Healers Need Healing Too
The Serenity Retreat
Thank you to all who joined us for an incredible two days! Hope to see you again next year!
Favorite Moments from The Serenity Retreat
Two Days of Peace and Tranquility for Mental Health Professionals
Itinerary subject to change.
Day 1
Welcome activity
Meditation and intention setting
Lunch
Free headshots
Arts and crafts
1.5 hour CE Workshop
Little Light Candle Co. candle making class
Day 2
Yoga and sound bath
Journaling and mindfulness activity
Lunch
Creative activity
1.5 hour CE Workshop
Closing party
Retreat Contributors
Aryn Thompson, LCSW-S
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Aryn Thompson (she/her) is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and the owner of Lavender Space—a group practice she started in 2020 that’s grown from just her into a team of five compassionate, queer-affirming clinicians. She deeply believes that healing happens in connection, which is the heart of everything she builds, from therapy sessions to community events. Lavender Space has been named Best of Hays twice and received three grants supporting the work of LGBTQ+ specialized mental health care, but honestly, her favorite part is still the everyday magic of providing a space for people to safely feel seen.
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I am excited to be presenting on the idea of healing through connection (collaborative care). The profound impact that happens when we are connected, supported, and seen goes well beyond the therapy room. I will be providing some ways that I promote community as a therapist who is also part of the community she serves. I will explore the different ways fostering a sense of community can provide healing, and how to navigate the ~ethics~ of it all.
Liberty Nicholas, LCSW
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Imagine therapy where nature plays the role of co-therapist—where healing unfolds beneath trees, along riverbanks, and in partnership with the natural world. Liberty Nicholas, LCSW, is a Nature-Based Therapist and earth-rooted practice owner of Mindful Wanders. With over 20 years of experience in school social work, college counseling, nature-based therapies, and clinical skills, Liberty brings deep reverence to her work with others. She integrates nature-based experientials, somatic soul-based trauma healing, mindfulness, and nature-based parts work (IFS) into her sessions, guiding clients through grounded, soul-led transformation. Liberty meets with clients in her San Marcos office twice a week and in local parks in San Antonio - San Marcos the rest of the week. She facilitates overnight wilderness therapy intensives and serves as a guide for ceremony, ritual, and rites of passage. Most recently, Liberty has begun offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), inviting clients into altered states of self-integration where the therapeutic paradigm becomes an initiation towards body, mind, and soul transformation.
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Wander. Witness. Weave: Nature’s Contribution to Transformational Healing
What if your most wise co-facilitator wasn’t a person ~ but nature itself? Whether you meet with clients indoors, outdoors, or online, the natural world offers powerful metaphors and connections that can deepen your therapeutic work. In this experiential session, we’ll explore how nature can become an active partner in your clinical practice.
Step outside with Liberty during this 1.5-hour CE session designed to support mental health professionals in reconnecting with nature for their own serenity and professional growth. Together, we’ll engage in a Wander on the Land, a Sit Spot & Nature Journaling practice ~these simple yet profound tools can be immediately adapted for client work. Alongside direct experiential experience, you’ll learn practical, theory-rooted strategies to bring nature-based healing into your sessions with intention and creativity.
Yvette Hartridge
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Yvette Hartridge is a San Antonio-based brand photographer who specializes in capturing warm, story-driven imagery for women in business. With a calm presence and thoughtful approach, she helps her clients feel confident and truly seen in front of the camera. Yvette’s work is rooted in connection, and she brings a unique ability to guide even the most camera-shy clients toward authentic, beautiful photos. Her mission is to honor each client’s story through timeless imagery that supports their personal and professional growth.
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Yvette has generously donated her time and expertise to The Serenity Retreat and will be providing free headshots to all interested retreat attendees!
More about Yvette Hartridge Photography
Yvette Hartridge Photography offers personal brand and website photography for women entrepreneurs and small business teams. From strategic headshots to website imagery, social media content, and B-roll video clips, Yvette crafts custom photo experiences that elevate visibility and build trust. Her sessions are known for being relaxed, intentional, and empowering—designed to help women step into their story and show up with confidence online and beyond.
Gina Hughes
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Gina Hughes is passionate about helping people find calm, balance, and well-being in their daily lives. As a yoga and stress management specialist, Gina creates personalized experiences for private groups and individual students, meeting each person exactly where they are. With her 500-hour yoga teacher certification and background in adaptive yoga, Gina is dedicated to making every practice accessible, no matter your age, background, or experience level.
Gina's expertise has been featured in Voyage Magazine,Working Moms of San Antonio Blog, Veda Lounge Podcast, Rob Perry Podcast, and the Live Like You Practice YouTube docuseries. She has also been highlighted on San Antonio Living (WOAI Channel 4) and Bold JourneyMagazine.
Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, Gina is committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Find her online:
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Gina skillfully weaves together yoga postures, breath work, guided meditation, and sound meditation to create sessions that foster deep relaxation, self-discovery, and a sense of community. Her warm, supportive approach ensures that everyone feels welcome and empowered on their wellness journey.
A sound meditation, otherwise known as a “sound bath,” is a peaceful, restorative experience where you simply relax and let waves of calming sound wash over you. We use seven quartz crystal singing bowls, known for their pure, resonant tones, and four Koshi Chimes, which add energy from the four elements. There’s nothing you need to do; just get comfortable, close your eyes, and let the gentle sounds guide you into a state of deep rest and renewal.
About the Venue
Sparrow Field Estate is a family-owned wedding and event venue on private ranch land in Hondo, Texas, less than an hour from central San Antonio.
FAQs
Who is this retreat for?
The Serenity Retreat is designed for Texas-based mental health professionals. It is open to LPCs, LPC Associates, LMFTs, LMFT Associates, LMSWs, LCSWs, LCDCs, Licensed Psychological Associates, LSSPs, BCBAs, BCABAs, school counselors, psychiatrists/PMHNPs, and graduate students enrolled in a mental health program.
Is overnight lodging included?
Nope, your ticket cost does not include overnight lodging and accommodations are not provided. If you plan to stay overnight in the area, check out our lodging suggestions below!
What is included in the registration cost?
Two days of intentional programming designed for ultimate calm and connection-building, 3 CE hours, lunch each day, snacks and beverages, headshots, yoga and sound bath, candle making class, curated goodie bag, and entry into our Better Together referral directory and private Facebook group.
Are CEs included?
Yes! Our itinerary includes 3 CEs from fully licensed professionals in our Better Together community. Their presentations are experiential, informative, and adaptable to all types of mental health professionals.
I bought a ticket but can no longer attend — can I get a refund?
We will grant 100% refunds up to September 5, 2025 at 5 pm CST. After that time, we will be unable to issue refunds for any cancellations.
Can I come for just one day?
The retreat is designed as a two-day experience. While we understand schedules may not allow you to attend both days, we are unable to sell tickets for just one day.
Can I join if I’m still in graduate school?
Absolutely! In fact, we have a special discount for pre-licensed individuals who are still in their master’s program. This retreat is a fantastic way to meet professionals while relieving some of that grad school stress!
Lodging Suggestions
Overnight lodging is not included in your retreat registration, but here are some suggested accommodation options near the venue!
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A quaint bed & breakfast, just 7 minutes from the venue!
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Boutique hotel and spa, about 15 minutes from the venue.
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Affordable hotel, about 3 minutes from the venue.
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There are several great options in the Hondo, Castroville, and Bandera area.
Tickets Sales Closed!
Hope to see you next year!
Sponsors
The Serenity Retreat is proudly sponsored by the following businesses.
