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 • 10–12 Therapists • Intimate Group • 7 CE Units 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

Your Hosts

Meet Melissa & Monica

Melissa Grisi and Monica McNeeley standing beside a Joshua tree in the desert

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 over 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

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 Information

7 CE units — see the flyer for each CE listed below. Psychologists and therapists from other states will need to verify eligibility with their licensing boards.

The Art of Resourcing: Creative Tools for Trauma Therapy

Discover creative, trauma-informed approaches to helping clients build and strengthen internal resources. Through expressive arts and experiential learning, you'll explore practical resourcing techniques that support regulation, resilience, and trauma recovery across therapeutic modalities.

The Embodied Therapist: Somatic Practices for Self-Care, Presence, and Resilience

Strengthen your capacity to stay present, regulated, and connected in your clinical work. This experiential workshop introduces practical somatic strategies to support therapist well-being, therapeutic presence, and sustainable practice.

Somatic Pathways to Rest: Trauma-Informed Tools for Sleep Support

Explore the relationship between trauma, the nervous system, and sleep through a trauma-informed, somatic lens. Learn practical interventions that can be integrated into psychotherapy to support regulation and address sleep-related concerns.

Cultivating Intentional Engagement in Therapy and Professional Community

Reconnect with the values and intentions that guide your work through creative reflection and shared community experiences. This experiential workshop explores how intentional engagement can deepen professional connection, well-being, and sustainability.

Learning the Language of the Nervous System with the Window of Tolerance

Build confidence using the Window of Tolerance as a practical framework for assessment and intervention. Learn to recognize nervous system states and match regulation strategies that support effective, trauma-informed clinical care.

Tentative Schedule

Tuesday, 9/01/26

Evening

  • Check-In
  • Soak in the Desert Magic
  • Connect Around the Dinner Table
  • Welcome, Intention Setting, Connecting and Fun
Wednesday, 9/02/26

Morning

  • Rise with the Sun or Honor Your Rest
  • Move Your Body (stretch, walk, yoga)
  • Savor a Good Meal
  • Experiential CE Workshop

Midday

  • Self/Community Time
  • Space for Creativity, Community, Rest
  • Experiential CE Workshop

Evening

  • Soak in the Desert Magic
  • Connect Around the Dinner Table
  • Yoga for Sleep
Thursday, 9/03/26

Morning

  • Rise with the Sun or Honor Your Rest
  • Move Your Body (stretch, walk, yoga)
  • Savor a Good Meal
  • Experiential CE Workshop

Midday

  • Self/Community Time
  • Space for Creativity, Community, Rest
  • Experiential CE Workshop

Evening

  • Soak in the Desert Magic
  • Connect Around the Dinner Table
  • Sound Bath
Friday, 9/04/26

Morning

  • Rise with the Sun or Honor Your Rest
  • Move Your Body (stretch, walk, yoga)
  • Savor a Good Meal
  • Closing Activity
  • Pack Up + Check Out
Morning — Arrive & Ground: Rise with the Sun or Honor Your Rest, Move Your Body (stretch, walk, yoga), Journal & Set Intentions, Savor a Good Meal Midday — Connection & Learning: Experiential Learning in Community, Be Creative & Follow Your Curiosity, Share Meaningful Conversation & Laughter, Pause, Rest & Integrate Evening — Joy & Restoration: Wander the Property (pool, hammock, labyrinth), Soak in the Desert Magic, Connect Around the Dinner Table, Sacred Pause (sound bath, yoga)

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

Accommodations

Available Rooms

Gaia Villa has a limited number of guest rooms available. Shared rooms are reserved as a group — bring your colleagues, friends, or fellow therapists and experience the retreat together — or book a private room all to yourself. Every room includes the full retreat experience: all programming, activities, catered meals, and a welcome gift.

2 1 Available
Private room

Private Room

Available

Sleeps 1 guest • 2 rooms 1 room left

A room all to yourself. Perfect if you'd like your own private space to rest, reflect, and recharge during the retreat.

  • Private room for 1 guest
  • Full retreat programming & activities
  • All catered meals during the retreat
  • Welcome gift for each guest
$2,310
Schedule a Discovery Call
2 1 Available
Room for 2

Room for 2

Available

Sleeps 2 guests • 2 rooms 1 room left

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
$2,100 per person
Schedule a Discovery Call
2 1 Available
Room for 3

Room for 3

Available

Sleeps 3 guests • 2 rooms 1 room left

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
$1,999 per person
Schedule a Discovery Call

Payment Details

$500 due at booking

Payment plans available

Available discounts include:

  • $100 off when booking with another person
  • 10% off when paying in full

A $500 payment is due at the time of booking, and payment plans are available. All payments are non-refundable. Pricing includes retreat programming, yoga sessions, lodging at Gaia Villa, catered meals, and shared retreat experiences.

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.

What's Next

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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 3 beds per room. A limited number of private rooms are also available.

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 once we are booked we will match you with another therapist coming!

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?

$500 is due at the time of booking, and 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.