May 29th – June 5th, 2026
Step into a world of history, culture, and professional growth at this exclusive retreat in a stunning medieval castle nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Just 1-2 hours from Pisa and Florence, this retreat offers mental health professionals a unique opportunity to earn 15 CEs, including Cultural Diversity credits, while enjoying the beauty and charm of the Italian countryside. Designed for both learning and relaxation, this experience blends educational workshops with immersive cultural activities, fostering deep connections with like-minded professionals in an inspiring setting.
Over the course of seven nights, participants will engage in a thoughtfully curated program that balances professional development, cultural exploration, and personal rejuvenation. The retreat includes 15 Continuing Education (CE) credits, with an engaging workshop on a topic (TBD) that integrates Cultural Diversity themes. Beyond the learning experience, guests will enjoy three group experiential activities, allowing them to connect with the rich history and traditions of the region. Each day offers a mix of education, exploration, and free time, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling experience.
Set in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, Castello di Magona is a historic castle that offers a blend of elegance, tranquility, and old-world charm. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, this beautifully preserved venue provides an idyllic setting for reflection and connection. Guests will enjoy all-inclusive accommodations, featuring exquisite dining, luxurious common areas, and stunning views of the landscape. Conveniently located near Pisa and Florence, the castle serves as a gateway to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, making it the perfect backdrop for a retreat that combines learning, cultural immersion, and relaxation.
$500 USD Non-Refundable Deposit
Single Room: $5,500 USD per person
Shared Room: $4,000 USD per person
Non-CE Guest: $2,000 USD (share room with a CE attendee and CE attendee must book a single room in order for non-CE guest to attend).
$500 USD Deposit is non-refundable. 50% Refund if Canceled 60+ days before Start of Retreat, 25% Refund if Canceled 30+ days before start of Retreat. No refund if canceled 29 days or less before the retreat. Option to re-schedule your attendance may be provided and considered if balance has been paid in full. If the program must be canceled on the part of Wellness Counseling Inc. for unforeseen reasons, a full refund will be issued. In this case, Wellness Counseling Inc. holds no financial responsibility for changes to airfare and other miscellaneous charges.
Arilda Surridge, MA, LMFT (Host/Event Organizer/Speaker/Presenter): is a Hispanic-Bilingual mental health professional with extensive experience and specializations. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Advanced Credit Provider. Arilda also finds great value in Co-Facilitating EMDR Basic Trainings. Additionally, Arilda is an approved Clinical Supervisor, a trainer and continuing education provider, and a Level 3 trained therapist in Gottman Couples Therapy. Arilda’s expertise encompasses a broad range of mental health issues, with a particular focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, and couples therapy. She brings a specialized understanding to her work with early trauma, complex PTSD, and recent and ongoing traumatic stress. Her skills extend to addressing trauma and treating affairs within couples, as well as providing therapy for other mental health providers. Arilda, is also skilled in creating therapy intensives/retreats for clients to incorporate an integrative/holistic approach to their treatment. Additionally, Arilda has organized local and destination Wellness Retreats for Couples, Individuals, and mental health professionals, promoting the importance of integrative care.
Beth Brown, LICSW, PMH-C has devoted her career to supporting new and expectant mothers in a range of roles, including birth doula, lactation counselor, prenatal yoga teacher, and psychotherapist. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International and in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy by the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. As an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant, Beth provides case consultation to fellow clinicians and has completed advanced training in Deep Brain Reorienting and the integration of Alexander Technique interweaves.
Beth offers ketamine-assisted therapy in both individual and group settings, including a specialized group designed for mothers. She also holds advanced yoga teacher certifications, including an 85-hour prenatal yoga certification from Pranakriya Yoga at Kripalu.
Beth’s work is rooted in attachment-focused, somatic and neuroscience-informed approaches to healing. She specializes in supporting women through the perinatal period, including those navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and perinatal mood disorders. She is passionate about empowering clients to access their innate healing intelligence and fostering meaningful, lasting change.
Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., is an international instructor, author, and illustrator specializing in EMDR for complex trauma, including structural and somatic dissociation and trauma held in implicit memory. She developed the first EMDR protocol for highly dissociative individuals, advocated for dissociation screening before EMDR, and has trained thousands of mental health professionals since 1993.
Sandra has numerous online workshops available through the Steve Frankel Group at www.sfrankelgroup.com.
Her books include The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation, Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma, When There Are No Words, and All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation. Her latest publication (2024) is The Beauty and Burden of Autism, and her upcoming book, Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum, is coauthored with Shelley Spear Chief. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. She lives in a log house in the forest on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington, USA where she does intensive treatment in the three-day Format. Learn more about Sandra Paulsen at www.paulsenpsychology.com.
Dream Big Wellness is an Art Therapy Collective composed of nationally registered art therapists, working collaboratively with community partnership to provide holistic, and equitable, wellness to the community through retreats, coaching, group therapy, education, and art therapy. With a special emphasis in care for caregivers and mental health services related to cancer care and medical illness.
Lorraine Toth is an artist, photographer, published author, podcast show host, and Reiki Master living a mindful, happy life in Upstate NY. With 18-years of professional photography experience, Lorraine has been internationally published and exhibited in galleries. She empowers women through her pinup and boudoir photography, highlighting their inner beauty. Her first book, Run (2017), became an award-winning short film. A certified Vision Board Coach, Lorraine’s diverse talents also include painting and writing. She hosts the “Choose A Happy Day” podcast, aiming to inspire others to live happier and more authentic lives as she continues to explore new creative ventures.
Reserve your spot today for our upcoming retreat in Italy! We have several activities and speaking sessions planned so you can make your educational experience fun!