About
Is This Retreat Right for You?
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to feel anxious, exhausted, and stretched too thin. Our One Day Retreat at Mountain Shadows in Forest Hill, CA is designed for people who never get a moment to care for themselves.
Spend a full day in nature.
Release stress instantly through guided meditation, gentle yoga, and sound healing.
Recharge your mind and body with practical techniques you can use every day in a supportive group setting, led by experienced licensed clinicians.
Regain clarity and calm in a supportive, quiet environment. By the end of the day, you will leave feeling lighter, refreshed, and noticeably less stressed.
Give yourself the time and space you deserve.
“The retreat holds a special memory for me, and it was a beautiful experience”-Anonymous, 2022 retreat attendee
Meet The Team
Maytte Hernandez
I am a Certified Holistic Healing Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals release, realign, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through sound medicine, intentional rhythm, and guided energetic work, I support clients in moving stagnant emotions, clearing old patterns, and opening space for transformation.
My approach blends intuitive wisdom, trauma-sensitive practices, and grounding techniques to help people feel safe, supported, and deeply seen. I have experience working with individuals navigating stress, emotional heaviness, spiritual challenges, and life transitions.
My style is nurturing, honest, gentle, and empowering. Healing happens when we create room for truth, expression, and embodiment.
Jesse Ngu, PSY.D., LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping clients understand their challenges and feel empowered to create meaningful change. Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, I focus on the connection between thoughts and emotions to support healing and growth. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. My style is supportive, empathic, direct, and transparent, offering a safe and open space to explore your goals. In our work together, we’ll maintain honest communication, track your progress, and address barriers with a deep sense of understanding and care, making you feel truly supported.
Arianna Gonzalez,
LMFT
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I bring over 15 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, culturally affirming, and deeply collaborative, I draw from Attachment Theory, CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Informed Care to provide therapy that is both compassionate and practical. As a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist, my journey into mental health was shaped by a commitment to increasing access for communities often overlooked in traditional care. I strive to create a safe, grounding space where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change.
One-Day Retreat Itinerary
A full day of restoration, connection, and inner healing
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Check-In
Arrive at Mountain Shadows Retreat, a facility set in a peaceful forest setting, and ease into the day at your own pace. Enjoy herbal tea and light refreshments, time to settle in, meet the retreat team, and grab your retreat materials. The check-in creates a sense of safety, intention, and presence, allowing your nervous system to slow down and prepare for the day.
What you’ll gain:
• A calm, supportive start
• Feeling welcomed and held
• Clear intentions for your day
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Sound Bowl Meditation
Experience a deeply restorative sound-healing session facilitated by Maytte, an experienced facilitator. Maytte uses crystal singing bowls and other therapeutic instruments. The vibrations help calm the nervous system, quiet mental chatter, and release stored tension in the body.
No meditation experience required, simply lie down or find a comfortable seat and receive.
What you'll gain:
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Deep relaxation
• Improved emotional regulation
A soothing sound-healing session to calm the nervous system, release tension, and open the space for deep reflection.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Morning Yoga Flow
A gentle yoga practice designed for everybody to help you reconnect with your body in a safe and supportive way. Movements are slow, mindful, and adaptable for all levels, including beginners. Weather permitting, the yoga flow will be facilitated in a dry outdoor space with a beautiful view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
What you'll gain:
• Release physical tension
• Improve body awareness
• Increase energy without overwhelmed.
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Break
Light snacks, hydration, and solo grounding time.
1:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Stress Management Group Workshop
This interactive, therapist-led workshop focuses on practical tools for managing daily stress and emotional overwhelm. You’ll learn skills that you can use immediately in real-life situations.
Topics include:
• Breathwork for nervous system regulation
• Cognitive and mindfulness tools to reduce anxious thinking
• Strategies to prevent burnout and restore balance
What you’ll leave with:
• Practical coping skills
• Increased emotional awareness
• Tools you can use at home or work
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Releasing overwhelm and cultivating balance
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
Explorer Forest Hills restaurants and beautiful views.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Journaling & Self-Reflection Session
Facilitated by our experienced psychologist, this will encourage and support you in reconnecting with your inner voice, clarifying your emotions, and exploring your personal intentions through journaling. This is a gentle, private practice, no sharing required.
What you'll gain:
• Emotional clarity
• Deeper self-connection
• Insight into personal goals and needs
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Group Connection Activity
During this session, guests are invited to choose the experience that best supports their needs in the moment. Both options are designed to foster connection, grounding, and a sense of belonging—without pressure to speak or participate beyond your comfort level.
Option 1: Mindful Nature Walk
A slow, guided walk through the surrounding forest, emphasizing present-moment awareness and sensory grounding. Participants are invited to notice breath, movement, sounds, and the natural environment. This practice supports nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and gentle connection with others through shared presence.
Benefits include:
• Reduced stress and mental fatigue
• Increased grounding and calm
• A deeper sense of connection to nature and self
Option 2: Campfire Connection Circle
For those who prefer stillness, guests may choose to sit near a warm campfire in a quiet, supportive group setting. This space offers an opportunity for reflection, optional sharing, and mindful listening. Gentle prompts may be offered, though speaking is always optional. Simply being present is enough.
Benefits include:
• Emotional grounding and comfort
• A sense of safety and community
• Reflection and integration of the day’s experiences
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Break
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Workshop
Facilitated by one of our experienced therapists, learn practical tools to manage intense emotions, respond rather than react, and stay grounded during life’s challenges. Techniques are drawn from mindfulness-based and evidence-informed practices.
You’ll learn how to:
• Recognize stress responses
• Calm your nervous system
• Build emotional resilience
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Cacao Ceremony & Closing Circle
A heart-opening cacao ritual to integrate the day, honor personal growth, and end in gratitude and connection.
What's Included
Discover growth and connection through our guided group sessions, with flexible options to fit your schedule and personal needs. Each gathering offers a safe, supportive space to release stress, build resilience, and nurture inner peace—guided by Licensed Therapists and Certified Practitioners.
Take an empowering step toward your well-being.
Reserve your spot today.
Entire Itinerary Included
(Lunch not provided)
The following insurance are accepted:
Aetna
Blue Cross California
Direct Pay: $150 day retreat
Payment plan available upon request
Cancellations, Refunds and Reschedule
We understand that life happens, and sometimes plans change. To help our group run smoothly and fairly for everyone, we ask that you give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a group session. Cancellations must be sent in writing by email to therapygonzalez@gmail.com to Arianna. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the session, we’re not able to offer a refund or credit. If you decide to withdraw from the group seven or more days before the first session, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. If you withdraw within seven days of the start date, you’ll receive a 50% refund. Once the group has started, no refunds are available, except in emergency situations, which may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Because groups have limited spots, missed sessions can’t be refunded or rescheduled, though you may request a brief check-in with the facilitator if possible. If the group is ever canceled by the facilitator or agency, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to transfer your payment to a future group. This policy is designed to keep things fair, transparent, and supportive for all participants.
April 2026