Blue Zone of Wellbeing
Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s rare Blue Zones—regions where people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. The secret? A lifestyle rooted in connection, balance, and purpose. That same spirit inspires our approach to wellness: creating space for joy, nourishment, and sustainable self-care that helps you thrive at every stage of life.
Blue Zones are regarded as areas that have the highest number of centenarians — people living the longest and healthiest. Blue Zones are known for their biodiversity, high levels of oxygen, healthy food, and strong sense of community with purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our retreat is an hour from the Liberia International Airport (LIR), located on Playa Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Beach) on the Northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste.
The retreat is only a few steps from the beach in one of the world’s five Blue Zones (the Nicoya Peninsula).For many, the land induces a sense of serenity, safety and nourishment. Sharing almost 40 acres of tropical forest with monkeys, motmots, iguanas, tree sloths, and a bevy of other indigenous fauna.
The sights, sounds, and smells of this tropical ocean-side sanctuary wash over you like a soothing balm of tranquility. Whether spending time fireside, swimming in the ocean, or exploring the forest, you will feel cradled by nature.
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Guests may choose from shared rooms, private king suites, or private queen rooms. Each space is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering stunning views and private or semi-private layouts depending on your preference. If you are attending with a partner or close friend, you may also request to share a bed.
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Most guests fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). From there our free shuttle service will meet you and bring you directly to Reunion Resorts. This simple transfer process ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to settle into retreat mode.
For any questions on transportation arrangements please reach out to E.Powers@bellevue-counseling.com -
While every day of the retreat is designed to be unique, a typical day flows with a natural rhythm that balances structured practices and restorative downtime. Mornings often begin with a meditation and yoga session overlooking the jungle, followed by a gourmet breakfast enjoyed with the group. After breakfast, there is usually a somatic workshop, and later in the morning participants have time to relax by the pool or take part in their scheduled one-on-one session. Lunch is served fresh, and afternoons frequently feature a structured workshop or excursion. Evenings are spent together over dinner and often conclude with a sound bath ritual that brings the day to a peaceful close. Here is a what a day at the retreat could look like for you:
7:00 AM – Optional Sunrise Morning Yoga8:30 AM – Organic Farm to Table Breakfast
9:00 AM–12:45 PM –One on one Sessions (45 mins) and Massage Therapy (60 mins).
1:00 PM – Organic Farm to Table Lunch
2:00-3:30- “Siesta”/Free time/Pool Time/Cold Plunge
3:30–6:30 PM – Group Excursion: Waterfall Hike and Swim
6:30 PM – Group Yoga: Yin + Sound Bowl Wind Down
7:45 PM – Organic Farm to Table Dinner
8:45 PM – Fire Ceremony
10:30PM – Deep Rest
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Your retreat experience includes a wide range of practices such as individual therapeutic sessions, yoga and meditation, somatic workshops, , healing ceremonies and sacred rituals, breathwork, beach excursions, and guided nature walks. Each activity is designed to create balance, renewal, and to fuel the first step of your recovery.
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Yes, the retreat is absolutely suitable for beginners. All sessions are facilitated in a way that welcomes first-time participants, while still offering depth and expansion for more experienced therapy go-ers. Our groups are intentionally kept small, typically between ten and fifteen participants, so that everyone feels supported and connected.
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All meals are included and prepared fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. Our culinary team takes care to provide nourishing dishes that are both flavorful and health-conscious. We are happy to accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon request.
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In addition to the scheduled workshops and group practices, you will have access to a poolside lounging area where you can rest and reflect. A private massage therapist is also included in the retreat program, and while the service is part of the schedule, participation is entirely optional.
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We offer a forty-eight hour free cancellation policy with a full refund. After that time, refunds are not available. However, in the case of an emergency, we do allow you to apply your credit toward a future retreat, provided reasonable proof such as a doctor’s note is provided.
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Yes, we encourage guests to take advantage of our early bird discounts, which provide considerable savings for those who book in advance. We also offer flexible payment options to make the retreat as accessible as possible.
Shared Room
Double Occupancy
Just steps from the Pacific Ocean and the soft sands of Playa Pan de Azúcar, each 300 sq. ft room is a sanctuary of light, air, and nature. With two queen-sized beds, a private porch, and an ensuite bathroom, these rooms are designed to harmonize with the outdoors—featuring natural wood furnishings, cotton linens, and an earthy color palette.
Highlights:
Two Queen Beds
Private Bathroom with Shower
Porch with Outdoor Seating
Air-Conditioning & Ceiling Fan
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi
Organic, Handcrafted Bathroom Amenities (Raw Botanicals)
In-Room Safe & Hairdryer
Fresh Towels + Twice-Weekly Housekeeping (all-natural cleaning)
Pure Filtered Water Throughout the Property
Laundry Services Available Upon Request
Chosen Partner
Two people who know each other can book a shared room together.
Both will pay the shared rate (per person).
Random Roommate
Guests who don’t have a partner can agree to be paired with another participant.
This keeps the shared rate accessible while filling rooms efficiently.
TIER 2 Pricing - Ends Jan 21st, 2026
$2295.00
$1,755/ per person
Private Room
SINGLE Occupancy
Just steps from the Pacific Ocean and the soft sands of Playa Pan de Azúcar, each 300 sq. ft room is a sanctuary of light, air, and nature. With two queen-sized beds, a private porch, and an ensuite bathroom, these rooms are designed to harmonize with the outdoors—featuring natural wood furnishings, cotton linens, and an earthy color palette.
Highlights:
Two Queen Beds
Private Bathroom with Shower
Porch with Outdoor Seating
Air-Conditioning & Ceiling Fan
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi
Organic, Handcrafted Bathroom Amenities (Raw Botanicals)
In-Room Safe & Hairdryer
Fresh Towels + Twice-Weekly Housekeeping (all-natural cleaning)
Pure Filtered Water Throughout the Property
Laundry Services Available Upon Request
Private Room
Perfect for those who want their own space.
TIER 2 - Ends Jan 21st, 2026
$4590
$3,199/per person
Take the next step towards personal growth.
Your Guides on This Journey
Expertly led by licensed clinicians and somatic practitioners who specialize in nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, and trauma informed care. Our team blends science based methods with restorative mind body practices to create an environment where your system can release. From pre retreat to post retreat, they will support you in your relaxation.
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Emily Powers, MA, LMHCA
Director of Retreat Operations
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Daniel A. Arteaga, MS, LMFT
Founder & CEO
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Wendy Knowles
Clinical Director
LMHC, BCBA, LBA, EMDR Certified
Begin Your Journey to Healing
Join us for a guided intensive where clinical support, connection, and rest create space for real movement forward.

