STEP 1 - Somatic IFS Retreat with Susan McConnell - Costa Rica

Discover transformative healing in paradise at this intimate somatic IFS retreat designed to reconnect you with your body's innate wisdom. Led by Susan McConnell, a pioneering practitioner in somatic experiencing and Internal Family Systems therapy, this retreat blends gentle bodywork, guided introspection, and the restorative energy of Costa Rica's lush landscape. Whether you're seeking emotional healing, nervous system regulation, or a deeper understanding of your internal landscape, this retreat event offers a rare opportunity to work with a master facilitator in a serene, supportive environment far from daily distractions.

Taking place Saturday, February 6, 2027, this local retreat experience draws participants into a journey of self-discovery grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern therapeutic techniques. The combination of somatic practices—where you'll learn to listen to your body's signals—and IFS methodology creates a powerful framework for processing emotions, releasing tension, and fostering genuine transformation. Enhanced by Costa Rica's natural healing vibrations, this retreat event promises a truly immersive experience that works on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive in Costa Rica, you'll enter a carefully curated container designed for deep inner work. Morning sessions begin with grounding somatic practices that awaken body awareness, followed by interactive IFS instruction where you'll learn to dialogue with different parts of yourself. You'll experience the magic of witnessing your own internal dynamics unfold—how protective parts, exiled emotions, and limiting beliefs interact—all held with compassion and expert guidance.

Throughout each day, you'll alternate between guided work sessions and spacious free time to integrate your insights. Expect gentle movement practices, breathwork, partner exercises that build trust, and quiet reflection periods overlooking tropical vistas. Meals are mindfully prepared, the air is perfumed with Costa Rican flowers, and the evenings invite journaling, stargazing, or casual connection with fellow retreat participants. By departure, you'll carry practical tools, a shifted nervous system state, and renewed access to your body's wisdom.

About the Artists

Susan McConnell brings decades of experience integrating somatic therapy with Internal Family Systems (IFS), a transformative modality that helps you understand and dialogue with different psychological "parts." Her compassionate, grounded teaching style creates immediate safety, allowing participants to access deeper layers of healing. Susan's unique ability to translate complex nervous system science into embodied experience makes her one of the most sought-after facilitators for this retreat event work.

Venue & Location

This retreat unfolds in Costa Rica's central Pacific region, known for its biodiversity, warm hospitality, and powerful natural energy. The retreat venue combines eco-conscious design with all essential amenities—think open-air yoga spaces, comfortable private rooms, and farm-to-table dining celebrating local ingredients. Costa Rica's reputation as a healing destination precedes itself; the combination of warm climate, supportive community, and nature's own therapeutic presence amplifies the retreat experience. Easy domestic airport connections make this local retreat accessible, with ground transportation coordinated for your arrival.