FIND YOUR VOICE
a women's retreat for authentic expression
A transformative one-day retreat empowering women to rediscover their voice and break free of people-pleasing.
In a world that often demands perfection and conformity, many of us have lost sight of who we truly are. You might feel like nobody really knows the real you, or that it is really hard to speak up and let yourself be seen. If you’ve spent years deferring to others’ needs, and feeling like your voice doesn’t matter, this retreat is for you.
NOVEMBER 30
who is this retreat for?
This is a women's retreat that centres experiences of perfectionism and people-pleasing. The retreat is open to trans-women and non-binary folks.
From a young age, women are often put into a box, with anxiety and stress building up as we try to live up to impossible standards and expectations. Sometimes it feels easier to just do everything for others rather than taking on even more emotional labour by disappointing someone. This creates a pattern of overextension and exhaustion and it can be easy to lose sight of yourself in the process. It starts to feel like you are living for others and you need permission to slow down and take a break.
You are enough as you are. This retreat is an invitation to silence the inner critic and step into a space of self-acceptance. It's time to shed the weight of others' expectations and nurture your true self.
Advisement: It is recommended that you have already done some personal work (e.g. therapy, reading, journalling) around these topics before attending the retreat. This environment can feel very intimate and vulnerable. Some activities may feel uncomfortable or emotions. Although emotionality is welcomed (that's how we process!), please consider if you are comfortable sharing your experiences with a group of people. If you are unsure if this retreat is right for you, book a phone call with Elspeth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
facilitators: Elspeth is your facilitator, with assistance from Chloe Kwok, an Adler University practicum student
location: Intrinsic Art Therapy Studio in downtown Vancouver
duration: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, with a lunch break.
creative exploration: through guided art therapy exercises, you'll have the chance to express your feelings and thoughts in a safe and nurturing environment. No artistic experience required—just bring your willingness to explore!
empowerment: dive into tangible nervous system exercises that will help you rewire the people-pleasing response and reclaim your authenticity in decision-making, relationships, and daily life. Learn to prioritize your needs and desires, because you deserve to take up space.
community connection: connect with like-minded women on a similar journey. Share your stories, support one another, and celebrate the courage it takes to be seen.
personal growth: we’ll explore the narratives that have held us back and rewrite them into stories of worthiness and self-acceptance. You'll leave with practical tools to cultivate self-love and embrace your imperfections.
caretaking: you always do everything for others. Let us do something for you. We will provide pastries and tea in the morning and have a full lunch spread in the afternoon. Come in, eat, explore, play, make a mess, make some art and we will take care of you.
personalized take-home resources: information and resources so that you can continue your personal work well after the retreat ends.
an investment in your wellbeing
standard price: $275
early bird: $235 (save $40! | available until November 15)
client pricing: clients receive $235 early bird pricing, regardless of when they sign up
join with a friend: $195 (sometimes joining a retreat can feel really vulnerable on your own | join with a friend and save $80 each)
Spaces are limited to maintain an impactful experience. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a creative journey of self-discovery and healing. Secure your spot today!
creating this retreat
This retreat feels very close to my heart. I have a special focus on anxiety, chronic stress and burnout because I have been there before.
I am a recovering people-pleaser and former "good kid". I know that going with the flow and deferring to other people's needs might make you "easy-going", but sometimes it causes you to lose sight of what you truly want.
I was always put in 110% in work/school and then feel like I can’t take care of myself in other avenues of life. For me, this looked like shopping (even when I didn’t need new clothes - I just wanted the appearance that I had it all together), getting takeout constantly (always being too tired to cook or grocery shop), drinking coffee and alcohol (even when I knew that these drinks didn’t feel good in my body) and living in a really messy home (I was always too overwhelmed to tidy and only cleaning when people were coming over - i.e. I could never enjoy my home unless I had someone to please). My anxiety was so high from a fear of being judged by others, so I always said yes to anything that was asked of me, even when I couldn’t quite fit it into my schedule.
Over the past 4 years, I have been on a personal journey to reconnect with my authentic self. I've been unlearning cycles of capitalist productivity, consumerism and people-pleasing. I wanted to understand myself outside of these systems. I got really clear on my values and how I wanted to spend my time, energy and money.
I haven’t had a drink in a year, or coffee in over 2 years. I have purchased only 4 items of clothing in the last 2 years and decluttered my home. I look forward to grocery shopping and have the energy to cook again.
These were the choices that were right for me. I don’t think there is any one correct path for everyone. The changes that I made were sometimes difficult and challenged me. It gets so much harder before it gets better, but I am so much happier now than when I was run-down and trying to keep up appearances.
If you are stuck in that place of overwork and exhaustion and fear of being judged, I created this retreat for you. I will help you let go of perfectionism, express your true feelings/intentions and uncover your inner creativity.
Because you are a worthy being just for being.
testimonials
Past workshop participants have said:
"Elspeth's skill and delivery provide for a lasting impression and connection to self and others"
"Elspeth creates such a warm space to explore your inner world."
"Elspeth creates such a beautiful, welcoming and healing atmosphere that will make you feel held and inspired. If you are looking for a warm, compassionate, creative and safe art therapist, I highly recommend connecting with her."
"I appreciated Elspeth's approach to art which gave us permission to let go of perfectionism and embrace what art is truly about. If you are someone who grapples with anxiety, perfectionism, or the pressure that comes with being a high achiever, I highly recommend booking a free consult with Elspeth to see if her holistic counselling and art therapy services could be a source of support for you."
policies
Registration is open to women (18+). This retreat is trans and non-binary inclusive.
The group is limited to 6 participants to allow for deeper processing.
If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so within 5 DAYS of the retreat to receive a refund.