FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

People from all walks of life have benefited from STAR’s unique approach. Participants have included therapists from a wide variety of healing traditions, mental health professionals, physicians and surgeons, business leaders, engineers, teachers, elected officials, political consultants, students, musicians, writers, and more.

In particular, STAR benefits those who are experiencing professional or personal burnout; addictive behaviors; loss of meaning and purpose; critical life transitions; blocked creativity; grief and loss; feeling "stuck" or trapped in their profession, in a relationship, or in unwanted behaviors; depression; trauma; stress-related symptoms, and relationship difficulties.

Q. Who should not attend STAR?

Those who are not able to take care of themselves physically, those who are a danger to themselves or others, and those who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol are not accepted into our program. We do not accept clients who have a severe psychiatric diagnosis such as schizophrenia or multiple personality. STAR does not provide a hospital setting in any sense of the word. There are no locked units and we are not licensed to prescribe and dispense medications.

Q. How is STAR different from other programs?

STAR is a uniquely complete in-depth approach to healing. Our experience has shown us that much of adult unhappiness, "stuck-ness," dysfunctional patterns, addictive behaviors, and spiritual crisis is rooted in negative messages and experiences of our early childhood. STAR seeks to identify and heal these wounds through a combination of highly effective therapies. In addition, Director Barbara Findeisen’s background in pre- and perinatal psychology provides participants with an opportunity to go back and re-examine possible birth issues that may be affecting the participant’s adult life. The length of the program also enables participants to go much deeper into their issues than in any other similar program.

No other similar program that we are aware of has such a rich staff-to-participant ratio, or combines pre- and perinatal psychology with conventional therapies through a transpersonal approach that stresses reconnecting with your unique spirit. The result is an extremely effective model that transforms lives.

Q. What methods does STAR utilize?

STAR integrates the best of mainstream psychotherapy with the holistic approaches found in transpersonal therapy. The process itself is eclectic and, although occurring in a group context, highly individualized. Each participant is paired with a personal facilitator who guides the participant through experiential therapies, integrative breathwork, emotional release work, journaling, intensive writing assignments, cognitive exercises, and more. Staff are available to participants 24 hours a day.

The result is an intensive, deeply nurturing process that literally transforms lives. Participants are supported in exploring and healing their deepest psychological and spiritual wounds in a completely safe and supportive environment.

Q. What is the staff/participant ratio?

More than one staff member per three participants; this is without question the richest staff-to-participant ratio of any similar retreat or workshop that we know of. This ratio results in an experience that is almost equal to having individual therapy for 10 days straight.

Graduates and referring therapists often remark that STAR is like getting several years of individual therapy in the span of the workshop.

Q. Why is STAR a residential program?

A good deal of the unique power of STAR derives from the fact that participants are relieved of daily life burdens in a completely supportive environment. Participants are therefore able to focus completely on their own issues. This results in an unparalleled opportunity to get at core issues. You are free to do the kind of intensive work required to really heal and move on into a freer, happier, more joyous, and more present-focused existence.

The residential nature of STAR also enables significant positive bonding between participants and staff, which facilitates healing and provides the foundation for lifelong friendships.

Q. I’m in a 12-Step program – is STAR compatible?

STAR is completely congruent with 12-Step programs. STAR directly addresses issues of codependency and addiction within the context of our developmental, experiential process. Many of our graduates are in 12-Step programs; they use STAR as a way to deepen and enhance their recovery. Other graduates have joined 12-Step groups after their participation, as a way of continuing the recovery they began at STAR.

Optional 12-Step groups are available at each STAR retreat. You will be supported in your program at STAR.

Q. I’ve been in therapy for a long time and nothing seems to change. How is STAR different?

Because of the cutting-edge techniques employed, the residential nature of the retreat, and the unique process itself, many people who show little change after long-term psychotherapy have enjoyed rapid progress through the STAR retreat. Many therapists refer clients to STAR who need to get "unstuck" or who would benefit from intensive work on their core issues.

Q. What happens at STAR?

STAR is a carefully structured retreat that encourages participants to work in an individual fashion while providing plenty of opportunities for group interaction. Mornings are typically spent checking in with one’s facilitator, or working on daily written assignments. All this work is designed to help uncover and heal early decisions and negative experiences which are still powerfully affecting your life.

There are two group meetings each day which include lectures, guided imagery, and sessions in which participants have the opportunity to deeply experience and express their feelings. An integrative breathwork session is also provided as a way of directly accessing and experiencing the unconscious.

Q. Who facilitates STAR?

Workshops are led by either Barbara Findeisen, MFT (who has developed the STAR process over the last 30 years), or Lynette Danylchuk, Ph.D..

Barbara or Lynette work personally with each participant, assisted by staff members who facilitate each participant’s process. Many people who are on staff are professional therapists. All on-site staff members have gone through the STAR process and have been through the STAR Foundation Training Program.

Q. How many people have taken STAR?

Approximately 2,000 over the last 30 years. STAR is currently facilitated in the United States and in Sweden.

Q. How much is STAR?

The 10-day retreat costs $3,595, or about $360 per day. This includes all meals, shared rooms with private baths, eight to ten hours of therapy per day, staff availability 24 hours a day, all materials and art supplies, and ancillary activities. Our per-day cost is actually lower than similar programs that do not include such a rich staff-to-participant ratio. Partial scholarships, based on financial need, and payment plans are available.

Q. Is financing available?

STAR does provide payment plans, and a limited number of scholarships are available as well, based upon financial need.

Q. Will my insurance cover the cost of STAR?

Insurance reimbursement is between you and your insurance company. Some insurance companies will reimburse on an outpatient basis for individual and group therapy. We will work with your insurance company to try to arrange for pre-certification, or to provide any information they need to process your claim.

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P.O. Box 516
Geyserville, CA 95441
(888) 857-STAR * (707) 857-3359
Fax: (707) 857-3764
E-mail: starfoundation@pobox.com