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What is a Neuroaffirming Retreat?

Writer's picture: Lisa HicksLisa Hicks

Updated: Jul 17, 2024

TL;DR: Diane and I realized there was a significant gap in the retreat space for Neurodivergent Women/AFAB. We decided to create a space where these women could come together, be in community, meet their accommodation needs, rest and learn about their beautiful brains. Hosting retreats since 2022. Click HERE to skip the pre-amble)

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Hey, hi, hello! I'm Lisa (the one with the rainbow pants), and beside me is my retreat co-creator, Diane.


Without going into ALL the details (KEEP IT SHORT, LISA), Diane and I met online in 2020. At the time, I was running Mom Support Groups, and Diane had joined the summer cohort. While travelling in the same circles, we had never met, though I was aware of her from her other business, Under the Stairs Paper Co. Afterwards, Diane signed up for 1:1 Coaching Sessions with me, and we discovered that she and I were interested in doing the same thing - running retreats. At that time, COVID was still forcing us all into lockdowns, both of us drowning in motherhood (and unbeknownst to us, our Neurodivergence), but we both felt a strong calling to bring people together in community and connection.


We hosted our first retreat in October 2021. We rented a cottage in Haliburton, ON, ensured everyone had done a COVID test, and away we went. It was simultaneously the most beautiful and exhausting weekend of our lives, and we learned so much from it.


Since then, we have both been diagnosed with ADHD, (and I've self-diagnosed as Autistic) and have spent an incredible amount of time researching and learning about our brains. Each retreat since then, we have continued to fine tune our approach. Our incredible participants have given us such incredible feedback and every retreat we continue to build and tweak to be the best it can be.


(NOTE: We've absolutely made mistakes in the past, have gotten A LOT of things wrong but hey, we're human and it's ok to make mistakes)


What can you expect at a Neuroaffirming Retreat?


  • Carefully curated menu: Before each retreat, we reach out to all participants to understand their nutritional needs, their "icks", their safe foods and any other culinary preferences. From there, we build out a menu that accommodates everyone. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks.

  • Individualized Supports: Before each retreat, we contact each participant to get an idea of what accommodations they may need. This can be anything from reminders to take medications to noise-cancelling headphones to having a code word for when things get too overwhelming. We do everything we can to ensure your needs are met to the best of our abilities (see note below).

  • Designated downtime: We know how easy it is to just go-go-go, especially when sharing a space with individuals who have similar brains to ours. We also know FOMO is so real. That's why we have designated rest times throughout the weekend as a way to rest, recharge and have some quiet without feeling like you're missing anything.

  • Capacity-Based: All of the activities we provide are completely optional. We also structure the activities so there is rest time between them. We ensure our flow is gentle and calm, with plenty of time to transition.

  • Sensory Friendly: We work to ensure that each space in our retreat venue is as sensory friendly as possible. This means no overhead lighting, fans in every room, pillows & blankets in each space for comfort and temperature fluctuations and plenty of fidgets and stim toys.

  • Intersectional: Diane and I are actively engaged in anti-racism work (knowing this is a lifelong commitment). We are unlearning our own internalized ableism and always working to understand how white supremacy, capitalism, and the patriarchy actively harm our community. We require that our retreat participants are ready to do the same work at our retreats.

  • Financial Accommodations: We understand that making an investment in our retreats can feel overwhelming. We also want to ensure that money isn't standing between you and our retreats. We offer a variety of payment plans and options to ensure you can join us without compromising your financial stability.


PLUS, our retreat venue is just freaking awesome. Located in a recently rennovated farm house, there are also animals on-site for you to visit, fresh eggs every morning for breakfast. There is also a hot tub, pool and plenty of other activities. We also have complimentary wifi so you can still get your TikTok fix (if you need it).



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We have ONE retreat left this year - September 26-29, 2024. We would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to host and support you. If you have any questions at all you can contact us via the form at the bottom of this page or reach out to me on Instagram. You can also sign-up HERE.


XO,





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NOTE:


Diane and I are not trained in caring for high-support needs humans. We are self-taught, lived experience only. If you are worried about your needs being met, please connect with us at the bottom of the website.


The information provided in this blog post is accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. It is essential to recognize that research in the field of ADHD, Autism, and other forms of Neurodivergence is continuously evolving, and new insights may emerge over time.


Please bear in mind that the content of this post is not intended to serve as a diagnostic tool. It is purely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation. If you suspect or are living with ADHD, Autism, or any other form of Neurodivergence, I strongly urge you to seek guidance from a trained medical professional or qualified healthcare provider who can provide a proper evaluation and personalized recommendations based on your individual circumstances.


Every individual's situation is unique, and the information presented here may not apply to everyone. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to consult with a medical professional or trusted healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, guidance, and tailored support. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and seeking expert advice is crucial to ensure you receive the best care and support for your specific needs.


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