Frequently Asked Questions

What is IFS?  A YouTube video by Richard Schwartz

IFS Institute

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. The sub-personalities are often in conflict with each other and with one’s core Self, a concept that describes the confident, compassionate, whole person that is at the core of every individual. IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self.

SOULCOLLAGE MAY NOT BE INCLUDED IN ALL RETREATS

https://soulcollage.com/

SoulCollage is a creative and intuitive process that involves creating a deck of cards using images that resonate with different aspects of oneself. Internal Family Systems (IFS), on the other hand, is a therapeutic approach that identifies and works with various parts within an individual's psyche. Combining SoulCollage with IFS can be a powerful therapeutic tool.

In this integration, individuals use SoulCollage cards to represent different parts of their internal system. Each card may symbolize a specific aspect or sub-personality within the IFS framework. Through guided introspection and dialogue, individuals can explore and understand the dynamics between these internal parts. The visual and symbolic nature of SoulCollage aids in accessing and expressing emotions associated with each part.

By creating and interacting with SoulCollage cards representing different IFS parts, individuals can gain insights into their internal conflicts, motivations, and underlying emotions. This integrative approach allows for a deeper exploration of the self, fostering self-awareness and facilitating the IFS process of harmonizing and integrating various aspects of the internal system for healing and personal growth.

https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

Art therapy is a creative way to engage the mind, body, and spirit while tapping into new methods of expressing yourself.

As we near each retreat, this section will be updated.

This could include somatic awareness exercises, authentic movement (witness and mover), gentle yoga, gentle dance, stretching, walking and hiking, forest bathing or beach combing.  We will ensure all activity levels are honored.

• Comfortable (and weather appropriate) clothes.

• Water bottle.

• A yoga mat if you have one (if not we have a couple of extras).

• Your own pillow if you like.

• A blanket for comfort, familiarity, and to wrap up in outside by the fire.  (Although we have plenty of blankets too).

• Comfortable shoes.

• Something for journaling.

• A few small items to share with the group that represent you, in Self.  Nothing is right or wrong here, just bring You!

• Because most sleeping spaces are shared, an eye mask and ear plugs are strongly suggested.

• Your own snacks!  Meals will be set each day, but if you have favorites that you'd like to bring, all are welcome!

No, you are responsible to get to and from the retreat.  Most activities will be within walking distance (bring those hiking boots!) and if we plan an outing we will come together and share driving.  

Each day there will be a bit of free time.  This may shift depending on each retreat and will be solidified as each agenda is created.

• Agenda will be provided after registration

Meals, room and board, and all activities are included in the cost.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as coffee, hot tea, and water.  If you want other drinks and your own snacks, we will have space for you to keep them.

We will coordinate a Google Meet (or Zoom) call one to two weeks before the retreat is to begin for introductions and to answer any questions you may have.  

We accept checks, cash, or payments via Zelle or Venmo.  We request a $200 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration to secure your spot.

Yes!  Please refer to the Registration page.

We recognize that costs can be a challenge when considering attending a retreat.  We have a few clients who have stepped through the process of seeing if their insurance might help cover costs.  Many insurance companies will!  You will need to contact your insurance carrier to ask. 

Below are links to two articles that talk about using insurance to help with these costs.  Inner Harmony Retreats are classified as a “Mental Health Retreat” and if your mental health professional deems the retreat as “medically necessary” and recommends the retreat they will consider your request (if your insurance policy provides this type of coverage). 

Please understand, they will not cover anything but therapeutic activities / groups.  You will still have out of pocket costs like room, meals, deductibles, co-pays, out of network providers, etc.  Each policy is different and specific to you.  We recommend everyone contact their insurance provider to speak with a representative to see what they can help with.  You may need a pre-authorization from the insurance company prior to the retreat for them to approve reimbursement.  So please check with them before you go!  The insurance company may also ask for a Referral for a retreat.  Your mental health provider can help you with this. 

Inner Harmony Retreats will not bill your insurance company.  We will provide you with a “Superbill” that you can submit for reimbursement.  All retreat costs must be paid in full before the retreat begins.  If your insurance company requests the CPT Code that we will use, you can let them know 90853 (Group Psychotherapy) is what will be included on the Superbill.  If any individual therapy occurs, that too can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement (90834 or 90837 depending on how long that might last).  However, this will only happen if you find that you have been triggered in some way and need to meet with one of the therapists onsite.   

Mental Health Retreats: Insurance Coverage, Types, & Benefits

Can Your Insurance Cover Wellness Retreats Programs?