Retreats

Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a complex reaction to complex circumstances and an all-too-common result of service. By definition, Moral Injury (MI) “refers to an injury to an individual’s moral conscience and values from an act of perceived moral transgression, which produces profound emotional guilt and shame and, in some cases, also a sense of betrayal, anger and profound ‘moral disorientation’ ”. Both of these conditions can be seen in veterans and often negatively impact their physical, emotional and relational well-being.

Guardian Hills retreats are offered free of charge to veterans dealing with the effects of PTS/MI and are made possible by the generosity of our donors and grant support. Programs serve to assist in the development of positive responses and processes which facilitate healing. By carefully exploring one’s self and circumstances before, during and after service, adverse experiences can actually serve as a basis for strength rather than victimization. This basic concept is one of the foundations of what is known as Post Traumatic Growth and it’s at the heart of our programs. Guardian Hills does not offer traditional therapy or treatment, but rather allows individuals to actively confront and understand their feelings through structured experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It is imperative that participants commit to attending for the entire week. Staff includes both counselors and veteran peers. No written medical records are maintained after the retreat and all conversations with staff are considered personal and confidential.

Retreats begin with participants checking-in on Sunday afternoon. After getting settled into their rooms, the group gathers at the dining facility for introductions and expectations for the week. The first night’s dinner is used as an opportunity to get to know one another and is followed by a relaxing discussion by the outdoor fireplace before retiring to the cabins to prepare for the upcoming week. Monday through Friday, the day begins with group yoga, breathing techniques and introduction to other self-awareness and emotional regulation practices. After a shower, breakfast is served in the dining facility. Like all meals, healthy nutrition is emphasized, and the daily menu is carefully designed by a registered dietician with recipes made available to each participant to utilize after they return home. In addition, meals are served in a community atmosphere providing opportunities for further bonding of participants and staff. Following breakfast, each day includes structured activities which serve as metaphors to allow a self-paced approach to understanding past traumas and developing processes to not merely cope but grow and thrive from them. These activities have been developed by professionals with extensive experience in PTS and MI. Included curriculum modules are Horse Inspired Growth and Healing (HIGH), archery, art/self-expression, genograms, Food as Medicine, journaling, a labyrinth, disc golf, awareness walks and fishing. Intentional choice time is included to allow further elective exploration of activities of particular interest as well as private discussions with staff members if desired. Evenings together begin with gathering around the fireplace for an After Action Report of the day’s activities, in-depth discussions, live music and a chance to share experiences. At the retreat’s conclusion, the staff assists participants in developing a plan to continue the healing journey utilizing the appropriate level of resources and support in their local communities. Participants check out on Saturday morning and begin their journey to further healing equipped with the week’s experiences, resource materials, ongoing peer support and training in positive responses and processes.

With the participants’ approval, follow-up contact is maintained after returning home to ensure continued progress and identify if further intervention is needed. Anonymously maintained responses to questions may be utilized to assess the programs and identify areas for improvement.

PTS and MI are significant and complicated conditions which can result in detrimental impacts on the quality of life for the individual and their families. While no one is ever “cured” of PTS or MI, through hard work, dedication and the assistance of others, the trauma veterans have experienced can lead to growth, strength and, ultimately, healing. That is our mission at Guardian Hills.