Unbounded Horizons

A Healing Retreat for Trauma Survivors 

Join an intimate cohort of 12 women on the shores of beautiful Lake Crescent to connect with nature, yourself, and others to build empowerment, community, and resiliency.


March 17 - 19, 2023 - Fully Booked!

June 25 - 28, 2023

August 27 - 30, 2023

A Time to Heal & Reconnect with Your Authentic Self

Unbounded Horizons' Healing Retreat for Survivors of Trauma takes place at NatureBridge, on the shores of Lake Crescent, in Washington's stunning and peaceful Olympic National Park. The retreat offers those who have experienced emotional trauma an opportunity to reconnect:  - with oneself, with one another, and with the cathartic healing power of nature.

 

The retreat's facilitators are trauma-informed educators, advocates, coaches, and movement practitioners, as well as trauma survivors themselves. They are dedicated to helping you reflect on your experiences without judgement, gain awareness about your mental and physical responses to triggering events, learn new skills to advance toward the life you desire, and--perhaps most importantly--discover how a deepened spiritual connection with the natural world and its rhythms can be a catalyst to help you rediscover your own unbounded horizons.

Retreat Goals

Nature Connection

Deepen your connection with nature for insight, awareness, and stress relief.

Personal Development

Develop attitudes of self-empowerment, self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. 

Intentional Movement

Reconnect with yourself through meditative walks, hikes, breathing, and tension reduction exercises.

Resiliency Toolkit

Leave the retreat with new skills, practices, and resources to help you to maximize your emotional and physical stability.

Nature-Connected Activities to Reawaken Your
Body, Mind & Spirit

Body

Movement, nature-connection, and somatic experiencing to awaken our awarenss of tension within the body, and new techniques to release it without judgement.

Mind

Journaling, group discussions, art therapy, forest bathing, and other mindset activities aimed at becoming more present to beneficial options in moments of conflict.

Spirit

Embodiment work, including dance, meditation, singing bowls, and creative visualization, to rediscover our own deep connections with our intuitive, wild selves.

Is this retreat right for you?

Acknowledging and addressing your trauma is a very personal experience, and your choice of treatment is equally personal. Our aim is to bring together a group of women for whom a deepened connection with nature can advance their own healing. This program may be a great fit for you if you are:

  • Interested in exploring the potential for healing that is present in our interactions with the natural world.
  • Receptive to new modalities, practices, and techniques to help process and move through trauma.
  • Possessing the emotional intelligence to participate without ego in a group healing context.
  • Comfortable with silence, personal reflection, and stillness, as well as with guided group activities.

If this sounds like you, and if you'd like to learn more, please schedule a discovery call with our Founder, Dana Lawson. The call is complementary and carries absolutely no obligation. 

Nature's Academy / Unbounded Horizons Founder and trauma survivor, Dana Lawson.

A Safe Space to Go Deep & Grow Stronger

Throughout the retreat, you will be cradled and nurtured by Olympic National Park, as you enjoy your stay at NatureBridge, nestled on the shores of peaceful Lake Crescent. Your lodging and meals have been carefully considered and designed to optimize your comfort as you dig into the impacts of your trauma and learn new techniques to process, release, and move past the pain. Wheelchair accessible facilities are available and we are happy to arrange meal adjustments to align with your dietary preferences. If you require specific accommodations to make your stay as comfortable for you as possible, please do not hesitate to get in touch and our team will happily assist you.

Rejuventating Location

Home to alpine ridges, temperate rain forest, and rugged coastline, Olympic National Park is home to three stunning and distinct ecosystems.

Restful Accommodations

Historic cabins hold a unique charm and feature the traditional construction of the NatureBridge property. Each cabin is different in layout and size and includes a private restroom.

Nutritious Meals

Guests enjoy hearty delicious meals, prepared at the historic Rosemary Inn, surrounded by commanding views of Lake Crescent and Pyramid Peak.

Participant Requirements

Female or female-identifying.

Prepared for intense emotional work.

Kind, friendly and open to learning. 

Desire to heal and move forward in life.

Comfortable outdoors.

Open to working with others from different cultural backgrounds.

Ready to "do the work".

Meet Your Retreat Guides

Dana Lawson

Marine Biologist, CEO, and Certified Victim Advocate

 

Dana is a survivor: of cancer, amputation, and the trauma of domestic abuse. She is also a scientist and outdoor educator who uses her personal experiences, coupled with her professional expertise, to help other survivors leverage nature toward rediscovering their own unbounded horizons. Founder of the educational nonprofit, Nature's Academy (the parent organization of Unbounded Horizons), Dana is working to build a thriving global community of survivors who challenge themselves and one another to reimagine what is possible.

Ashley Williams

LCSW and Public Speaker

 

Ashley Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and trauma counselor from South Florida. As a trauma survivor herself, she is passionate about helping others heal from the trauma of their experience. Ashley believes in a holistic, mind-and-body approach to healing and shares her experiences as a conference speaker. She continues to help individuals work through their trauma in her counseling practice.

Iliana Jones

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate

 

An advocate for victims of domestic violence and assault for more than 6 years, Iliana has devoted her professional life to helping women through some of their most difficult times. As a survivor of domestic violence herself, she is well acquainted with trauma and is uniquely positioned to guide others with trauma-informed care and compassion; providing tools, resources, and support as they navigate the waters of their own healing. Iliana is bilingual, and works with clients in both English and Spanish.

 

What they are saying... Testimonials

"This retreat was an absolute life changing experience for me. It was hard for me to open up to such a large group as I am more of a one-on-one type and a bit guarded with my heart. I was able to reflect inward and at the same time release so much stagnation, pain, sadness, and anger through the embodiment work & sound bath experience. The embodiment work was challenging but thinking about it as more as a practice has helped. Letting go of what others think, not caring how I look while moving my body will all take time. I do find myself dancing more than usual at home and it feels SO. DAMN. GOOD!"

Retreat ParticipantRetreat Participant2022

"I loved the tools all these women gave us to take home with us in moving forward. I will never, ever forget this spiritual and life changing experience. I really believe you attract what you're ready for. I needed to make some changes in my life to become more happy and since the retreat I've started making some big ones already. I thank each of you for all that you did for me personally in this journey going forward I'll never forget you."

Retreat ParticipantRetreat Participant2022

"One of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I wish I could express how profoundly moved I was and how deeply I loved I felt. I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace for several days afterwards. The academic aspects of trauma, taught by Ashley, helped me understand myself in ways I've never known before. The realizations were so impactful, I feel truly changed and recharged just from simply "knowing" a new way of thinking. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. Dana Lawson has put together an incredible group of facilitators/healers. I could not recommend this retreat more highly. I feel renewed and whole. I also gave to say Thank you Iliana for sharing your heart and humor, you are a treasure."

Retreat ParticipantRetreat Participant2022

"Words can’t really describe this experience. It will look different for everyone. I am filled with gratitude for the amazing journey. I am complete."

Retreat ParticipantRetreat Participant2022

"From the location, the staff, and the content....everything was great. I will highly recommend this retreat to other women."

Retreat ParticipantRetreat Participant2022

Schedule a discovery call to learn more.

If you aren't sure if this program is the right fit for you, please don't hesitate to schedule a discovery call with our Founder, Dana Lawson. Your call is for information purposes only and carries absolutely no obligation to join the retreat. 

Retreat Fees

The all-inclusive fee for the 4 day healing retreat is $1,699.

Dates - Summer 2023 TBD

 

The all inclusive fee for the 3 day healing retreat is $1099. 

Dates - March 17 - 19, 2023.

 

The fee covers your semi-private accommodation in a vintage lakeside cabin; nutritious meals; all retreat materials and activities; t-shirt; water bottle; and so much more. You are responsible for any costs associated with transportation to the retreat location in Port Angeles, Washington. In submitting your application, you acknowledge your acceptance of the retreat fee and ability to pay in full or to utilize one of our installement options outlined below.   

 

Please note: If you are interested in participating in the retreat, but are unable to pay, do get in touch with us to explore financing possibilites. Unbounded Horizons is committed to helping make this program accessible for trauma survivors of all means and we currently host one scholarship slot per retreat.

Payment Options

Once you are admitted to the program, our team will be in touch to discuss your payment options. You will be provided an invoice, payable via one of the methods below, within one week of admittance.

Pay in Full

When you opt to pay-in-full, you will receive two, complementary, post-retreat coaching sessions, a great opportunity to reflect on your progress, and to continue developing your personal healing regimen. 

Payment Plan

Through one of our payment processing providers, Quickbooks, we are able to offer a delayed payment option with no credit check or additional fees.

PayPal Credit

When you elect to pay for the retreat using PayPal, you will have the option to apply for and use PayPal credit as a form of payment. This enables you to pay off the retreat fee within six months with zero interest. 

Application Process

Schedule an
Info Call

If you are questioning whether or not this retreat is a good fit for you, schedule an obligation-free discovery call.

Complete an Application

Once you are ready to begin the application process, start by completing and submitting our secure online application form

Attend Your Interview

After we've received your complete application, a member of our team will reach out to schedule a Zoom interview.

Pay the
Retreat Fee

In order to assure your place in the program, your payment in full or scheduled payment plan must be complete one month prior to retreat.

Prepare for
the Retreat

We will provide various resources, including packing lists, preparatory materials, and more, to help you get ready.

Ready to get started? Apply below.

Due to the intimate nature of this retreat, we are limiting the number of participants. If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to complete the application below promptly to help assure your space.

Retreat Application Form

Partnership Opportunities

Unbounded Horizons relies on the support of its donors and community partners to make its healing retreats possible. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to Nature's Academy, the nonprofit organization presenting Unbounded Horizons, or in becoming a community partner, please click the button to learn more.

Our Partners