September 1–4, 2026 • Gaia Villa • Joshua Tree, CA

Rooted in Connection

A Joshua Tree Retreat for Therapists

Step away from the session chair. Reconnect with yourself, your craft, and a community that truly gets it.

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September 1–4, 2026 • Gaia Villa • Joshua Tree, CA • Early Bird: $2,700 — Ends June 30 • 10–12 Therapists • Intimate Group • ~6–10 CE Hours Available •
Aerial view of Gaia Villa estate with desert landscape Gaia Villa property exterior with pool

The Retreat

You hold space for everyone else.
Who holds space for you?

Rooted in Connection is a retreat designed for therapists to step away from the demands of clinical work and slowing down to connect with themselves, spend time in nature, and build meaningful connections with other clinicians, with room for both reflection, moments of laughter, playfulness, and shared experience.

Set in the quiet desert landscape near Joshua Tree, this retreat offers space for reflection, restoration, and experiential learning at an intermediate to advanced level, alongside genuine professional connection within a supportive and engaging community of therapists.

The retreat is built around three core elements of Connection:

  • Connection with Self: through reflection, rest, creativity, and movement
  • Connection with Community: through shared learning, and real moments of connection
  • Connection with Nature: through time in the desert landscape, experiential practices

The Venue

Gaia Villa — Your Desert Sanctuary

A private adobe-style estate nestled in Yucca Valley, just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. With sweeping desert views, dedicated wellness spaces, and room to breathe, Gaia Villa is the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect.

Stone labyrinth at the retreat property
Spacious dining room with adobe fireplace
Hammocks under a wooden pergola
Yoga pavilion with desert backdrop Villa architecture with pergola Cozy loft room with mountain views

What to Expect

Rest, Growth & Connection

When

September 1–4, 2026

Check-in Tuesday evening, departure Friday morning

Where

Gaia Villa — Yucca Valley / Joshua Tree, California

Private desert estate with pool, hot tub, yoga pavilion & more

Who

Therapists seeking connection to self, nature, and community

Intentionally small group, approximately 10–12 therapists

What's Included

  • Lodging
  • Catered meals
  • All programming
  • Yoga sessions
  • Retreat materials
  • Welcome gift

The Retreat Will Include

Experiential workshops
Yoga sessions
Sound bath
Reflective group conversations
Time in nature & desert exploration
Somatic & mindfulness practices
Rest & integration time
Community & therapist connection
Catered nourishing meals
Time for creativity and personal expression
Space for laughter and lightness
Playfulness and unstructured connection

Continuing Education

We anticipate offering approximately 6–10 CE hours for most California licensed therapists. CE opportunities are currently being finalized. Psychologists and therapists from other states may need to verify eligibility with their licensing boards.

Your Hosts

Meet Melissa & Monica

Melissa Grisi and Monica McNeeley sitting together on rocks in Joshua Tree

Melissa Grisi, LCSW

Melissa is a therapist trained in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing and is also a yoga instructor. She is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant and has been practicing for nearly two decades. Her work integrates movement, mindfulness, and body-based awareness to support connection and regulation. She is passionate about creating spaces where therapists can slow down, reconnect, and restore. Melissa lives in Joshua Tree and shares her home with a cat known for delivering an impressive stink eye and who has made it very clear she has no interest in assisting with therapy.

@the_desert_therapist

Monica McNeeley, LCSW

Monica is a therapist trained in EMDR who integrates somatic, nature, and creativity into her work. She is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant and has been practicing for nearly two decades. She believes therapists deserve the same level of care they offer their clients. Monica loves all things purple, gold, and sparkly and is often described as neurospicy and sparkly.

@find.balance.with.monica

Is This For You?

Discover If It's a Good Fit

This retreat is designed for therapists who are seeking:

✓ Space to slow down and reflect outside of the demands of daily practice
✓ Connection with other clinicians in a supportive and collaborative setting
✓ Opportunities for both personal renewal and professional growth
✓ Time in nature in a restorative retreat environment
✓ Intermediate to advanced experiential learning with continuing education

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a discovery conversation to learn more and explore whether the experience aligns with your personal and professional journey.

Schedule a Discovery Call

You'll be directed to a brief interest form to get started.

Accommodations

Available Rooms

Gaia Villa has five guest rooms available. Rooms are reserved as a group, so bring your colleagues, friends, or fellow therapists and experience the retreat together. Every room includes the full retreat experience: all programming, activities, catered meals, and a welcome gift.

3 Available
Room for 2

Room for 2

Available

Sleeps 2 guests • 3 rooms of this type

An intimate room designed for two people. Ideal for attending with a friend, colleague, or partner and sharing the retreat experience together.

  • Accommodates 2 guests
  • Full retreat programming & activities
  • All catered meals during the retreat
  • Welcome gift for each guest
$2,900 / per person Early bird: $2,700 (before June 30)
Schedule a Discovery Call
Room for 3

Room for 3

Available

Sleeps 3 guests • 1 room available

A spacious room for a group of three. Perfect for friends or colleagues who want to experience the retreat together.

  • Accommodates 3 guests
  • Full retreat programming & activities
  • All catered meals during the retreat
  • Welcome gift for each guest
$2,900 / per person Early bird: $2,700 (before June 30)
Schedule a Discovery Call
Room for 4

Room for 4

Available

Sleeps 4 guests • 1 room available

Our largest room, ideal for a group of four who want to attend the retreat together and share the experience.

  • Accommodates 4 guests
  • Full retreat programming & activities
  • All catered meals during the retreat
  • Welcome gift for each guest
$2,900 / per person Early bird: $2,700 (before June 30)
Schedule a Discovery Call

Travelling Solo?

Rooms are reserved as a group, but we may be able to match solo attendees with other participants who are open to sharing a room. If you're interested in attending on your own, when you attend a discovery call let us know and we'll do our best to coordinate room options.

Payment is due at the time of registration unless a payment plan has been discussed in advance. All payments are non-refundable. Pricing includes retreat programming, yoga sessions, lodging at Gaia Villa, catered meals, and shared retreat experiences.

Next Steps

How to Sign Up

Pool with desert rock waterfall Yoga under the outdoor pavilion Hot tub with mountain views Dining room with adobe fireplace Hammocks under pergola Cold plunge tub Rooftop patio Living room with loft Stone pathway Loft bedroom Backyard pergola Stone labyrinth Pool with desert rock waterfall Yoga under the outdoor pavilion Hot tub with mountain views Dining room with adobe fireplace Hammocks under pergola Cold plunge tub

The Property

Gaia Villa Amenities

Pool & Hot Tub

Relax poolside or soak under the stars with panoramic desert views.

Yoga Pavilion

An outdoor yoga space surrounded by the natural beauty of the desert.

Cold Plunge

Invigorate your practice with a cold plunge, set against open desert views.

Stone Labyrinth

Walk the on-site labyrinth for meditative reflection and grounding.

Rooftop Patio

Take in sweeping views and starlit skies from the private rooftop.

Communal Spaces

Cozy living areas, dining room, hammocks, and pergola seating.

Stay in Touch

Get Information about our Future Retreats

Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When does the retreat start and end?

Check-in begins Tuesday at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner and a welcome gathering.

The retreat concludes Sunday morning, with check-out at 9:30 am PT. You are welcome to head home or extend your time in Joshua Tree for the weekend.

What is the food situation?

All meals are prepared by our amazing Chef Mike. You will have the opportunity to share any dietary needs in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

What is not included?

Travel to and from the retreat is not included, along with any off-site activities during free time.

Optional services, such as massage, may be available if there is interest. These would be arranged separately and paid for individually.

Where exactly is the retreat located?

A beautiful private retreat just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. The exact address will be shared after booking.

What are the room and sleeping arrangements?

Rooms are shared, with 2 to 4 beds per room.

Do I need to come with a group or can I come alone?

Book with a therapist bestie or coworker! If you want to attend solo, let us know during the discovery call and we will do our best to thoughtfully match room arrangements.

What airport should I fly into?

The closest airports are Palm Springs (PSP), Ontario (ONT), and Los Angeles (LAX). Palm Springs is the most convenient, located about one hour from Joshua Tree.

Is this considered therapy?

No. This retreat is not therapy and does not replace individual or group therapy. It is a professional, experiential retreat focused on reflection, connection, and learning.

What is the payment structure?

Full payment is due at the time of booking or personalized payment plans are available upon request.

What is the weather like in Joshua Tree in September?

September in Joshua Tree is typically warm to hot during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evening. Daytime temperatures often range from the high 80s to low 100s, so we recommend bringing light layers, sun protection, and comfortable clothing for both indoor and outdoor activities.

What is the cancellation policy?

All bookings are final and non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance.