This retreat evolved out of last summer’s retreat on Inner Resistance. We will approach the Inner Critic with the same playfulness that we brought to last summer’s explorations. We offer respect and gratitude to the Inner Critic for its role as our protector and defender. We will explore its complexity so that it may be seen, heard, known and understood through movement, voice, theatre, writing & art. Sharing and witnessing each other from a place of non-judgment and support assists in the process of discovery and healing.
Manitoulin Island’s natural beauty is infused with the spirit of the indigenous cultures that came before us, holding this land as sacred and interconnected with all living things. We draw from this spirit and beauty in our work to create a space where the inner critic and other vulnerable parts of the self feel safe and honoured. They may carry thoughts, beliefs, feelings, sensations and experiences that connect us to feelings of fear, anger, loneliness, disappointment, etc. We welcome all parts of the self.
Through this work, we may discover a place of inner peace and ease where the critic doesn’t have to work so hard, where there is spaciousness, spontaneity, and ease, often accompanied by a deep, body-centred sigh of relief.
Although these retreats are related, they also stand alone. Some women will be returning while others are here for the first time. You will be joining a bold, playful, creative group of women who are ready to delve into the inner worlds and discover what treasures are hidden there. The outcome is a newfound sense of playfulness, freedom of expression and healing as well as lasting connections within the self and with other soul-centred women.
Endorsements from 2024
· I am so grateful to have been part of this soul-nourishing retreat. As a guide, Audrey is joyful, sensitive and resourceful. She creates a space that is safe, loving, fun and filled with beauty. How wonderful it was to spend time with a group of soulful, full-hearted women. Audrey, with her years of experience as both an artist and psychotherapist, inspired us all to be curious, courageous and honest in our explorations and expressions. I felt heard and understood, supported in my sometimes reluctant forays into ‘ickier’ parts of myself, and warmly encouraged to dive a little deeper and find the pleasure in it all. Having it take place on Manitoulin Island, with its profound beauty and sweet summer air was like an embrace that further awakened the breath and heart.
· Audrey took great care to co-create a safe, unique and personally meaningful healing experience. As a first-time participant, I was very impressed with her skilful responsiveness and presence with each of us on this in-depth journey. I felt held, supported, respected and inspired.
· Adept as she is as a leader in transformational, emotional and soul work, Audrey’s exquisitely honed interpersonal skills give rise to emotional freedom, authentic impulse and a great deal of playful creativity. Her retreats are exhilarating and expansive – and the Manitoulin setting can’t be beat!
Dates: Thursday, July 10th to Monday, July 14th, 2025
Location: Red Lodge, Sheguiandah, Ontario
Costs:
Workshop: $1000 incl fee for the workshop
· A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to reserve your place. The remainder of the cost is due prior to the start of the retreat.
· This retreat is limited to 7 participants. No prerequisite experience is required.
Accommodation:
· Participants will be required to pay $711.90 to Red Lodge upon arrival on July 10th, 2025.
Meals:
· Red Lodge will offer participants a breakfast/bag lunch package. (TBA) Dinners are not included, so you may dine at the lodge or elsewhere on the island.
· If you need to cancel out of the retreat for unforeseen circumstances and we are not able to rent the room, the participant will be required to cover the cost.
*An initial online conversation will be scheduled for first-time participants to ensure the retreat is a good fit. This retreat does not provide psychotherapy. Participants who are currently in therapy may wish to discuss their participation with their therapist and ensure appropriate support before and after the retreat. For further information or questions, feel free to contact me.
Contact: Audrey Jolly audreyjollytherapy@gmail.com
Cell: 647 270-1976 www.audreyjollytherapy.com
We are fortunate to be hosted by Red Lodge this summer. It is a 7-minute drive from The Bird Tree Studio and retreat space. It’s situated on Lake Manitou and has one of the island's best chefs cooking for the guests. It offers excellent swimming and is close to The Cup & Saucer Trail & Bridal Veil Falls for some of the best hiking and sightseeing on the island. Arrival at the lodge is on Thurs, July 10th, after 3 pm. There will be time to settle in, have dinner and gather for introductions and our opening session. Friday to Sunday will include sessions from 9:30 am to 1 pm daily and evening sessions from 7 pm to 9 pm. Afternoons are open to working on suggested creative activities, exploring the island, or taking a nap. I will send out some questions to reflect on before your arrival. (If you don’t get to these, that’s OK too.) Monday morning will be a brief closure following breakfast before departure.
BIO:
Audrey Jolly, MA, is retired from professional practice, having formerly been registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Her professional training included four years at the Integral Healing Centre in Toronto (client-centred psychotherapy, bioenergetics, and energy healing) and four years in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). She also participated in workshops with Richard Schwartz (IFS), Esther Perel, and Terry Real, among others. Her work drew extensively on body-centred, somatic approaches, which she combined with creativity to support healing and personal growth.
She holds an MA in psychology and movement from York University, where she taught in the Dance, Theatre, and Physical Education departments. She has taught interdisciplinary creative studies at colleges and universities across Canada and in Europe.
Audrey is a working visual artist who exhibits her work throughout the year at Bird Tree Studio on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, an art space she opened in 2023. In 2024, she participated in the LaCloche Juried Art Show in Whitefish Falls and was part of the Manitoulin Art Tour for the second consecutive year. She is a member of the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association and Muskoka Arts & Crafts.
Her book, On the Back of the Wildebeest (2020), explores creativity and the body’s role in healing and personal transformation, drawing on her background as an artist, teacher, and former psychotherapist for 30+ years. In 2019, she received an award from the Muskoka Authors Association for her short story, “The Ghost House."