The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz
A 7-day retreat for mental health professionals, 2–8 November 2026 in Bali. Guided by Arielle Schwartz, PhD, this immersive program explores trauma recovery through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, integrating neuroscience-informed teaching and embodied practices in a serene retreat setting.
Sign up (2 – 8.11.2026)8 Reasons to join this journey
A Week in Bali
The retreat takes place in Bali, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, rice terraces, and a deeply rooted spiritual culture. The natural setting offers space for both reflection and rest. You’ll have time to connect with the land, experience local traditions, and slow down while being held in a supportive group environment.
Inner journey
This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation. The program combines daily teaching and guided experiential work with somatic practices such as mindful movement, conscious breathing, vagal toning, as well as local excursions to a local temple or a nearby waterfall. Space is also included for rest and unscheduled integration.
An essential part of this retreat will be a Conscious Connected Breathwork group session, guided by a certified facilitator to support emotional healing by accessing inner body intelligence.
The venue
The retreat is hosted at GDAS Health and Wellness Resort, set in a peaceful natural environment near Ubud. Accommodations are comfortable, with dedicated practice spaces, areas for rest, and wellness facilities. The design of the space blends with the surrounding tropical landscape, offering a supportive and grounding environment for inner work.
Small group
The retreat is intentionally limited in size to allow for meaningful relationships and individualized attention. We will help you connect with other retreat participants before and after the retreat through Holding Space Practice – small groups of three. You will be invited to meet once a week for a practice of holding space for each other, sharing about your journey, speaking for your parts and connecting.
The retreat is open to practitioners and professionals in therapeutic, somatic, and healing fields.
Arielle Schwartz
Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, author, and internationally recognized trauma specialist. A globally recognized yogi and scholar of neuroscience, she bridges contemporary polyvagal theory with ancient yoga practices and modern embodiment approaches.
With nearly three decades of experience as a somatic therapist, yoga teacher, and trauma specialist, Dr. Schwartz brings a deeply grounded, integrative perspective to this innovative and experiential retreat.
Meals
Participants are served three daily meals featuring plant-based, health-conscious cuisine with a Balinese twist. The menu focuses on raw and living vegan foods, thoughtfully prepared to nourish the body and support well-being. Each meal combines vibrant flavors, varied textures, and fresh ingredients, creating an experience that is both grounding and deeply sustaining.
Pre- and Post-Retreat Support
Pre-retreat support: Once you register, you’ll receive access to a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski (valued at $147), offering a gentle and structured introduction to the Internal Family Systems model. About a month before the retreat, you’ll be invited to join an Online Preparation Circle, connect in triads for a Holding Space Practice with fellow participants, and receive our PDF Preparation Guide, to support your emotional, relational, and practical readiness for the retreat experience.
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.
Space for Rest and Renewal
This retreat balances structured inner work with time for rest and self-care. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a Balinese massage, trek through rice terraces and enjoy the hotel pool. The schedule allows for both inward focus and deep relaxation. This is an opportunity to step away from conventional conveniences and embrace simplicity.
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
A Sanctuary for Nervous System Healing
This retreat offers a supportive and immersive opportunity to nourish your nervous system within a resonant, attuned community.
Polyvagal theory illuminates the bidirectional information highway of the vagus nerve—a conduit intricately linking mind and body. Through this lens, participants are invited to slow down, listen inwardly, and restore balance at both physiological and psychological levels.
This retreat promises not only intellectual inspiration, but also a sanctuary for personal contemplation, restoration, and growth.
Why Polyvagal Theory and Therapeutic Yoga?
Many symptoms of stress and trauma arise from imbalances in the autonomic nervous system. Because these symptoms are as much physical as they are psychological, healing requires body-centered interventions that address both.
Yoga offers one such path to healing—providing tools to sense the body, regulate breathing, mobilize stuck energy, and rest into stillness. Through the integration of interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory, and somatic psychology, this retreat explores how stressful and traumatic experiences impact the nervous system—and how to gently unwind their effects from both mind and body.
Healthy vagal tone reflects an optimal balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity. Vagal toning practices gently stimulate the vagus nerve through breath, sound, eye movements, self-applied touch, and mindful movement—supporting balance, resilience, and regulation.
During this retreat…
After years of creating immersive, trauma-informed retreat experiences, we’ve developed a format that balances embodied learning, scientific depth, and space for integration. During this retreat, you will:
Be guided by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, PhD — an internationally recognized trauma expert, clinical psychologist, and leader in applied Polyvagal Theory and therapeutic yoga.
Join a global community of therapists, yoga teachers, coaches, and embodiment practitioners focused on nervous system regulation and trauma-informed growth.
Explore Polyvagal Theory through experiential learning, including conscious breathing, vagal toning, mindful movement, meditation, and regulation practices.
Engage in therapeutic yoga and somatic movement sessions that support brain–body integration and nervous system flexibility.
Participate in a guided Conscious Connected Breathwork group session led by a certified facilitator to support emotional integration and embodied awareness.
Learn practical tools to enhance vagal tone, heart rate variability, posture awareness, and self-regulation skills for personal and professional use.
Enjoy curated cultural and nature-based experiences in Bali, including a rice terrace trek, waterfall visit, temple ceremony, sound healing with Tibetan gongs, Balinese massage, and an evening of traditional culture.
Spend time in a lush natural environment that supports rest, nervous system nourishment, reflection, and connection with peers.
- Step away from daily routines with space for relaxation, movement, integration, shared meals, and personal renewal.
All of this, and much more will be a part of our 7-day The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz. 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 anyone longing to nourish their nervous system within a supportive, immersive environment in nature. It is especially relevant for:
Therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals
Yoga teachers and yoga therapists
Coaches and embodiment practitioners
Professionals working with stress, trauma, and nervous system regulation
Individuals seeking personal healing alongside professional development
Participants who support others in therapeutic, coaching, or teaching roles will leave with an expanded, embodied skillset to enhance their work.
A 4-month Journey
1 Online Preparation Circle
& Holding Space Practice
1 month before the retreat
The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz
2 – 8 November 2026
2 Online Integration Circles
& Holding Space Practice
Within 2 months after the retreat
Each participant will take part in one Online Preparation Circle in the month before the retreat, followed by two Online Integration Circles in the two months afterward. These circles will be guided by an IFS-trained facilitator from our team, who will also be present during the retreat. Altogether, the retreat journey spans four months, offering a supportive arc of preparation, immersion, and integration.
The Preparation Circle will help create a safe and grounded group container, foster early connection, and clarify personal intentions ahead of the retreat. The Integration Circles offer a chance to reconnect with the group, reflect on your experience, and begin anchoring insights into daily life, supporting ongoing integration and emotional continuity.
One month before the retreat, you’ll get our Preparation Guide in PDF format and we will invite you to set up weekly, self-organized Holding Space Practice with fellow participants – small groups of three to hold space for each other, share your journey, speak for your parts, and connect.
“The Integration Calls were great — not only for reconnecting with friends from around the world, but also for reminding myself of the lessons learned and the self-commitments made during that deep and meaningful retreat. The calls really help bridge the emotional gap between being at the retreat and transitioning back to everyday life.” – Mark, Somatic Parts Work Retreat, April 2025
Meet the Teacher
Arielle Schwartz
Renowned speaker, author, and esteemed clinical psychologist, Dr. Arielle Schwartz has been widely recognized for her research and clinical advancements in trauma treatment, which have shaped the landscape of trauma recovery and elevated the standard of care all across therapeutic settings.
Dr. Schwartz promotes a strength-based, embodied approach to trauma recovery that emphasizes self-driven healing to facilitate post-traumatic growth. Drawing on the principles of EMDR, somatic psychology, mindfulness-based therapies, and relational psychotherapy, she developed Resilience Informed Therapy—an integrative model of care for facilitating recovery from childhood trauma, PTSD, complex-PTSD and Dissociation.
Dr. Schwartz has been teaching therapeutic yoga since 2008, and she is the author of Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery, a widely referenced guide to applied Polyvagal Theory for trauma recovery. She has also authored numerous books covering extensive research and guiding techniques in trauma treatment.
Trips & Experiences
As part of the retreat package, we have put together a variety of experiences for you to enjoy. Set in the heart of Bali — an island known for its lush landscapes, rice terraces, sacred temples, and deeply rooted spiritual traditions — these activities are woven into the schedule to complement the inner work with moments of presence, connection, and gentle exploration.
Here are some of the scheduled experiences:
Rice Terrace Trek
A guided trek with a local Balinese guide through lush rice terraces, where you’ll learn about traditional rice cultivation and immerse yourself in the deep sense of calm that is an integral part of rural life in Bali.
An Evening with Balinese Culture
A vibrant, unforgettable performance featuring traditional Balinese dance accompanied by unique local music. Before the show, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of the most traditional restaurants in the town of Ubud.
Balinese Massage at a Traditional Spa
Balinese massage is an integral part of the island’s culture and everyday life. To experience it fully, we’ll visit a beautifully atmospheric spa, where a one-hour Balinese massage will be waiting for you.
Bowls & Gongs Bath
A sound bath with singing bowls and gongs is a form of sound-based meditation in which the vibrations of the gongs create an immersive and soothing atmosphere. This session offers an opportunity for deep relaxation, while the resonant tones often evoke a sense of balance and inner calm
Temple Visit
We will visit a local Balinese temple, where you’ll take part in a traditional cleansing ritual led by a Balinese priestess. This ceremony is an integral part of everyday life for the people of Bali.
Waterfall Trek
We’ll visit one of Bali’s scenic waterfalls, where, surrounded by lush jungle, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in refreshing waters. The sound of cascading water and the untouched nature of this place create an atmosphere that supports relaxation and renewal. It’s an ideal moment to connect with the island’s harmonious energy and experience its wild beauty.
Meeting with a Local Balinese Resident
One evening, we’ll be joined by Wayan, a friend and local resident of Ubud whom we’ve known for many years. Wayan will share insights into everyday life in Bali, local customs, work, and family life, and will be happy to answer your questions.
Techniques & Modalities
Our retreats are designed to integrate various approaches and modalities. This program was carefully crafted as a joint effort of our teacher Arielle Schwartz and Michał Pasterski, the founder of Life Architect and program director for all retreats we offer.
Experiential Learning Approach
This retreat weaves together lecture, experiential learning, and embodied practice. Throughout the program, participants will engage in:
Didactic teaching grounded in polyvagal theory and somatic psychology
Natural vagus nerve stimulation practices
Therapeutic yoga and mindful movement
Meditation and conscious breathing
Experiential learning designed to support integration at the level of body, mind, and emotion
The retreat focuses on attending to the dynamic interrelationships between mind, emotions, physiology, and behavior—always with recognition of the inherent wholeness residing within each participant.
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.
Course themes:
- Understand polyvagal theory and the social engagement system
- Discuss the tiered response to threat and trauma
- Explore the intersection between polyvagal theory and therapeutic yoga
- Understand how your posture impacts the health of your vagus nerve
- Learn how to enhance heart rate variability, vagal tone, and vagal efficiency
- Practice breath, movement, and awareness practices for vagus nerve stimulation
- Engage in a yoga practice focused on nervous system flexibility
- Foster brain and body integration through yoga and somatic movement practices
- Understand somatic and energetic repatterning as related to the koshas and the prana vayus
- Discuss fascia and the connective tissue matrix while learning how to safely let go of the threat response
- Recognize how to enhance resilience and foster post-traumatic growth
Example day schedule
Each day of the retreat includes a balance of workshops, somatic practices, rest, and optional excursions. The schedule is designed to be spacious and responsive, and may be adjusted to meet the needs of the group. Below is a sample outline.
7:00 – 8:00
Movement
8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
9:00 – 13:00
Workshop
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 16:00
Free time
16:00 – 19:00
Temple Visit
19:00 – 20:00
Dinner
20:00 – 21:30
Bowls & Gongs Bath
The Venue
Ubud, Bali
For the whole duration of the retreat we will stay in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, is surrounded by rice fields, jungle, and rivers. Known for its temples, art, and wellness culture, it offers a mindful, grounding atmosphere that supports reflection, presence, and connection with nature and community.
GDAS, Holistic Wellness Resort in Ubud
GDAS is located just outside Ubud, surrounded by tropical greenery, rice fields, and the gentle rhythms of Balinese nature. Created as a space for holistic wellbeing, the center offers a calm and supportive environment for deep inner work, group processes, and restorative rest. GDAS brings together modern wellness design with local traditions, emphasizing balance, nourishment, and a close connection to the natural surroundings.
Arana Spa
Arana Spa at GDAS offers relaxing Balinese massages, aromatherapy treatments, sauna sessions, hydrotherapy, and a modern gym, supporting both body and mind restoration. It is a space where you can unwind, harmonize your body, and feel peace amid the tropical surroundings.
Workshop space
The yoga shala in GDAS is a spacious, beautifully designed wellness space set amidst Ubud’s rice fields and jungle. With its serene atmosphere and smoke- and alcohol-free environment, it offers an ideal setting for the retreat practices designed to rewire and rebalance the neural pathways of the autonomic nervous system.
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
Sign up for the 7-day The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz
Date:
7 days
Trainer
Arielle Schwartz
This price includes: Accommodation (a Twin Room with bathroom), 3 meals a day, IFS workshops, Trips & experiences, Airport transfers, and online course (valued at $147).
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.
Available rooms
The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose. Here are available room options with it’s prices:
Twin Room with bathroom (20 spots)
$3,470
Single Room with bathroom (10 spots)
$4,270
Single Room Pool Villa (2 spots)
$4,670
Retreat details
- Accommodation at GDAS Bali (6 nights/7 days = 5 full workshop days + check-in day + check-out day)
- Full board (3 meals a day) except a meal in the local restaurant
- Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat, including sweets and desserts
- Transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to GDAS Bali (on the day of check-in)
- Transfer from GDAS Bali to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) on the day of check-out
- Activities described in the “Trips and experiences” section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)
- Pre-retreat support: 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 1000 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 October 2026.
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 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).
According to our General Terms and Conditions, a non-refundable deposit of 1000 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.
The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Here are available room options with it’s prices:
Single Room with bathroom (9 spots) – $4,270
Single Room Pool Villa (3 sport) – $4,670
Twin Room with bathroom (20 spots) – $3,470
Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose. Check the current room availability in the section above.
Day 1
Arrival day and check-in at GDAS Bali (available from 3:00 PM). Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM. After dinner, around 8:00 PM, we’ll gather for a 1.5-hour opening circle, including introductory activities and a gentle orientation to the retreat space.
If you’re arriving in Bali earlier, please arrange your own accommodation and meals. You may contact us to check if early check-in at GDAS Bali is possible a day or two before the retreat begins.
A complimentary group transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to GDAS Bali is provided for those arriving on the first day of the retreat.
Days 2–6
Five full retreat days. Each day includes 4 hours of workshop time, followed by a variety of afternoon or evening experiences, such as trekking through rice terraces, visiting a Balinese temple with a cleansing ritual, enjoying a sound bath with singing bowls and gongs, or relaxing with a Balinese massage.
Day 7
The final day of our stay at GDAS Bali. After breakfast, we’ll gather for a 2-hour closing workshop and circle, followed by lunch at 1:00 PM. Check-out from rooms must be completed by 10:00 AM, so we recommend doing this before the morning session begins. The retreat facilities can be used until 2:00 PM. A complimentary group transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) will be provided.
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:
- 7:00 – 8:00 / Movement
- 8:00 – 9:00 / Breakfast
- 9:00 – 13:00 / Workshop
- 13:00 – 14:00 / Lunch
- 14:00 – 16:00 / Free time
- 16:00 – 19:00 / Temple Visit
- 19:00 – 20:00 / Dinner
- 20:00 – 21:30 / Bowls & Gongs Bath
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 The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz 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 16 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 30 days before the retreat.
At GDAS Bali, the food is designed to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of the retreat. Every meal is prepared with care to nourish the body, provide comfort, and enhance the overall retreat experience.
GDAS Bali’s kitchen offers predominantly plant-based cuisine, with vegetarian options available. Ingredients are fresh, locally sourced, and aligned with sustainable and ethical practices.
Meals are crafted to be wholesome and energising, and the kitchen can accommodate special dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, raw, and other allergen-sensitive options.
If you have specific nutritional requirements, please let us know prior to the retreat.
On the first day, dinner will be served. On the last day, breakfast will be provided. On all other days, participants will enjoy three nourishing meals daily, with one exception—during certain off-site experiences, meals may be arranged at local restaurants where participants will cover their own costs.
See what participants say about our retreats
Read reviews about our retreats
Sign up for the 7-day The Polyvagal Approach to Trauma Recovery Retreat in Bali with Arielle Schwartz
Date:
7 days
Trainer
Arielle Schwartz
This price includes: Accommodation (a Twin Room with bathroom), 3 meals a day, IFS workshops, Trips & experiences, Airport transfers, and online course (valued at $147).
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.
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)