The Red Shoes by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The Red Shoes
Claiming Your Own ‘Hand-Made Life’ 

with Helen J Butlin PhD

Registered Psychotherapist

 

A Retreat For Women in beautiful Tobermory!

Location:

The Princess Hotel

Dates TBD based on expressions of interest

Retreat Schedule

3 Morning group sessions with Helen

3 Evening Sessions – one with an outdoor fire circle

Afternoon relaxation and renewal activities:

·       Monday afternoon - Relaxation time to do your own thing and lots to see and do on the peninsula which is only 1 hour end to end driving!

· Tuesday afternoon - Optional - Doodle and Watercolour with artist and flower FarmHer Brenda Kerton - (cost: $30 p/p includes all materials)

·       Wednesday afternoon - A 90 minute Boat Cruise to see the famous shipwrecks and tour round the unique geological features of Flowerpot Island in the beautiful waters of Lake Huron (Cruise ticket included).

What is included in your registration fee:

Hotel Room (different prices for premium or standard, shared or single see below)

Breakfast each morning

3 packed lunches (Mon/Tue/Wed)

2 dinners (light dinner Sun arrival + full dinner Wed eve)

90 min Heron Boat Cruise

NOT included:

·       Doodle and Watercolour Workshop (additional $33.90 (inc. HST) supplies are included) - paid directly to facilitator

·       Dinner meals Mon and Tue – you’re free to enjoy any of the restaurants in Tobermory or stay close to home and enjoy the Princess Hotel restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Price options (includes Gratuities but excludes HST and based on 10 participants).

Premium Room (2 Premium rooms with 2 beds available)

            Double occupancy $ 1,500 (approx) + HST p/p

Single occupancy $2, 200 (approx) + HST p/p

Standard Room (4 Standard rooms with 2 beds available)

            Double occupancy $1, 400 (approx) + HST p/p

Single occupancy $1, 905 (approx) + HST p/p

If only 6 – 9 register then there will be an additional $150 fee. You will be contacted by myself to see if you wish to continue. If not, you will receive a full refund if you wish.

FAQS:

What is the purpose of the consultation with Helen prior to registration?

Group process can be enlivening but it can also be challenging. Timing is important in the various stages of our healing journeys. The consultation will discern if this retreat and group work is in sync with your needs. Sometimes individual work is needed and sometimes groups are just the right thing. Stepping into a group retreat can also be easier if you have met the facilitator. We will explore this together in a 30 minute consultation and getting to know each other a little prior to your registration and payment.

Do I have to read the Red Shoes chapter in Women Who Run With Wolves before I come?

It isn’t mandatory to buy the book and read it but I can assure you that you likely won’t regret adding this book to your personal library. I’ve used it for over twenty years personally and in groups, individual therapy with people. It has timeless wisdom for women and is wonderfully rich read. I recommend taking it in small bites, section by section to reflect on between reading.

Will there be ride sharing for travelling to and from the Bruce Peninsula?

Please indicate to Helen if you need a ride or can offer a ride. I will do my best to coordinate ride sharing if possible. No guarantees though!

What extra activities can I find on the Bruce Peninsula?

Please go to the official Bruce Peninsula tourist website

Do I have to have previous art experience for Brenda Kerton’s Doodle and Watercolour Workshop?

No, Brenda has designed this workshop for all skill levels and absolutely no experience necessary. It is a fun way to, explore your right brain, help the mind to focus and settle and chat with your fellow retreatants in a relaxed atmosphere. Supplies included in the additional fee.

What should I bring and pack?

Comfortable walking shoes (sturdy sneakers are fine)

Bug spray

Raincoat (just in case!)

Comfortable clothes for group time

Layers for camp fire evening

Water bottle for hydrating through the day

Journal and pen for writing inquiry exercises and keeping track of images, reflections, insights that emerge on the retreat

HOW TO REGISTER:

Step 1

Please email me (Helen) with your expression of interest, what it is that draws you to this retreat, and best time of day to book a 30 minute consultation (if you’ve not met me before).

Step 2

Registration is then secured with a $250 Deposit (non-refundable) –

deadline April 15, 2024

Step 3

Final Payment in full by FRI APRIL 26, 2024

REFUND POLICY

DEPOSIT of 250 is non-refundable after May 25th to cover reservation cancellation + hotel admin fee

FINAL PAYMENT

(minus deposit) can be refunded up to 15 days prior to the retreat (by May 25, 2024 at 11.59 pm)

AFTER MAY 26 NO REFUNDS (the hotel requires payment for the rooms and I will have prepared the content and al the supplies/gift bags will have been prepared).

What time is arrival and departure?

Arrival & check in – 4 pm Sunday June 9, 2024

Check out & departure – 10 am Thu June 13, 2024