A Sanctuary for the Woman Who Carries It All
You’re the one people rely on.
This weekend is a space to step out of that role—and be supported instead.
You don’t need to fix anything.
You don’t need to perform.
You can simply arrive as you are.
What This Retreat Is (and Isn’t)
This is a guided, restorative weekend designed to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself.
The focus is not on intense emotional processing.
Instead, the emphasis is on:
Space
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Presence
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Gentle reconnection
There is no expectation to share.
There is no pressure to “do it right.”
What the Weekend Looks Like
The structure is intentionally spacious, with a balance of gentle guidance and time to rest.
You can expect:
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Guided meditation and reflection
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Optional, therapist-informed group conversation
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Quiet time for rest and integration
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Time in nature and unstructured space
You are always free to participate—or simply rest.
About the Approach
This retreat is facilitated by a licensed therapist and is grounded in a trauma-informed approach.
That means:
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You are never pushed beyond your pace
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Your autonomy and choice are prioritized
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Emotional safety is central
Rather than pushing for breakthroughs, the focus is on sustainable restoration and reconnection.
About the Facilitator
This retreat is led by Elysia Oudemans-Tilley, a licensed therapist with experience supporting women navigating patterns of overgiving, self-neglect, and difficulty accessing their own needs.
The work is grounded in emotional attunement, nervous system awareness, and creating spaces where you can feel both supported and free to be yourself.
Location
The Inn at Willow Grove
14079 Stones Throw Drive
Orange, Virginia
A quiet, restorative setting in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with private rooms and cottages and gorgeous, peaceful natural surroundings calling you to explore at your pace. The inn also has a spa where you can choose to add some extra services to your weekend (separate from your retreat registration).
What’s Included
Rest
Private luxurious accommodations with comfortable and plush quiet spaces you’ll want to sink into.
Nourish
All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch
On Saturday evening, we’ll gather for a private dinner at the chef’s table in Vintage Restaurant, located in the garden level of the historic manor house. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offers a slower, more intentional dining experience designed to be savored.
Explore
Guided practices, reflection, and optional group connection as well as gorgeous natural grounds around the inn and nearby Blue Ridge mountains to explore at your leisure.
Reset
Unstructured time for rest, nature, or personal space.
Investment
$2,450
Early Bird (first 5 spots, by June 30): $1,950
Payment plans available.
Non-refundable deposit ($500) due at time of registration to reserve your spot.
If you’re used to putting yourself last, saying yes to something like this may feel uncomfortable.
That response is welcome here—and often part of the pattern this retreat gently invites you to notice.
Is This the Right Time?
You don’t need to feel completely ready.
You only need:
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A willingness to pause
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A desire to feel more connected to yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sharing is always optional. You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable, including simply listening or taking space for yourself.
That’s very common—and part of what this retreat gently supports. You won’t be expected to suddenly know how to rest. The weekend is designed to help you ease into it at your own pace.
This is not therapy, and it does not replace individual therapy. While the retreat is facilitated by a licensed therapist and informed by therapeutic principles, the focus is on gentle reconnection rather than clinical treatment.
Yes. The schedule includes intentional unstructured time for rest, reflection, or being on your own. You are always free to step away from group activities.
The retreat is limited to a small group of 10 women to allow for a more personal and supportive experience.
That’s completely understandable. Many women arrive feeling some level of uncertainty. You don’t need to feel fully confident—just willing to show up as you are.
Reserve Your Space
Spots are intentionally limited to keep the group small and supportive.