Nestled in the picturesque Międzychód-Sieraków Lake District, DOM Łowyń is surrounded by rolling forested hills and pristine waters. This region, often called the “land of a hundred lakes,” is home to countless hidden ponds and crystal-clear lakes, including our own—Lake Głębokie—untouched and embraced by nature. Nearby, scenic meadows and wooded trails offer perfect spots for reflection and exploration. Just a short walk away, guests can visit a horse stable and a sauna complex, while the charming village of Łowyń, 2 km away, provides local essentials.
Family Secrets & Shame Retreat in Poland with Mary Kruger
Join us on a 4-day retreat set by a lake in a Polish forest on 25 – 28 September 2025. Embark on a journey for deep healing of a family-related shame using IFS therapy, Breathwork and other somatic practices. Guided by an IFS Lead Trainer, Mary Kruger.
Sign up (25.09 – 1.10.2025)8 Reasons to join this journey
4-day immersion by the Polish lake
Nestled in in Poland’s Lake District, this retreat lies amid timeless glacial landscapes, where lush forests and glistening lakes offer a peaceful sanctuary. Here, time slows down, inviting deep connection with nature – whether through quiet mornings by the water, walks along rolling hills or relaxing water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
A 2-hour drive from the Berlin airport (BER), and a 1-hour drive from the Poznan airport (POZ). Airport transfers are provided within the retreat price.
Inner journey
This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation, with the Internal Family Systems model serving as its guiding framework. Our program is a unique combination of daily teaching and guided experiential processes, somatic embodiment practices (movement, dance, breathwork, sound bath), local excursions (kayaking, forest bathing), and unscheduled integration time.
Unique venue
Tucked away by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Głębokie, this lakeside retreat center is a haven of peace. With a private shoreline, hammocks by the water, and sun-dappled clearings, Dom Łowyń offers space to unwind. A spacious studio hosts movement sessions and gatherings, while cozy rooms with panoramic views blur the line between indoors and nature. Every detail is designed for rest, reflection, and inspiration.
Small group
Our small group retreat experience (20 participants) fosters intimacy and meaningful connections, enabling more personalized and resonant interactions. This setting ensures every voice is heard, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual support, ideal for personal growth and fostering empathy among participants.
Mary Kruger
You will be guided by Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT is a Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Supervisor, and an IFS Senior Lead Trainer who has been engaged in the field of addictions, eating disorders, trauma, and personal growth; with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over thirty years.
Nourishing Polish Cuisine
Pre- and Post-Retreat Support
Pre-retreat support: Once you sign up, you’ll receive instant access to Mary Kruger’s on-demand course, IFS in Group Settings, as well as a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski. Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles—held one month and two months after the retreat—to help you deepen and integrate your experience.
A balanced program
These 4 days are a time for deep insight and inner work, as well as a time for rest, restoration and healing. You will take a deep break from your busy life – this will be time only for YOU. You will have the chance to rest in a hammock by the lake, go for a swim, take a walk in a beautiful forest or enjoy some relaxing water sports.
The retreat begins on Thursday at 3:00 PM and concludes on Sunday at 3:00 PM, requiring you to take only two days off work.
This was my first retreat and, in every way, it exceeded my expectations. From inquiry and registration to group sessions and excursions, I felt incredibly heard, cared for, and nurtured. The location was beautiful and the staffing so attentive.
Treisha Peterson, Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Bali, April 2023
Watch what Mary has to say about this retreat
Uncovering Hidden Burdens
Have you ever had to hold something close to your heart? A family secret that you could not acknowledge or share due to fear, shame and/or loyalty? What have you had to sacrifice to hold the secret? How have you adapted? What do parts of you hold? How many family secrets are held by your clients?
Family secrets can arise in your current family, your childhood family, and/or from prior generations as a way of survival. Secret keeping often arises out of fear and shame to protect ourselves and our family members from judgement, harm, community exile, and even death. In order to maintain secrets, certain spoken and unspoken rules arise in the family. Our parts absorb and follow those rules to maintain balance in the family system. As a result, we are burdened by a deep sense of shame and worthlessness, which keeps us from embracing our true essential self.
During this retreat, you will be invited to explore the nature, source, and impact of your family’s secrets in a safe and trusting environment. We will embark on a journey together designed to free you of the shameful burden of secrets you may have had to hold.
In our time together, you will also learn how to recognize family secrets in your clients’ systems, address them, and help your clients heal from the shame connected to them.
Together, we will:
- Discover the roots of the secrets you have held,
- Discover your family’s roles and rules designed to maintain the secrets,
- Come to see how the secrets served your family,
- Explore the ways your parts have had to adapt to maintain the secrets,
- Heal the vulnerable parts that have had to hold shame and worthlessness,
- Embrace who you were truly meant to be,
- Identify similar patterns of secrecy and shame in clients,
- Learn tools to help clients work with protective and exiled parts that have internalized shame, secrecy, or family loyalty dynamics,
- Support clients in releasing shame and strengthening self-leadership.
Through gentle and loving experiences, this retreat will offer a pathway to healing.
During this retreat…
After organizing and facilitating more than 30 retreats, we know how to design an experience that will have a lasting impact on you. During this retreat you will:
- You will be guided by an IFS Lead Trainer Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT.
- You will join healers and seekers from all over the world equally as passionate about IFS therapy and inner healing.
- You will experience multiple ways of discovering and exploring your internal system – IFS therapy, breathwork, small group exercises, dance/movement, and more.
- You will acquire new therapy tools and skills; you will return to life and work embodying more Self-energy.
- You will enjoy a variety of unique excursions and local experiences as a part of the retreat package: a kayaking trip, forest bath, sound healing with tibetan gongs.
- Additional optional excursions will be available, such as visiting a winery with wine tasting or going to a seaside.
- You will be immersed in beauty and nature, interact with like-minded mental health professionals and enjoy healthy whole food.
- You will unplug, relax, laugh and play, charging your body’s internal batteries.
- You will experience the magic of retreat: simple living, daily spiritual practices, guided meditations and teaching, gentle movement and facilitated Breathwork.
All of this, and much more will be a part of our 4-day Family Secrets & Shame IFS Retreat in Poland. We will co-create a safe space for exploring our parts with a support of an experienced guide.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for professionals familiar with Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) who wish to deepen their personal and professional practice.
If you finished at least a 2-day introduction to IFS (or another online workshop or course), you are welcome to sign up. If you didn’t do any IFS workshops yet, we will share a 12-day online course “Introduction to Internal Family Systems” with you, for free (created by Michael Pasterski). Going through this course will provide you with a base of knowledge to join this retreat.
This retreat is mainly for:
- IFS-informed practitioners, seekers, therapists,
- Medical and mental health practitioners who want to grow their skills in working with shame, family secrets and intergenerational trauma,
- Healing practitioners who want to pause and tend to their own systems,
- Curious practitioners who want to explore the body’s potential to heal when attended to with Presence, space and time.
Meet the Teacher
Mary Kruger
Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT, is a Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Supervisor, and an IFS Lead Trainer. She founded Rimmon Pond Counseling, LLC, an IFS-based group practice located in the New Haven, Ct. area. She offers private therapy, consultations and workshops nationally and internationally through her newly established New Paths Counseling & Consulting. LLC.
Mary envisioned & created the IFS L2 Training for Addictions and Eating Disorders several years ago. She is also a clinician for the CT Military Support Program.
She has been working in the field of addictions, eating disorders, trauma and personal growth with individuals, couples, families and groups for over thirty years.
Mary enjoys engaging with people; and sharing her experiences in fun and creative ways. She is particularly inspired and receives much joy from time spent with her family and friends, as well as three cats.
Experiences
As part of the retreat package, we have put together some incredible experiences for you to enjoy. These experiences are designed to support the inner work by engaging the body, senses, and spirit beyond the workshop space.
Here are some of the scheduled experiences:
Drum Circle
The drum circle provides a shared experience of rhythm and sound in a welcoming, collaborative setting. Participants are invited to engage at their own pace, exploring how movement and music create a sense of community and expression.
Sound Healing
Sound Healing is a sound-based meditation where the vibrations of the gongs and bowls create an immersive and calming atmosphere. This session offers a chance to relax deeply, with the resonant tones often evoking a sense of balance and inner stillness.
An Evening by the Fire
As the sun sets, we’ll gather around a warm, crackling fire for a relaxed evening together. Whether sharing stories, enjoying the quiet presence of the group, or simply watching the flames dance, this time offers a chance to unwind and connect in a cozy, natural setting.
Silent Walks in the Forest
Guided, morning walks through the forest invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. We will be walking slowly, in silence. Breathing in the fresh, earthy air, feeling the softness of the moss underfoot, and listening to the rustling leaves, this experience provides a quiet space for restoration and connection with the natural world.
Water Activities
Techniques & Modalities
Our retreats are designed to integrate various approaches and modalities. This program was carefully crafted as a joint effort of the IFS Lead Trainer Mary Kruger and Michał Pasterski, the founder of Life Architect and program director for all retreats we offer.
What you will learn:
- Through mapping and parts work, you will explore the roots of family secrets from an IFS perspective.
- You will be able to identify the beliefs that your protective parts hold about maintaining these secrets.
- You will discover the family rules that your inner system has organized around and understand what it has been like for your parts to uphold them.
- You will work with protective parts, uncover their fears, and learn to negotiate with them to gain permission to heal the associated shame. By listening to the narratives of exiles, you will explore the profound impact of shame on your inner system.
- You will guide the healing of your exiles who carry this deep sense of shame through various experiential exercises and the unburdening process.
- As you release limiting beliefs and shame, you will cultivate greater harmony, balance, and self-leadership within your system.
- Through exercises designed to relax protective parts, you will learn to relate more compassionately and understandingly to your family.
- Hearing about various case examples will enhance your ability to assist clients in navigating family loyalty conflicts and secrecy.
- By observing live demonstrations by Mary Kruger, you will learn practical IFS techniques for supporting clients in unburdening hidden shame.
- You will learn to identify and address secrecy and shame in your clients’ internal systems.
Experiential Learning Approach
This retreat will immerse you in dynamic learning experiences, including:
Guided meditations to cultivate self-awareness and connect with inner experiences.
Interactive mapping exercises to explore internal systems and personal narratives.
Creative expression through art, music, and movement to access non-verbal insight.
Experiential demonstrations to model techniques and deepen understanding.
Hands-on sculpting activities to externalize and engage with inner parts.
Inspirations & Influences
Here’s a list of inspirations that Mary Kruger drew from in creating this retreat:
- Evan Imber Black – Family Secrets
- John Bradshaw – Healing the Shame that Binds you.
- Monica McGoldrick – Ethnicity
- Fogarty & Guerin – Intergenerational work
- The Woman’s Project
- Family Constellations – Bert Hellinger
- Daniel Foor – Ancestral Medicine
- Resmaa Menakem – My Grandmother’s Hands
Conscious Connected Breathwork
Conscious Connected Breathwork will be an essential part of this retreat. It’s a powerful and safe way to get in touch with our inner body intelligence. It activates and facilitates the healing process by calming the thinking / rational mind (our protector parts) and allowing for our emotions to surface.
With guided support, allowing emotions and other experiences of mind and body can be highly transformative. The practice of connected breathing causes shifts in our physiology and will enable us to explore altered states of consciousness.
We will practice Conscious Connected Breathwork in a group setting, lying on comfortable mattresses. Your process will last for around 60-90 minutes and will be fully guided by a certified breathwork facilitator.
The essence of this practice may be different to each group member. For some it will be the integration of previous experiences and closure, for others it may be deepening of the work done during the retreat, or experiencing embodied connection to heart and Self.
Example day schedule
Each day of the retreat will be varied and unique to incorporate the workshops, somatic practices, free time, excursions and more. Below is a sample schedule. Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group’s needs.
8:00 – 8:30
Silent Walk in the Forest
8:30 – 9:30
Breakfast
9:30 – 13:30
Workshops with Mary Kruger
13:30 – 14:30
Lunch
14:30 – 16:00
Free time / Water Activities
16:00 – 18:00
Breathwork
18:00 – 19:00
Dinner
19:00 – 21:30
Sound Healing & Sharing Circle
Are you interested in this retreat but want to get to know the lead teacher first? Get a free 3-day access to Mary Kruger’s on-demand course, IFS in Group Settings, before committing to the retreat.
The Venue
Dom Łowyń
Surroundings
Life changing. Absolutely wonderful all the way around from start to finish! I was so impressed with the overall experience I will definitely consider doing another retreat with Life Architect again!
Holle McRae, IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024
Retreat details
- Accommodation at Dom Łowyń (3 nights/4 days)
- Full board (3 meals a day)
- Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat, including sweets and desserts
- Transfer from the Berlin airport (BER) or the Poznan airport (POZ) to Dom Łowyń (on the day of check-in)
- Transfer from Dom Łowyń to the Berlin airport (BER) or the Poznan airport (POZ) on the day of check-out
- Activities described in the “Trips and experiences” section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)
- Pre-retreat support: Once you sign up, you’ll receive instant access to Mary Kruger’s on-demand course, IFS in Group Settings, as well as a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski.
- Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles—held one month and two months after the retreat—to help you deepen and integrate your experience.
- Airfares
- Individual/personal insurance
- One meal during a visit in a local restaurant
Why does the price of the retreat not include airfares? Because it is difficult to predict the cost of all flights, since participants come from all over the world. In addition, the airline ticket prices vary depending on the time of purchase, which will differ for each participant.
You don’t need to take any extra money with you, as you will be provided with everything (food, water, tourist attractions entrance tickets). However, you may take under consideration the possibility of buying souvenirs.
To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a deposit of 700 USD.
Please note: The deposit is non-refundable.
There are three payment options:
- Credit or debit card,
- Transferring money to our Wise account,
- A traditional bank transfer.
Please note that if you choose to pay the deposit, you must pay the remaining amount within 60 days.
The final payment deadline is the 10th of August 2025.
Installments
It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the deposit, in the amount of 700 USD. It’s payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within three months; however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).
According to our General Terms and Conditions, a non-refundable deposit of 700 USD is required to secure your spot on the retreat. In the case of resignation, the deposit will not be refunded. Also, the following refund terms apply to the remaining balance after the deposit:
- 50% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made between 45 and 69 days before the event start date.
- 10% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made 44 days or less before the event start date.
The amount will be returned the same way the payment was made.
If you have to resign, but you will indicate another person to fill in the vacated spot, this person will be able to participate without incurring any additional costs.
We don’t take responsibility for the necessity to move the dates of the retreat due to the sickness of the trainers or other unexpected events that we are accountable for. If you won’t be able to attend on chosen dates, then we will refund you 100% of the amount you paid.
In the unlikely events of a natural disaster, war or other unexpected events that we are not accountable for, we may not be able to refund your money. To avoid losing money, please buy personal insurance including such events.
We are not accountable for cancelling or moving the flight dates. Please buy flight insurance in order not to lose the money for your flight.
All rooms are double (twin) rooms with a bathroom. There are no single rooms.
The retreat begins on Thursday at 3:00 PM and concludes on Wednesday at 3:00 PM. You can sign up only for the 4-day journey with Mary Kruger, which ends on Sunday at 3:00 PM, requiring you to take only two days off work.
Day 1 (25th of September)
The day of participants’ arrival and lodging at Dom Łowyń (accommodation possible from 3:00 pm).
Those who come to Poland earlier must arrange accommodation and board on their own. You can check with us if Dom Łowyń is available for check-in a day or two before the retreat starts.
Those arriving in Berlin or Poznan on the first day of the retreat will be provided with a free transfer from the airport to Dom Łowyń.
Day 2-3
Workshops (4 hours each day), excursions, group experiences.
Day 4 (28th of September)
Last day of the retreat. 4 hours of workshops. The retreat finishes at 3:00 pm.
Days 5-7
For those who want to stay longer, we offer a 3-day program focused on somatic experiences and nature immersion led by various facilitators. You will find more info about this program on the bottom of that page. This additional program is taking place at the same retreat center and it finishes on Wednesday (1st of October) at 3:00 pm. Only participants from our retreat group are allowed to join this program.
Each day of the retreat will be varied and unique to incorporate the workshops, somatic practices, free time, excursions and more. Here is a sample schedule:
- 8:00 – 8:30 / Silent Walk in the Forest
- 8:30 – 9:30 / Breakfast
- 9:30 – 13:30 / Workshop
- 13:30 – 14:30 / Lunch
- 14:30 – 16:00 / Free time / Water Activities
- 16:00 – 18:00 / Breathwork
- 18:00 – 19:00 / Dinner
- 19:00 – 21:30 / Sound Healing & Sharing Circle
Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group’s needs.
During our retreats, we prioritize the well-being of all participants while maintaining a relaxed and supportive environment. We trust in everyone’s personal responsibility to contribute to a safe and mindful space. Below, we outline our approach to health and wellness during our retreats.
Before the Retreat
- If you are feeling unwell before the retreat (e.g., fever, persistent cough, body aches, or any other symptoms of a contagious illness), we kindly ask you to stay at home for the well-being of the group.
- If you cannot attend because of illness, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer of your payment to another retreat only if we can find a replacement to fill your spot. Otherwise, the fee is non-transferable. However, you may use all of your payment towards Life Architect’s live and on-demand online workshops. Our library has more than 30 on-demand workshops (hundreds of hours) for mental health professionals.
- We do not require proof of vaccination or negative test results. However, if you have been recently exposed to someone with a contagious illness or are experiencing mild symptoms, we encourage you to act responsibly before travelling.
During the Retreat
- If you begin to feel unwell during the retreat, we encourage you to listen to your body—rest, hydrate, and inform our team if you need support.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or other concerning signs, we expect you to inform the team immediately and wear a mask in communal spaces and group activities to minimize the spread of illness.
- We will have masks available for those who need them.
Respect for Each Other
- Our retreat is built on mindfulness and collective well-being. Please be considerate of others, especially those who may be more cautious about health concerns.
- We encourage open communication—if you have any concerns about your well-being or that of others, please feel free to speak with our team.
This policy is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive retreat experience. Thank you for helping us create a mindful and healthy space for everyone!
After signing up for the Family Secrets & Shame Retreat in Poland you will be provided with a guide in PDF format, full of practical information on how to pack wisely for the retreat, what to do prior to the travel to avoid the so-called “jet lag” (time-zone change fatigue) and where to buy a ticket at a good price, and last but not least, what is worth seeing in Italy if you plan to arrive earlier or stay longer after the retreat is completed.
The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.
For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 10 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 30 days before the retreat.
Sign up for the Family Secrets & Shame Retreat in Poland
Date:
25 – 28 September 2025
4 days
Trainer
Mary Kruger
$2170
This price includes: Accommodation (Twin Ensuite), 3 meals a day, IFS workshops, Trips & experiences and Airport transfers.
Book your spot
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta.
Please note that your place will be officially reserved only after making a deposit of 700 USD. This deposit is non-refundable.
3-day Nature & Somatic Immersion
Stay for 3 more days and continue enjoying the beautiful space of Dom Łowyń. We have prepared an additional 3-day program of nature immersion and somatic practices led by various facilitators. It’s a wonderful way to integrate and deepen the work you will do with Mary Kruger, as well as relax and recharge.
Here are the scheduled experiences:
A TRE workshop
Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) have been developed by Dr. David Berceli in the early 2000s. By engaging in gentle trembling and shaking exercises, TRE activates the body’s natural stress and trauma release mechanisms, allowing for emotional and physical release. This workshop will last for 2 hours and will be followed by a sharing circle.
A Kayaking Trip
During this exciting trip, we will glide through the serene waters of a river on a kayaks, blending gentle movement with stunning natural scenery. Paddling at a relaxed pace, you’ll have time to take in the surrounding forests, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river.
The Alchemy of Movement
In this embodied movement session, we’ll explore the wisdom of the body through intuitive, expressive dance. Guided by gentle prompts and spacious music, you’ll be invited to move freely, reconnect with yourself, and express what words often cannot. This is a safe, nurturing space to release tension, awaken creativity, and invite a sense of inner harmony and presence.
Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing
Step into the quiet embrace of the forest for a guided Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) experience. Moving slowly and mindfully, you’ll engage all your senses to connect with nature in a deeper, more present way. Through gentle guidance, you’ll be invited to slow down, breathe with the trees, and let the natural world restore your body, mind, and spirit.
Guided Forest Hike
Sign up for the full 7-day retreat experience
The details and price below is for the full 7-day retreat experience – the 4-day Family Secrets & Shame Retreat with Mary Kruger and the 3-day Nature & Somatic Immersion led by various facilitators.
Date:
25.09 – 1.10.2025
7 days
Trainer
Mary Kruger
$3140
This price includes: Accommodation for 6 nights (Twin Ensuite), 3 meals a day, IFS workshops, Scheduled experiences and Airport transfers.
Book your spot
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta.
Please note that your place will be officially reserved only after making a deposit of 1000 USD. This deposit is non-refundable.
Read reviews about our retreats
Contact us
Daria Szychta
Travel manager
or call us +48 500 700 857
8:00 am – 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)
3:00 am – 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)