Grief and Transition

A 3-Day Retreat: Compassionate Bodywork for Death, Dying & Grief: Nelson County, VA
Be a part of the renewed movement to help others make their final transition with ease, deep meaning and less fear.
A renewed movement
This three-day retreat provides an opportunity to explore the themes of grief and death while learning practical, hands-on healing techniques designed to support individuals nearing the end of life. Whether you are called to become a Death Doula or simply want to feel more confident supporting loved ones through life’s final transition, this retreat offers both practical skills and deep personal exploration. With a growing movement focused on embracing natural death, this course emphasizes helping people transition peacefully, with greater meaning and reduced fear. We will examine our personal emotional responses, beliefs, and approaches when working with those who are dying, while also enhancing our self-care practices and establishing healthy boundaries. The course is interactive, featuring a mix of small and large group discussions, sacred music, case studies, experiential exercises, skill-building, and hands-on practice. Time will be devoted to creating a safe, nurturing environment for exploring this sensitive and profound process.
Instructor, Cathy Brooksie Edwards, MA, LCMHC, LMBT (pictured right)
Tracey Moon, LMBT will be assisting during this retreat


What you’ll experience
• Cultivate the presence and mindful communication skills that help create a safe, compassionate space.
• Deepen your understanding of the dying process, grief, and the unique roles of those who offer care and support at the end of life.
• Explore what compassionate bodywork means while gently examining your own beliefs, experiences, and emotional responses to death and dying.
• Learn how to build trust and create a nurturing container
• Discover nourishing self-care practices that allow you to remain grounded.
• Gain practical guidance for offering hands-on care in treatment rooms, homes, hospice, and clinical settings with confidence, sensitivity, and respect.
• Practice supportive positioning, gentle touch, and energy holds that bring comfort, ease, and dignity.
• Become familiar with the equipment, supplies, treatment room set-up, and complementary tools, including essential oil, that can enhance comfort and care.
• Learn body mechanics, draping, bolstering, and positioning techniques that support both your client’s comfort and your own well-being.
• Integrate everything through hands-on practice, case discussions, and guided experiences as you develop compassionate treatment approaches that honor each person’s unique journey.
About Sanctuary Retreat Center in Virginia
This three day residential Compassionate Bodywork for Death, Dying and Grief retreat is being held at Sanctuary Retreat Center in Nelson County, Virginia situated in the rolling foothills of the Shenandoah mountains. It is a place of depth, wholeness and natural beauty – where you can truly restore. You will feel cared for by the staff at Sanctuary through their kindness, attention to detail and presence. You will find an abundance of healthy food with tastes for every palate and dietary needs being accommodated. The Sanctuary Retreat Center has on-site wellbeing services available as well as walking trails and meditation spaces.

The Details
All Inclusive Packages
• All-inclusive price begins at $795, depending on accommodations choice
• Meals begin on Friday at lunch and end on Sunday at lunch
• On-site Wellbeing services available (massage and bodywork, energy work, Thai massage, mental/emotional balancing)
• Woodland trails, comfortable accommodations and plenty of places for solitude
• Come in a night early starting at $100* including meals
• Spacious schedule to include periods of integration
• Massage Therapists receive 16 NCBTMB CE hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanctuary Retreat Center
Virginia

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Hold your spot with $100 deposit


