Our Healing Retreats2024-03-25T17:11:21+00:00

Our Retreats

Welcome

STAR Healing Retreats take place at the Spirit In the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona

OUR THERAPY RETREATS

Spirit In The Desert

Experience this oasis in the Sonoran Desert. The campus is lush with plants, bushes, flowers, rocks, and cacti unique to the Southwest. Natural rock water fountains add refreshing and soothing sounds as guests walk along the paths. You’ll also find serene environs that include a meditation labyrinth, reflective walking path and a striking desert landscape. Enjoy incredible views, and amazing sunsets while you mend your heart and heal your soul. Also available for your enjoyment are a heated swimming pool with gorgeous views and a Jacuzzi for relaxation during your down time. This serene setting in the high desert of southern Arizona offers a safe, and nurturing space to do your deepest healing work.

A Sanctuary For People

Inspired by wildlife who find refuge in the safety of a dedicated sanctuary, STAR Founder Barbara Findeisen envisioned such a place for our participants: A place of peace and protection where one could have the time to explore their core issues with therapeutic support.

History & Charm

STAR Retreats offer modern convenience and amenities and a true taste of the American Southwest.

ROOMS

Your Accommodation

Rooms include:

  • Heating and Air-conditioning
  • Amenities Kit

  • Light Housekeeping
  • Self-service tea, coffee, and snacks available throughout the day
  • Double Occupancy

LOCATION

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

Located in Carefree, Arizona approximately 35 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Daily Schedule

A Day in the Life

At STAR Retreats, the only thing you have to focus on is yourself. We attend to all of your daily needs providing you with an unparalleled opportunity to explore and heal core issues. In addition, our facilitators are closely matched with each participant and will work closely with you, both supporting and assisting you through the process.

Each day at STAR offers new opportunities for healing, growth, and transformation. Your experience includes a mix of group and individual sessions, including:

  • Lectures & Group Discussions
  • Emotional Processing & Expression
  • Integrative Breathwork

  • Facilitator 1-on-1

  • Optional Therapeutic Bodywork (for an additional fee)

  • Birth Exploration

Upcoming STAR Healing Retreats

Fall 2022 STAR Retreat

Winter 2024

February 9th – February 18th

Carefree, AZ

Spring 2022 STAR Retreat

Spring 2024

April 26th – May 5th

Carefree, AZ

Spring 2022 STAR Retreat

Summer 2024

July 26 – August 4th

Carefree, AZ

Spring 2022 STAR Retreat

Fall 2024

November 1st – November 10th

Carefree, AZ

Get Started

We are here to answer your questions and provide gentle support and guidance throughout your decision-making process. Call today, or schedule your no-obligation consultation online now.

FAQ

Get answers to our most frequently asked questions.

What is the cost of a STAR retreat workshop?2024-02-23T17:02:38+00:00

The total cost of a 10-day STAR Retreat Workshop is $7500. Your tuition includes:

  • Program Fee
  • Materials
  • Room & Board (Double Occupancy)
  • Meals & Snacks
  • Round-Trip Ground Transportation from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

$1000 is due at enrollment to reserve your space. Tuition balance is due no later than 30 days before the start of your retreat.

Note: Therapeutic Bodywork will be available to you for an additional fee.

What is the enrollment process?2022-11-15T17:03:38+00:00

Enrollment begins the moment you decide that STAR is the best fit for you. A member of our team will assist you throughout the process. Enrollment procedures include:

  • Tuition Deposit: $1000 (due on receipt)
  • Registration Form:  Link is sent with enrollment email
  • Clinical Intake:  Interview with STAR Clinical Director, Ken Ball, PhD, LMFT (45-60 minutes conducted via Zoom/FaceTime)
  • Written Assignment:  Designed to begin preparing you for our process. Due no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of your retreat.
  • Tuition Balance: Any remaining balances are due no later than 30 days prior to STAR.

Please note that we enroll on a first come, first served basis. Space at STAR is not guaranteed until you have paid your full tuition or have made payment arrangements with the STAR office.

Will my insurance cover the cost of STAR?2021-07-07T02:20:27+00:00

A STAR retreat is classified as a personal growth workshop. Therefore, we do not accept insurance, nor do we provide documentation for reimbursement purposes.

How far in advance do I need to sign up?2021-04-19T19:15:28+00:00

It is recommended that you begin the enrollment process 2-3 months in advance of your intended workshop. Enrollment for any scheduled STAR retreat workshop:

  • Begins no more than 1 year prior
  • Ends no less than 48-hours prior

We always strive to meet the needs of late enrollees. Please call or email the STAR office to check retreat availability.

Is financial aid available?2021-05-29T17:46:35+00:00

We strive to make STAR retreat workshops accessible to all. In addition to keeping our program costs low, a limited amount of partial scholarships are available for each retreat. For an application, please contact the STAR office.

Who is the typical STAR participant?2021-04-19T19:16:37+00:00

People of all ages and from all walks of life attend STAR retreat workshops. Our program is for anyone who wants to experience deep healing, renewal, and begin creating the life they deserve to live.

Are you:

  • Tired of not feeling ‘well’?
  • Experiencing a life transition?
  • Seeking self-healing and renewal?
  • Feeling stuck in unhealthy life patterns?
  • Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss of perspective?
  • Seeking deeper or accelerated personal or professional growth?

If so, please know that you are not alone. Independent of income, profession, culture, or spiritual beliefs, we all share a desire to live a fulfilling life. At STAR, you will be fully supported in your personal search for authenticity, and the deep sense of joy and freedom that reconnecting to your heart and soul provides.

Which payment methods are accepted?2021-07-07T02:19:00+00:00

You may choose to pay your tuition online, or by phone via:

  • Major Credit Card (Phone/Online)
  • Funds Transfer from Checking or Savings Account (Online Only)

*Cardholder, if different from participant, must be present for phone transactions. 

Is everyone who applies accepted to the program?2023-08-08T20:24:08+00:00

STAR retreats do not take place in a hospital setting. Therefore, we are unable to accept individuals who are:

  • In need of around the clock care
  • Diagnosed with a severe psychiatric condition, such as schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder

In addition, STAR will not accept anyone with the following:

  • History of violence
  • Sexual offenses of any kind at any time
  • [Exhibiting] blatant disregard for self, or others

For additional information on the appropriateness of a STAR retreat, please contact our office.

STAR Healing Retreats

Learn more about STAR therapy retreats and how we can help you to discover what’s possible.

Why STAR?

Learn more about the STAR process and how it can help you to facilitate deep and lasting life changes.

Change Your Life

What is keeping you stuck in your present reality and getting in the way of the life you want for yourself?

More On STAR Healing Retreat Amenities

Southwest Cuisine

Delicious and balanced cuisine integrating southwestern options awaits you at Tubac Ranch. Daily meals are prepared fresh by the in-house chef who strives to create healthy and satisfying dishes everyone can enjoy. Comfort foods are also blended into the menu, especially while we do the heavy emotional lifting. And whether you choose to go light or indulge, nourishing and flavorful food is always available. Our creative and accommodating chef is happy to prepare options for those with dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free with advance notice.

Burning Ceremonies

All participants will have the opportunity to participate in a burning ceremony under the stars of the Arizona desert. The ranch staff will set up a great fire to consume the things we want to burn, discard, and leave in the desert. Drums, some dancing, some celebration as we let go of the things that hold us back in life. Each person has the opportunity to burn things that are no longer serving them, to release them into the fire, and to say some words to the group if they so choose. It’s voluntary but memorable and powerful.

Tranquil Settings

Tubac Ranch is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita Mountains in Tubac, Arizona. The sky is vast. You can see for dozens of miles. Kit peak looms many miles in the distance. The clouds move in and you can see storms making their way from miles away. The sunsets are stunning- shades of pink, orange, red. Tubac is a small town, and there are no major cities for miles, leading to a beautiful night sky. Walking home to your casita from the group room, looking up at the bowl of stars, gazing into the heavens. It’s quiet and peaceful and ideal for deep introspective work.

Relax and Unwind

There is downtime every day to walk, hike, swim, sit in the hot tub, work in the art room, stretch or do personal yoga in the group room, talk to a friend, write in your journal. There is structured time and unstructured time. You can use the time and the space to decompress, to center yourself, to walk in the labyrinth, contemplating each step, to sit in quiet and meditate in one of the zen gardens on the property To walk for miles down the rocky road into the hills. To follow a dusty arroyo and see the signs of desert life, the animals, birds, flora and fauna.

Explore Nature

Nature abounds on and around the Tubac Ranch. People can walk for miles amid the desert landscape. The chamisa and sage and juniper trees and mesquite trees of the arizona desert. Rabbits, Javelinas, lizards, birds and more. It’s a beautiful desert landscape. So many creatures thrive in this desert landscape, you’ll have many opportunities to feel connected to nature all around. There are trails leading from the ranch into the foothills. You can walk every morning into the desert while the sun is low and everything is cool. Or you can walk in the evening before the bell rings, calling us all to dinner. At night the stars are beautiful and the sky is vast. The skyscapes are stunning throughout the year.

Release Tension

Every participant will be offered the opportunity to do body work with a trained and licensed bodyworker. Participants can unwind in the pool or soak in the hot tub. Many people center themselves by walking slowly and calmly in the labyrinth outside of the main group room overlooking Kit Peak. Some participants choose to stretch each day, doing yoga or qi gong, or tai chi, or whatever practice they bring to the ranch. Every morning before group activities start, individuals will be able to stretch and take care of their bodies as they do this meaningful emotional work.

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