Email: contact@souliology.com
TRAUMA AND DISSOCIATION INFORMED INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS RETREAT IN PORTUGAL
A little about Joanne ……
Joanne H. Twombly, MSW, LICSW (Pronouns: she/her/hers) is a psychotherapist in private practice in Arlington, MA. She has over thirty years of experience working with C-PTSD and dissociative disorders and provides trainings and consultation.
Besides her book, Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems, she has written on EMDR and Dissociative Disorders, on EMDR and Internal Family Systems, and on working with perpetrator introjects. Her commitment to helping her clients heal and to providing quality training has resulted in her becoming an EMDR Consultant and a Trauma and Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program Facilitator, Internal Family Systems Certified, and an American Society for Clinical Hypnosis Consultant.
She is a past president of the New England Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. In recognition of her achievements and her service on committees and the Board of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), she was honored with ISSTD’s Distinguished Achievement Award and is an ISSTD Fellow.
28 IFS CE credits will be available to applicants which can be used towards IFS Certification or Recertification.
Please note: This retreat is limited to 30 participants and is open to IFS informed therapists/practitioners. A minimum of 24 retreat participants is required for this retreat to proceed.
What to expect from this retreat style workshop with Joanne…..
Integrating IFS with the wealth of knowledge from the C-PTSD and dissociation world is where the power and healing are for clients with C-PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. If you or your client is getting worse, struggling during the week, and needs more and more support from you, this retreat style workshop can help by integrating dimensions into the already excellent framework of standard IFS.
You will learn to give your clients a chance to have more safety, control, and choices by helping them develop coping skills and learning how to titrate witnessing. They will heal more comprehensively and more efficiently by missing problems like increased anxiety, backlash from overwhelmed parts, excess difficulty managing during the week, and increased risk of self-destructive behaviours.
Although, not every client will need the strategies and knowledge taught during this retreat, it’s practical to be able recognise when your clients need them and how integrating them can be extremely beneficial.
During this retreat style workshop you will gain the knowledge of how to treat clients with complex trauma safely, respectfully, ethically and successfully.
This retreat style workshop will include case examples, personal experiences, and clinical exercises to enhance your learning as well.
Learning Objectives:
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An integration of the powerful treatment modality of IFS with the wealth of knowledge from the Dissociative Disorder/Complex-PTSD field.
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Strategies to strengthen and support managers’ ability to manage.
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Coping skills and affect management for all parts that will help clients get through the healing process more efficiently and protect their daily functioning.
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The ability to identify when your client is on the dissociative spectrum.
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The ability to use basic hypnotic language to enhance treatment, to recognize and use clients’ innate trance abilities, and to enhance use and impact of the basic IFS process through simple hypnotic wording.
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Parts growing and learning to work together.
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An understanding of the value and use in treatment of non-verbal communication, countertransference, projective identification, and reenactments.
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And finally, during the week Joanne will address and clarify misunderstandings between the IFS (Internal Family Systems) approach and complex trauma/dissociative disorders.
Recommended Reading:
Joanne's most recent book, entitled “Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems” was released on March 13th, 2024.
Reading the book prior to the retreat will support getting the most out of your experience but it is not essential and there is no obligation to do so.
You can purchase the book by clicking the attached link. https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Dissociation-Informed-Internal-Systems/dp/B0CY8VDW39?ref_=ast_author_dp
For more information about Joanne, please visit her website at https://joannetwombly.net/
Please note that this retreat style workshop is only open to participants who are IFS informed as an in-depth understanding of IFS therapy and parts work is essential to get the most from this retreat.
The Retreat Location
The Retreat will take place in Sesimbra, Portugal.
Sesimbra, a hidden gem just a stone's throw from Lisbon! This charming town, beloved by locals, offers an authentic slice of Portuguese life, far from the hustle of mass tourism.
Sesimbra is beautifully situated next to Arrábida National Park, where you'll find stunning hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and untouched beaches. From here, you can easily reach Capo Espichel, known for its famous sanctuary where dinosaur footprints were discovered.
The town offers a variety of activities, including excursions, scenic walks, and water sports. The sandy bay is flanked by high cliffs to the west and a fishing port to the east, with the municipal beach charmingly split in two by a historic fort. Nearby, the pristine beaches of Arrábida Natural Park, such as the famous Praia do Figueirinha, entice visitors with their calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to "The Castle," perched on a 200-meter cliff. Built by the Moors and later contested in the 12th century by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Dom Sancho I, this historic site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. The castle's main attraction is the Igreja Santa Maria do Castelo, a small white church beautifully decorated with traditional blue and white azulejos.
If you love the great outdoors, Arrábida National Park is a must-visit. This protected mountain area, stretching behind the town, is one of Portugal's most picturesque green spaces. With numerous hiking paths suitable for both trekking and mountain biking, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
There is plenty to do on your afternoon off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the sea, Sesimbra offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in an enchanting corner of Portugal!
Here is a link to help you explore more about the locality:
Retreat Particulars
Applications are currently open for this retreat in Portugal from May 12th - May 16th, 2025.
The retreat will take place over 5 days starting at 11am on Monday Morning, May 12th and concluding Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 4pm.
RETREAT COST: €2,300.
The retreat cost includes the retreat itself with Joanne Twombly, 4 nights private ensuite accommodation in a luxurious seaside boutique hotel in Portugal and 3 delicious meals a day to include vegetarian options throughout the retreat schedule. Each day locally sourced foods will be available for Breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal. There will also be tea/coffee breaks with refreshments mid morning and mid afternoon during the retreat hours.
An application form will be available to you once you register your interest.
This retreat is limited to 30 participants. If you are interested in participating in this retreat, please register your interest. You will then be directed automatically to a registration form for completion. Only applicants who complete a full registration form will be considered for this retreat. Once your registration is approved we will advise you formally and it is only at this point that we will request a €500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your place on this retreat. We require a minimum of 24 applicants for this retreat to proceed so please do not make travel arrangements until you have been formally advised in writing that the retreat is proceeding. If we do not get the required numbers for the retreat to proceed, we will refund all fees paid to Souliology for the retreat cost only. Thank you.
Retreat Schedule:
5-Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the week will look like but please note it is subject to change at the retreat leaders discretion.
Monday May 12th – Friday May 16th, 2025
Please note: Hotel Check-In is strictly from 3pm on Monday May 10th and check out is strictly by 11am on May 16th. You can store your luggage at reception before check in on Monday if required and after check out on Friday until the retreat closes.
Monday
Tuesday &
Thursday
Wednesday
11am – 1pm
1pm
2pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 1pm
1pm
1pm – 6.30pm
6.30pm
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Time off to rest, relax, write, go on a tour or have a spa treatment
Dinner
Friday
8am – 9am
9am – 1pm
1pm
2pm – 4pm
4pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Retreat close
Please note we will serve teas/coffees and refreshments during our morning and afternoon breaks which will usually be at 10.30am and
4.30pm daily except on Wednesday afternoon when you will enjoy some time off.
Your Investment:
Total Retreat Cost: - €2,300 per participant (based on single room occupancy)
The retreat cost includes the 5-day retreat itself with Joanne Twombly, 4 nights private ensuite accommodation in a beautiful beachfront hotel and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, a light lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule. Our retreat location can also cater for a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerance. You can indicate your dietary requirements and preferences on the registration form.
Retreat Payment Schedule:
We are delighted to offer flexibility with our payment options. You have two choices: you can make full payment now of €2,300 (EURO) or you can opt for our convenient payment plan. The payment plan breaks down the retreat cost into 3 convenient payments as follows:
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Payment 1: €500 (Euro) non-refundable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €1,000 (Euro) per person due by the 12th November, 2024. (This amount will be refundable until 12th February, 2025 should you decide to cancel.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance depending on your room occupancy type must be paid by the 12th February 2025.
Please note: There is no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after 12th February 2025. If you register for the retreat after the specified payment deadlines outlined above, the existing payment schedule will no longer apply. Your payment schedule will either be adjusted to align with the existing payment plan, provided the payment deadlines allow, or you will be required to pay for the retreat in full.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the retreat with a companion and share accommodation, we offer a reduced fee for both attendees. The total cost for two people to attend the full retreat and share accommodation at the hotel is outlined in the registration form.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set retreat meals but not attend the retreat itself. This option incurs a supplementary cost which is outlined in the registration form. Please ensure to indicate your preference during the registration process.
Please note:
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Any companion accompanying you must be an adult over 18 years of age.
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Children are not allowed to join you in shared accommodation during the retreat.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional €100 (Euro) per person late fee for payments received after 28th October 2024 and 27th January 2025.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
28 IFS-CE credits are available for this Retreat which can be used towards IFS Certification or Recertification.
