Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal
Join us on a 7-day adventure to the beautiful Algarve in South Portugal and embark on a personal journey of self-discovery with Somatic IFS, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Breathwork, and more. Guided by Certified IFS Therapists Fran Booth LICSW and Karby Allington-Goldfain MA, LPC, LMFT.
7 Reasons to join this journey
Portugal's enchanting allure captivates every visitor. A gem on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal blends ancient traditions with modern charm. During this retreat you will experience its rich culture and explore stunning landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to lush vineyards, reconnecting with nature’s beauty.
This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation. Our program is a unique combination of daily teaching and guided experiential processes, somatic embodiment practices (movement, dance, breathwork, sound bath), local excursions (winery visit, Guided Star Gazing experience, hiking), and unscheduled integration time.
Monte Velho is a fabulous retreat centre set among wineries, with a view over the Atlantic Ocean. During our time the centre will be dedicated exclusively to our group. Accommodations include single and double rooms and a dorm. Casa das Pinhas is a spacious workshop area with a heated cork wood floor. Additionally, there is a SPA with a sauna, steam bath and a massage room.
Our small group retreat experience 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.
You will be guided by Fran Booth, LICSW, Certified IFS Therapist, IFS-I Lead Trainer, Author and Consultant, and Karby Allington-Goldfain, LPC, LMFT, Certified IFS Therapist, Somatic IFS staff, S-IFS and IFS Institute Consultant.
You will be provided with three delicious, healthy, vegan and vegetarian meals a day and 24-hour access to coffee, tea, lemonade and snacks, including sweets and desserts. The kitchen works with unprocessed foods, fresh and locally sourced, and they use herbs and vegetables from their own garden in Monte Velho, paying attention to the principles of Ayurveda.
This retreat is 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 book a massage, enjoy sauna, rest on a hammock, go for a relaxing walk by the ocean and witness breathtaking views of the cliffs.
Reconnecting with your Self
Do you seek a life filled with more natural joy, authentic expression and personal and professional fulfilment?
Seekers for centuries have chosen to “retreat” to respond to the human need and desire for healing, meaning and connection.
One of the most important aspects of a successful healing process is being able to truly connect with our Self, our bodymind and our parts. As we deepen our internal connections and our parts unburden, we heal and re-embody the original, intended state of safe, secure connection; our Self-energy flows.
The unburdening and healing of parts are possible when we have the right environment - a sacred space, spacious time, knowledgeable support and guidance.
Expert guidance, caring support, evidence-based somatic processes and a small, connected community - lead to a transformative healing and learning experience.
1. A healing space
It’s hard to deeply connect to your inner world in everyday life, with only a few short moments to look inside. And it’s difficult to hear what your parts have to say when there are numerous distractions.
What if you could leave the hustle and bustle of your daily life for one week? What if you could spend time in a remote destination, immersed in nature, with the time and attention to listen to your parts, to be with them and let them teach you what you need to know?
2. Expert guidance and evidence-based tools
We know, if you stay in your head, the analytical managers run the show. As Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk reminds us in “The Body Keeps the Score”, it is essential to include somatic practices if you want to facilitate deep healing and transformation in yourself and your clients.
During this retreat, you will receive expert guidance from two IFS leaders; you will explore and practice somatic interventions. You will discover and heal blocks to a richer, fuller embodiment of the organic aliveness within, Self-energy. You will leave with increased embodied Self-energy.
3. A circle of care and support
See yourself as a part of this group… like-minded humans who understand Self and parts, who have journeyed to a new land to create space to hold their personal system and each other’s parts. Like the nesting dolls, we will hold space for our inner system, we will hold space for those in our circle and we will be held in nature. Settle into the Layers of Self-energy.
All of this, and much more will be a part of our 7-day Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal. We will co-create a sacred space for exploring somatic modalities and creating a vibrant circle of seekers.
During this Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal...
After organizing and facilitating more than 30 retreats, we know how to design an experience that will have a lasting impact on you.
You will be guided by:
During this retreat you will:
- You will enjoy a variety of unique excursions and local experiences as a part of the retreat package: walking by the ocean cliffs, enjoying a drumming concert, guided star gazing, sound healing and more./li>
- Additional optional excursions will be available, such as visiting a nearby winery, dolphin watching or visiting Lagos.
- You will unplug, relax, laugh and play, charging your body’s internal batteries.
- Your system will be lovingly held within a larger field of Self-energy.
- You will be immersed in beauty and nature, interact with like-minded participants and enjoy healthy whole food.
- You will experience the magic of retreat: simple living, daily spiritual practices, guided meditations and teaching, periods of silence, gentle movement and facilitated Breathwork.
Who is this retreat for?
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a comprehensive integrative paradigm within which somatic practices naturally fit. This somatically focused retreat has as its foundation IFS and acquaintance with IFS is a prerequisite.
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 Somatic IFS and other somatic techniques,
- 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.
"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
Trips and experiences
As part of the retreat package, we have put together some incredible experiences for you to enjoy. During the retreat, we will stay in the Algarve region, renowned for its breathtaking coastline, featuring golden beaches, picturesque cliffs, and clear blue waters. It's also a hub of rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of historic architecture and traditional cuisine.
Here are some of the scheduled experiences:
We will embark on a breathtaking journey along Portugal's rugged coastline. This guided adventure offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serene ambiance of the seaside. We will experience the tranquil harmony of nature as we traverse these majestic cliffs.
During the Drum Live Concert we will move and groove with Ana Costa and her band Yemadas. This vibrant event features rhythmic beats and infectious energy, inviting you to dance your heart out. It's a celebration of music, movement, and joy, creating a memorable night of fun and festivity.
You'll get to experience a mesmerizing Star Gazing session under Portugal's clear night skies. This guided two-hour journey through the cosmos features captivating stories and legends about the constellations. Embrace the beauty of the universe as you learn about celestial wonders, making it an unforgettable part of your retreat.
We will experience the transformative power of Sound Healing, a meditative concert that uses special instruments to harmonize the body. This immersive session will provide a soothing escape, enveloping you in calming vibrations and frequencies designed to promote deep relaxation and inner peace.
We will explore the lush trails of the local Natural Park. This relaxing walk delves into the unique features and vegetation of the area, offering a deeper connection with the natural world. It's an ideal way to rejuvenate and appreciate the beauty of Portugal's landscapes.
Embodied IFS
This retreat will offer somatic practices within IFS to heal parts that may be hidden from conscious awareness.
Heal the Body, Heal the Soul.
As Susan McConnell, the creator of Somatic IFS says in her book Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy - "The unity of body and mind is more than a concept. it is a lived experience that transforms us and the culture as a whole.”
Susan’s five somatic practices are foundational to all somatic work and lead to a greater embodiment of Self-Energy.
We will integrate teachings and knowledge from the fields of:
- Somatic IFS
- Somatic Experiencing
- Focusing
- Polyvagal theory
- Breathwork
- Somatic Legacy Burdens
- And the field of medicine
We will offer experiential exercises and meditations to explore embryonic and somatic developmental patterns and their subsequent internal systemic impact.
We will extend Self-energy to multiple biological body systems and tissues. This retreat is designed to support you to discover and Presence (be with) parts in your personal system. Previous IFS work is important.
Conscious Connected Breathwork
Conscious Connected Breathwork will be an essential part of the integration phase. 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 mats in a circle. Your process will last for around 90-120 minutes and will be fully guided by Jan Buis, 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.
Experiential activities
And there is more. We will move our bodies and bring them the experiences they need the most. Here is a complete list of activities we will give space to during these 7 days:
- Workshops and a sharing circle
- Guided experiential exercises and small groups
- Conscious Connected Breathwork session
- Morning movement
- Dancing
- Drawing and journaling
- Sound healing with Tibetan gongs
- Meditation
- Supportive adjunctive healing bodywork
- Time in nature
- Silence practice
- Mindful eating
- Connections, relaxation, rest, play, fun
Example day schedule
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:
- 7:30 - 8:00 / Movement
- 8:00 - 9:00 / Breakfast
- 9:15 - 13:00 / Morning session
- 13:00 - 14:00 / Lunch
- 14:00 - 16:00 / Free time
- 16:00 - 19:00 / Excursion
- 19:00 - 20:00 / Dinner
- 20:00 - 21:30 / Evening session
Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group's needs.
Sign up for the 7-day Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal
The price below is for a shared double room. Click here for more information about the room availability and the price of different room options.
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PRICE
3270 USD
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DATES / 13 - 19 April 2025
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TEACHERS / Fran Booth & Karby Allington-Goldfain
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BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
Available rooms
The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Here are available room options with it's prices:
- A Tree House (1 spot) - $3,870
- A single room (5 spots) - $3,670
- A shared double room (12 spots) - $3,270
- A shared dorm with 6 beds (6 spots) - $2,970
Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose.
See what others say about Fran
Fran Booth is an IFS treasure. Her wisdom and depth of clinical experience shine through in her teaching.
Dr. Frank Anderson, Author, Psychiatrist, Speaker, Trauma Specialist
Fran embodies the IFS model with passion, wisdom, and clinical competence. A gifted teacher, she is clear, engaging, and insightful. She teaches to the head, heart, and soul in each of us. Find the time to learn from one of the best!
Jory Agate, MA, LMHC, MDiv. IFS trainer
See what others say about Karby
I absolutely loved having Karby as a facilitator. She has a beautiful, warm embodied presence that invited me and the entire group to breathe more fully, explore our parts and experience the true wisdom of the body.
Dr. Steve Chee, MD, MPH, MA, MTOM, LAc, Certified IFS Therapist
Karby is a gifted, warm and heart-centred facilitator whose smile lights up my face as I think of her. Her beautiful meditations and somatic practices bring the body and the group to life, providing a true container for transformation and release.
Risa Adams, MD and a Family Physician who is a Certified IFS Therapist and an IFS Approved Consultant
Retreat venue
Monte Velho Retreat Center is a fabulous retreat centre situated among wineries with a view to the Atlantic Ocean.
Monte Velho was built in the heart of Algarve, Portugal's sun-kissed southern coast. Area framed by golden cliffs and azure seas, it's a haven for ocean, sun and nature lovers. Renowned for its charming whitewashed villages, delicious seafood, and vibrant festivals, the Algarve embodies the alluring essence of Portuguese seaside life.
Casa das Pinhas is a spacious workshop area with an exposed wood interior and heated cork floor. An ideal setting for deep group work and experiences like Conscious Connected Breathwork.
The Main House consists of a common living room for us to hang out in the evenings, an interior dinning room and an exterior breakfast veranda, and a SPA with a sauna, steam bath and a massage room.
A circular beautifully designed yoga pavillion with heated cork wood floor, surrounded by a green garden and a little pond that offers panoramic Ocean views.
Read reviews about our retreats
Sign up for the 7-day Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal
The price below is for a shared double room. Click here for more information about the room availability and the price of different room options.
-
PRICE
3270 USD
-
DATES / 13 - 19 April 2025
-
TEACHERS / Fran Booth & Karby Allington-Goldfain
-
BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
Retreat details
What's included
- Accommodation at Monte Velho Retreat Center (6 nights/7 days = 5 full workshop days + check-in day + check-out day)
- Full board (3 meals a day)
- Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat, including sweets and desserts
- Transfer from Faro Airport to Monte Velho Retreat Center (on the day of check-in)
- Transfer from Monte Velho Retreat Center to the airport on the day of check-out
- Activities described in the "Trips and experiences" section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)
What is not included
- Airfares
- Individual/personal insurance
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.
Payment
To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a deposit of 1000 USD.
- 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 March 2025.
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 1000 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).
Cancellation policy
According to our General Terms and Conditions, in the case of resignation, we will collect a fee in the following amount:
- The amount of the deposit (1000 USD) upon cancellation submitted 70 days or more prior to the event start date,
- 50% of the retreat price upon cancellation submitted between 45 and 69 days prior to the event start date,
- 90% (total cost of the retreat) upon cancellation submitted not later than 44 days prior to 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.
Accommodation
Available rooms
The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Here are available room options with it's prices:
- A Tree House (1 spot) - $3,870
- A single room (5 spots) - $3,670
- A shared double room (12 spots) - $3,270
- A shared dorm with 6 beds (6 spots) - $2,970
Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose.
We will match your roommates, considering first of all gender and age. If you have any needs regarding this, please let us know. Couples (including married couples) are usually accommodated separately because we learned from previous retreats that sleeping in separate rooms positively influences the process during the retreat. If you prefer to stay together, just let us know.
Retreat schedule
Day 1
The day of participants’ arrival and lodging at Monte Velho (accommodation possible from 12 pm). There are no workshop activities scheduled for that day. It’s time to rest after the journey. In the evening, around 8 pm, we meet for 1,5 hour for an opening circle. Lunch is served at 2 pm, and dinner at 7 pm.
Those who come to Portugal earlier must arrange accommodation and board on their own. You can check with us if Monte Velho is available for check-in a day or two before the retreat starts.
Those arriving in Faro on the first day of the retreat will be provided with a free transfer from Faro Airport to Monte Velho.
Day 2-6
5 days of the retreat.
Day 7
Last day of our stay at Monte Velho. Check out and free transfer to Faro Airport. On that day, breakfast is provided and afterwards, the entire group leaves the place of our stay.
Those who stay in Portugal longer arrange for accommodation, board and airport transfers on their own.
Example day plan
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:
- 7:30 - 8:00 / Movement
- 8:00 - 9:00 / Breakfast
- 9:15 - 13:00 / Morning session
- 13:00 - 14:00 / Lunch
- 14:00 - 16:00 / Free time
- 16:00 - 19:00 / Excursion
- 19:00 - 20:00 / Dinner
- 20:00 - 21:30 / Evening session
Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group's needs.
Guidebook
After signing up for the "Somatic Parts Work" Retreat in Portugal 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 Portugal if you plan to arrive earlier or stay longer after the retreat is completed.
Language
The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.
COVID-19 Policy
There are no travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus when entering Portugal.
Before enrolling, please read our Covid policy carefully. Enrolling in the training means that you accept all of the rules described in our Covid policy.
If the training can't take place because of the pandemic (COVID or otherwise), it will be moved to 2025.
If the new dates don't work for you, you will be refunded the total amount, no questions asked.
The minimum group size
For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 12 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 30 days before the retreat.
3-day Portugal Experience
Why not stay a few days more and see the best of Algavre region?
Sign up for an additional 3-day package of Portuguese experiences with some of the most beautiful spots in the Algarve. Our program is not a "cross out from the checklist as many sights as you can" type of thing - we will give you a slow travel experience, thanks to which you will be able to sink into the coastal atmosphere of this region.
This adventure starts on the same day that the "Somatic Parts Work" Retreat in Portugal ends and is dedicated only to the retreat's participants.
We will take care of everything - accommodation, food, transportation and entrance tickets for all three days: the 19th, 20th & 21st of April.
Scroll down for the program highlights and the package price ("Somatic Parts Work" Retreat in Portugal + 3-day Portugal Experience including accommodation and meals).
What will you experience?
During the 3-day Portugal Experience we will stay in Lagos, which is 40-minutes away from Monte Velho Retreat Center. Lagos is renowned for its stunning coastline featuring golden beaches and dramatic cliffs, along with a charming historic center that offers a mix of vibrant cultural experiences. Its blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and lively nightlife caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring a memorable visit.
A must-do experience in Portugal, offering a chance to explore the stunning natural sea caves known for their unique formations and the iconic, sunlit dome of the Benagil Cave. Done on a boat, this adventure reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Algarve's coastline.
You will have the opportunity to discover a variety of attractions at your own pace: the Old Town's charming streets, bustling local markets, the historical significance of the city walls and Lagos Castle, and relaxing walks along the scenic waterfront, each offering a unique slice of the city's rich heritage and coastal allure.
An enchanting journey into Portugal's soulful music heritage, where the melancholic melodies and poignant lyrics of Fado will be performed in intimate, atmospheric venue, offering a deeply emotional and authentic Portuguese cultural experience.
Aboard an eco-friendly boat, we'll observe dolphins in their natural habitat, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. This excursion will be guided by local experts. It combines marine education with the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.
Visiting Ponta de Piedade offers an unforgettable experience with its spectacular cliffs, unique rock formations, and crystal-clear waters. This natural wonder is famous for its breathtaking views and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
What's included:
What's included in the 3-day Portugal Experience package?
- 3-day excursion program: 19.04, 20.04 and 21.04.2025,
- 3 nights in Lagos (19.04 - 22.04.2025),
- Full board (3 meals a day),
- All-day transportation and a transfer back to the airport after check-out,
- Care and support of the organizers and tour guides.
The price presented below is the price of the "Somatic Parts Work" Retreat in Portugal (3270 USD) and the 3-day Portugal Experience (1470 USD).
Sign up for the 7-day Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal & the 3-day Portugal Experience
Scroll up for the "Somatic Parts Work" Retreat in Portugal price only.
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PRICE
4740 USD
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DATES / 13 - 22 April 2025
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TEACHER / Fran Booth & Karby Allington-Goldfain
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BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
Frequently asked questions
What if I have special nutritional requirements?
Just let us know about it prior to the retreat. The cook can prepare vegan and gluten-free meals for you. We are also open to other types of diets.
Can I pay in installments?
It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment is at the same time the deposit, in the amount of 1000 USD. It's payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within the next three months, however, the last installment is due 30 days prior to the retreat.
What kind of rooms will be the participants accommodated in?
What is the cancellation policy?
If you withdraw 70 days or more before the retreat, we charge the deposit amount (1000 USD). If you withdraw between 45 and 69 days before the retreat, we charge 50% of the whole retreat price. If you withdraw less than 44 days before the retreat, we charge 90% of the retreat price.
Contact us, we will answer all your questions
Travel manager d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)
3:00 am - 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)