Silent Meditation Retreat
for Therapists
May 1-4, 2025
Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville, California
Silent retreat is a profound opportunity for self-realization, self-connection and healing. This silent retreat is designed specifically to support mental health clinicians to deepen their authentic presence with both themselves and their clients. In this container, each participant will explore their relationship with their true nature, discover the power of meditation and silence and receive the insights that arise in this unique environment.
In addition to five periods of silent meditation, this retreat includes two group sessions per day focused on the nature of working from an existential humanistic model. Group discussions will focus on topics like working from presence, radical authenticity, the intersection of buddhism and psychotherapy, and a safe container to explore our experiences as clinicians.
Participants will be encouraged to explore:
the use of authentic presence to deepen their connection to themselves and their clients
how cultivating presence through meditation can be brought to the therapeutic encounter
the process of inward searching; to “look” somewhere beyond the mind to discover true nature
how the “here and now” of the therapeutic moment can help clients explore their protections, and in turn, reconnect with orphaned aspects of themselves
Attending the entire retreat is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and supportive community. Please plan to arrive on time and leave after the retreat ends on the final day. The retreat begins on Thursday, Mat 1 at 4 pm and ends on Sunday, May 4 at 12 pm.
Meet Your
Co-Facilitator
Ray Fortner is a seasoned psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, specializing in existential humanistic therapy. As a husband and father, he brings a deeply personal understanding of relationships to his practice. Helping clients to connect with their authentic presence is his calling. Ray is profoundly influenced by the work of Jim Bugenthal, Irving Yalom, and Orah Krug, and is inspired by Ken Bradford’s concept of Radical Authenticity, an integration of Buddhist thought into existential psychotherapy.
A true lover of the natural world, Ray believes in the transformative power of wilderness. He often incorporates nature into his work, encouraging clients to explore their own inner wilderness and embrace the beauty of rivers and wild places. This holistic approach allows him to guide individuals on a journey toward genuine self-discovery and presence, rooted in a deep connection to both themselves and the world around them.
We offer pricing discounts for registering early.
Receive a $200 discount when registering before
January 1 with discount code MAY3808Receive a $100 discount when registering before
March 1 with discount code MAY3853
The cost of the retreat depends on the type of housing you choose. In order to reserve your spot, please pay the full amount when registering.
Vegetarian meals are included.
Retreat Refund & Cancellation Policies
At Mountain Meditation Group, we prioritize the health and well-being of all participants. We understand that life is unpredictable, and while we wish everyone could attend as planned, sometimes emergencies come up. Below is our refund policy, designed to provide clarity and fairness for all involved:
1. Cancellation Requests
All cancellation requests must be submitted by email to: ashley@mountainmeditationgroup.com
2. Refund Schedule
Cancellations made more than 90 days before the retreat start date will receive a full refund, minus a non-refundable deposit of $100.
Cancellations made between 90 and 45 days before the retreat start date will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 45 days before the retreat start date.
3. Illness and Emergencies
If you are experiencing a contagious illness, including Covid, we ask that you stay home to protect other participants. In the case of a personal emergency or illness:
We are still unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 45 days before the retreat.
However, we can offer a $400 credit towards a future retreat if cancellation is due to illness or personal emergency, provided you notify us at least 3 days before the retreat start date.
Please provide a doctor’s note or other supporting documentation if applicable.
4. Transfer of Registration
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person with written notice to us at least 3 days prior to the retreat start date. All transfers are subject to approval.
5. Event Cancellation
In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled or postponed by the organizers, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer your registration to a future event.
If you have any questions, please contact us here or call at 510-435-0007.
Testimonials