The Holistic & Functional Psychology Institute
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Regenerate and Realign: The Holistic Therapy Training & Wellness Retreat for Therapists
Earn 10 APA and NBCC CEs while restoring your nervous system, connecting with nature, and integrating holistic approaches into your clinical work at a beautiful rainforest eco retreat.
A 7-day midwinter experience | February 2027 | Costa Rica
The Holistic Wellness CE Retreat for Therapists: At A Glance
7 Spacious Days and 6 Nights
📍Location: Rancho Margot, an off-grid eco retreat center in the Costa Rican rainforest
📅 Dates: February 2027 (exact dates TBD)
🎓Training: A professional certificate in Holistic Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health. 10 hours of experiential training designed for licensed therapists, plus 10 NBCC-approved CEs (APA pending)
💆♀️ Includes: Daily yoga, on-site excursions, all retreat center meals, lodging, certificate, natural spring-fed pools, jungle hiking trails, some activities, and more
✨ Designed for: Mental health therapists seeking a restorative, nature-based, and professionally meaningful CE experience
💸 Investment: Starting at $3,250 for an immersive 7-day experience.
As Continuing Education and Professional Development, this event may be tax-deductible as a business expense
Past Retreat Participant Testimonials
One of my biggest shifts was experiencing a deeper connection to self and a true sense of nourishment and restoration.
If someone is unsure about attending, you’re in the best hands with Emma. She is passionate, dedicated, and I trust her to curate a unique and balanced retreat experience. Especially powerful for therapists who want to practice wellness from an experiential perspective.
- Danielle White, Psy.D
I’ve always been interested in furthering my learning about holistic wellness as it applies to mental health, but there wasn’t much available outside of full schooling programs. This retreat felt like the perfect blend.
After attending, I feel more relaxed and recharged. I also feel more confident incorporating holistic wellness practices into my clinical work and providing the research and rationale behind these approaches.
- Brittany Coppelli, LPC
Before arriving, I was feeling burnt out and stressed. One of my key realizations was having the courage to make efforts to have my needs met. Stepping out of my comfort zone ended up being rewarding and empowering.
I now feel rejuvenated, less stressed, and excited to share the material I learned. Emma was amazing. It was well organized and the perfect blend of education, adventure, and relaxation.
- Stephanie, LPC
APA and NBCC Continuing Education Credit Details
The Holistic & Functional Psychology Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7882. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Holistic & Functional Psychology Institute, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. HFPI obtained APA co-sponsorship for the February 2026 retreat through the Spiritual Competency Academy and intends to apply for co-sponsorship again for the 2027 retreat. See below the APA co-sponsorship information for 2026. "CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association. LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association. SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes. For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact The Holistic & Functional Psychology Institute, LLC emma@holsiticandfunctionalpsychology.com. For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com."
ACEP #7882
Step away from the usual conference rooms and into an immersive, nature-based training experience designed for thoughtful, growth-oriented therapists.
This retreat weaves together holistic lifestyle medicine, experiential learning, nature-based experiences, and genuine restoration at an off-grid eco retreat center in the Costa Rican rainforest. You will leave with practical clinical tools, renewed capacity, and a clearer sense of how holistic work can fit ethically and confidently into your practice.
February 2027 dates to be announced. Join the list to receive early access and retreat details.
This winter, picture yourself surrounded by rainforest greens and the sound of flowing water. The sun is warm on your skin, and you’re walking back from morning yoga to enjoy fresh, organic coffee and a nourishing breakfast.
Later, you’ll soak in volcanic hot springs, hike to a turquoise waterfall, or simply rest in a hammock with your journal. You’ll be learning alongside a small group of like-minded therapists, weaving professional growth with personal renewal.
I'd love to help you give your nervous system the restoration it needs while gaining the confidence and skills to bring holistic practices into your clinical work.
You May Be Here Because...
You consistently help clients regulate their nervous systems but have little space for your own renewal
You're the space holder for others day in and day out, and now you're wanting a chance to be the one who is held
You want to integrate holistic wellness into your clinical work in ways that feel ethical, grounded, and well-informed
You need continuing education hours this year, but most options feel overly didactic or disconnected from real clinical life and your own personal growth
You feel like a black sheep in the field, and you’re longing to connect with other clinicians who share your broad, whole-person viewpoint
You want a restorative professional experience that genuinely supports your own wellbeing
I created this retreat to meet the needs of therapists like you:
To bring you lifelong memories and friendships while aligning you with the holistic therapy career that calls to you.
You will return home with renewed capacity, practical clinical tools, and greater clarity about how holistic approaches can fit ethically and confidently into your work.
What You'll Experience
Deep mind-body restoration that supports your longevity as a clinician
A vibrant community of like-minded holistic therapists who think outside the box, just like you do
Confidence and competence to ethically integrate holistic lifestyle medicine into therapy... for yourself and your clients
Spacious and embodied continuing education that restores you while empowering you clinically... and helps you get the CEs you need
A beautiful, off-grid eco-retreat in the Costa Rican jungle that embodies the holistic and regenerative principles that you value
Connection, fun, and inspiration with other therapists who care about holistic practices just as much as you do... (and maybe meet close friends along the way!)
Past Retreat Participant Testimonials
Emma is very passionate about holistic health and was excited to share her knowledge with the group. I especially appreciated the small group discussions, which helped me connect more with fellow participants.
The group that came together made the retreat even more enjoyable. The small group discussions helped me connect meaningfully with fellow participants. It was a lovely group of professionals.
- Jessica, LPC
The retreat was excellently organized, and I appreciated how each day’s activity aligned with the theme. It allowed me to fully enjoy this beautiful country.
Although my education in natural medicine was very thorough, I was looking for a practicum experience to help integrate the information. I am leaving confident and feel equipped with the experience I needed to support my clients. This experience provided continued confirmation of the work I want to do.
- Roxanne, DNM, LCDC
I was drawn to this retreat by the opportunity to develop a truly regenerative practice that will allow me to sustain my clinical work for years to come.
Before coming, I was feeling burned out and exhausted.
After attending, I feel grounded and confident about returning to my practice in an intentional and sustainable manner.
- S.K., Psychologist
What Sets this Therapist Retreat Apart
Most Therapist Trainings
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Primarily lecture-based on Zoom or in conference rooms
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Dense information that feels disembodied
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Info-heavy sessions with little real-world application
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No connection to nature or environment
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Often charge extra for CE certificates
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Just as isolating as clinical work; no deep connection with others
Most Training Retreats
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A rushed 4–5 days, often $3,000–$5,000+
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Most of the time is spent indoors
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Little space for rest or nature connection; lack of focus on personal wellness
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Meals and excursions not included
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Same classroom-style learning in a prettier location
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Little time for integration, reflection, or real community-building
Personal
Retreats
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Usually only 3-6 days... not enough time to truly settle in
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Often $3,000-$5,000+
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Personal rejuvenation with no professional development
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Not tax-deductible
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No CE credits or career-aligned learning
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Can feel directionless without a structured container
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Lacks the clinical depth or peer support to transform your work
This Holistic
Training Retreat
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7 spacious days in an eco-friendly retreat center in Costa Rica
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Embodied, experiential CE rooted in holistic healing
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Daily yoga and restorative practices to renew your nervous system
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Real connection with like-minded peers
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Personally and professionally transformative
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Includes CE certificates, retreat center meals, and several activities
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Prices start at just $3,245
Why Choose this Holistic Therapy Training Retreat for Therapists?
This retreat is rooted in the values of regeneration, exploration, integration, and holism. We are not just teaching, we are inviting you into a new way of living and working that’s aligned with nature, self-renewal, and whole-person healing.
This Retreat is For You If...
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You're a licensed therapist or other integrative health professional
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You're craving depth, exploration, and personal renewal
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You want to integrate evidence-based holistic lifestyle medicine into your work
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You want continuing education that both inspires and restores you
What You'll Gain
A professional certificate in Holistic Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health from HFPI, with 10 continuing education hours
Daily yoga opportunities and multiple restorative practices (like yoga nidra, mindful walking, and breathwork) throughout the retreat
Beautiful accommodations and local, regenerative meals at an eco retreat center
Immersion in nature with stillness and time to reset
Curated excursions (such as a visit to luxurious hot springs, to swim in a gorgeous turquoise waterfall, to kayak next to a volcano, a cooking class, and more!)
A like-minded community with other holistic therapists
Practical tools to use in your practice with clients... so you can step even deeper into your holistic therapist identity
Why Learn & Travel With Emma
I’m Emma Donovan, a licensed therapist, Approved Continuing Education Provider, and the founder of Alternative Therapy STL and the Holistic and Functional Psychology Institute.
I help therapists thoughtfully integrate holistic and lifestyle-based approaches into their clinical work in ways that are grounded, ethical, and clinically meaningful. I use a whole-person lens that bridges nervous system health, behavior, physiology, and deeper psychological work.
Over the years, I have taught thousands of students through my live and on-demand programs. My teaching draws from advanced training in areas including holistic nutrition, functional medicine, yoga (500 hours), hypnosis, Internal Family Systems, coaching, and spiritual counseling.
In addition to my clinical and teaching work, I design and lead international continuing education retreats for therapists. My retreats are intentionally structured to balance clinical depth, nervous system restoration, meaningful connection, and well-paced adventure.
I have traveled to more than 30 countries, many of them independently, and I bring thoughtful planning and grounded leadership into every retreat experience. My goal is to create an environment where therapists can deepen their clinical skillset while enhancing their own growth and well-being.
Professional Endorsements
Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is truly a leader in sustainability and regenerative living. We can learn a lot from this land and its people.
It is the first tropical country to have stopped and then reversed deforestation. Natural forests cover over half of its total land area. Almost all of its energy sources are renewable, and tourism proceeds support conservation projects. Our chosen retreat center, Rancho Margot, was named Costa Rica's first carbon-negative company.
The weather in the winter months tends to be dry and comfortable (high 60s/low 70s to low 80s), and the region is rich in unbelievably naturally turquoise waterfalls and volcanic hot springs.
You will learn just as much from the landscape and retreat center as you will from your continuing education classes about the importance of slowing down and caring for your own body and the planet.
Photo: El Rio Celeste, one of the many stunningly turquoise blue bodies of water in Costa Rica
Sample Retreat Schedule
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Day 1: Ground
Theme: Ground & Arrive
Afternoon: airport transfer
Evening: dinner & opening circle with intro seminar on holistic therapy
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Day 2: Slow Down
Theme: NS regulation, stress, and circadian rhythms
Morning: yoga (optional), meditation, breathwork, and CE
Afternoon: Training on the nervous system & circadian rhythms
Evening: Yoga nidra experiential and group circle
03
Day 3: Connect
Theme: Connect to nature, your body, and each other
Morning: yoga (optional), excursion to thermal spa, massage (optional add-on)
Afternoon: Free time, training on adjunctive therapies
Evening: Authentic relating
04
Day 4: Nourish
Theme: Nutrition & mental health
Morning: yoga (optional), regenerative farm tour, workshop on nutrition & mindful eating
Afternoon: Cooking class with dinner
Evening: Optional group activity or free time
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Day 5: Move
Theme: Exercise & movement for mental health
Morning to late afternoon: yoga (optional), excursion to a turquoise waterfall, swim, and hike
Evening: CE on exercise & movement
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Day 6: Spirituality & Integration
Theme: Spiritual integration & clinical practice
Morning: yoga (optional), higher self meditation, Q&A
Afternoon: Workshop on clinical practice applications, use of holistic assessment tools
Evening: Integration circle & closing ceremony
07
Day 7: Depart
Agenda: Breakfast, goodbyes, & travel to airport (or elsewhere in Costa Rica for extended travel!)
*Exact excursions are subject to change and still TBA. We can't wait to finalize all the fun things we have planned!
An Embodied Curriculum Designed to Nourish You and Your Practice
Over the week, you’ll explore key holistic therapy concepts with plenty of time for reflection and integration. Our approach blends experiential learning with thoughtful discussion and real-world tools.
Topics Include:
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Introduction to Holistic Therapy & Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health
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Nervous System Health, Stress Hormones, and the Circadian Rhythm
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Foundational Mindfulness Techniques for Psychotherapy
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Using Yoga Nidra and Evidence-Based Breath Interventions in Psychotherapy
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Nutrition and Mental Health
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Adjunctive Therapies in Mental Health
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Exercise, Movement, and Mental Health
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Transpersonal Psychology Applications in Psychotherapy
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Therapeutic Applications of Holistic Lifestyle Medicine in Clinical Practice
All sessions are designed to be interactive, paced with plenty of time to rest, connect with nature, and allow these teachings to sink in.
A Living Legacy of Regeneration
Your retreat experience doesn’t end when you leave. For every participant who joins us, HFPI will plant 25 trees in Latin America through our reforestation partner to continue the work of regeneration.
Together, our retreat community will leave behind a thriving forest that restores ecosystems, captures carbon, and protects our planet for future generations.
What's Included
This retreat is designed to be both restorative and practical. Packages start at $3,250, covering:
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7 days / 6 nights lodging at a beautiful eco retreat center
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All organic meals at the retreat center during your stay
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A 10-hour certificate in Holistic Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health and continuing education credit
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Daily yoga, as well as mindfulness, meditation, breath, and wellness practices
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Excursions included (included excursions are still TBD)
Comparable personal retreats of this caliber often cost $3,000–$5,000 without professional training or CE hours. We’ve intentionally created this retreat so you can invest in both your career and your wellbeing at once.
What Past Participants Loved about Rancho Margot
I was struck by how beautiful the resort is and realized how much I had been missing time in a natural setting.
The setting made the experience especially enjoyable. Pack lots of bug spray, a flashlight, some closed-toed shoes, and book the flight. It’s a lovely place.
- Jessica, LPC
Rancho Margot was wonderful and beautiful, and the staff were all so nice.
The retreat felt like the perfect blend of deepening my holistic knowledge while also recharging in a beautiful environment.
- Brittany Coppelli, LPC
The space is paradise. Emma provided a well-rounded view of holistic treatments, and the setting itself was amazing.
Farm-to-table organic food with diet-specific requirements met.
- Julie Bremer, PMHNP
The
Rooms
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Choose your retreat within a retreat
All rooms include hammocks, handmade soap, all retreat center meals, and a coffee and tea station. Select your preference in the form below.
SHARED ROOM
Twin Bed
$3,250 full price, $2,900 until 7/31/26
The most budget-friendly option, with ample opportunity to connect with fellow attendees throughout the week.
Bathroom: shared with roommates, private to the room.
BEST FOR CONNECTION SEEKERS
SHARED ROOM
Queen Bed
$3,550 full price, $3,200 until 7/31/26
Space and comfort combined. The community feel of a shared room with the added comfort of a larger bed.
Bathroom: shared with roommates, private to the room.
BEST FOR CONNECTION SEEKERS
SHARED CASITA
Private Queen
$3,950 full price, $3,600 until 7/31/26
A private room within a shared guesthouse. Includes a full kitchen and common indoor spaces for connection. Can be shared with a partner. Contact for shared discount rates.
Bathroom: Private for your room
BEST FOR PRIVACY + COMMUNITY
PRIVATE BUNGALOW
Private Queen
$4,350 full price, $4,000 until 7/31/26
An adorable bungalow all to yourself to rest, reflect, and recharge. The quietest and most secluded option on the property.
Bathroom: Private for your bungalow
BEST FOR ULTIMATE TRANQUILITY
Early placement pricing will be shared in your personal enrollment email at the discounted rates listed.
ENROLL BEFORE THE PUBLIC
Want to Join Us in 2027?
Concierge enrollment is now open for a limited time. Reserve your place during the early placement period (now until July 31, 2026) and receive first access to room selection, a personal enrollment link, and a $350 discount available only during this private window.
Spots are limited and rooms are held in the order in which enrollment is completed.
Imagine waking to the quiet sounds of the rainforest outside your window. Morning light filters through the trees as you ease into the day with a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee.
You may begin your mornings with yoga surrounded by greenery, followed by continuing education and a soak in the hot springs or a hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Over the week, your pace begins to shift. You have time to learn and to exhale, perhaps feeling more regulated, more connected to nature, and inspired about your work.
You return home with practical tools, renewed capacity, and a stronger sense of how holistic approaches can fit into your clinical work in grounded and ethical ways.
This begins with a simple decision: Choosing to give yourself a professional experience that supports both you and the holistic work you feel called to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 Simple Steps to Land You in Paradise
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Join the interest list below and ask any questions using the form in the footer
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Request enrollment & make an investment in your future self by reserving your spot
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Review sign-up details and send some info about yourself so I can curate the retreat with you in mind
04
Book your tickets, plan your bags, and get excited!
Testimonials
The CE content, destination, and Emma’s overall vibe drew me in. One of the biggest themes that stayed with me was trusting the process ❤️
I now feel restored and have a deeper sense of trust in myself. This was truly the most wonderful week, and I’m so grateful for all of the intention and care that went into curating this retreat.
- Nicole Decker, APC
What stood out most was that this was a true holistic experience, addressing mind, body, and spiritual wellness both in theory and in practice. I left feeling refreshed, alive, and inspired.
You’re in the best hands with Emma. She is passionate, dedicated, and I trust her to curate a unique and balanced retreat experience. Especially powerful for therapists who want to practice wellness from an experiential perspective.
- Danielle White, Psy.D
After attending this retreat, I now feel inspired, healthy, grateful, symbiotic, and satisfied. What I loved most was the blend of nature, learning, adventure, solitude, manageable challenges, rest, and social engagement.
If someone was unsure about attending this retreat, I would tell them to do it! You’ll be held and given all the information you need to succeed!
- A.B., LCSW