Who should attend STAR?
Who should attend a STAR workshop?
Who should not attend a STAR workshop?
I’ve been in therapy for a long time and nothing seems to change. How is STAR different?
I’m in a 12-Step program—is STAR compatible?
Can family and/or friends attend STAR together?
Administrative Details
What is the application procedure?
I’m in therapy; do you need to speak with my therapist?
How far in advance of a STAR workshop do I need to enroll?
Are Continuing Education Units available for licensed Mental Health Professionals?
Financial Details
How much is a STAR retreat?
Will my insurance cover the cost of STAR?
Is there financial help available?
Do you accept credit cards
What is the cancellation policy?
Program Details
Who facilitates STAR workshops?
What is the ratio of staff to participants?
How large is a typical group and is it coed?
What methods does STAR utilize?
What happens at STAR?
Why is STAR a residential program?
How is STAR different from other programs?
Facility and Logistics
Where is the workshop held?
What airport do I fly into?
Is it possible to have a single room?
May I bring my cell phone or computer?
Confidentiality
How is confidentiality controlled by the STAR Foundation?
Who should attend a STAR workshop?
Since STAR’s beginning in the mid-1970s, people from all walks of life have benefited from its 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, parents, students, musicians, writers, and more. A STAR workshop is also a wonderful opportunity for graduate students in psychology to do their personal work.
In particular, STAR benefits those who are experiencing personal or professional 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.
Who should not attend a STAR workshop?
We do not accept individuals who are not able to physically care for themselves, those who are a danger to themselves or others, and those who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol. 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 full care units and we are not licensed to prescribe and dispense medications.
Who should not attend a STAR workshop?
We do not accept individuals who are not able to physically care for themselves, those who are a danger to themselves or others, and those who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol. 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 full care units and we are not licensed to prescribe and dispense medications.
I’ve been in therapy for a long time and nothing seems to change. How is STAR different?
STAR is unique because of the varied techniques employed in the process, the residential nature of the retreat, and the design of the 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. Their clients benefit from being able to deeply engage their work in a sustained way as opposed to the “stop and start” nature of outpatient therapy.
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. Exploring the roots of compulsion may serve to temper addictive impulses. 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 recovery program at STAR.
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Can family and/or friends attend STAR together?
We do not recommend that you take STAR with any family member or close friend. It is important for you to have this time for yourself and be able to work without consideration for anyone else in your environment.
What is the application procedure?
You simply call the STAR Foundation office at 1-888-857-STAR (7827). After completing a short online application, we will contact you regarding an appointment for a telephone interview with one of our therapists. The interview usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Once you have decided to enroll in one of our programs, a deposit of $800 will be required to hold a place, and you will be given instructions regarding travel plans and an additional online form, which needs to be completed in advance of STAR.
Your balance will be due, at the latest, two weeks before STAR. It is important to note that we enroll on a first come first serve basis. Your place is not guaranteed until your application is complete and you have paid in full or made other payment arrangements with our Executive Director. We have a variety of payment plans available.
I’m in therapy; do you need to speak with my therapist?
We highly recommend that you give us permission to communicate with your therapist. We consider ourselves to be part of your treatment team. Communicating with your therapist prior to and after STAR creates a continuity of care that enhances your healing process. We find that participants that return to therapy following STAR significantly maximize the benefit of their STAR experience.
How far in advance of a STAR workshop do I need to enroll?
Two months is usually safe, however we recommend calling the STAR Foundation office well in advance of that time frame, as workshops can fill fast. We always work hard to meet the needs of late enrollees.
Are Continuing Education Units available for licensed Mental Health Professionals?
Barbara Findeisen, M.F.T. is a provider of continuing education hours. You may need to check with your licensing Board to determine if hours at STAR are applicable in your case.
How much is a STAR retreat?
The 10-day retreat costs $3,595, or about $360 per day. This includes all meals, shared rooms with private baths, four to six hours of therapy per day, staff availability 24 hours a day, all materials and art supplies, and ancillary activities. Partial scholarships, based on financial need, and payment plans are available. The October, 2010, retreat will cost $3,695.
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. Following STAR, we will provide you with an itemized statement for insurance reimbursement purposes.
Is there financial help available?
Yes. STAR does provide payment plans, as well as a limited number of scholarships based upon financial need.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept all the major credit cards, including American Express and Discover Cards.
What is the cancellation policy?
Your deposit of $800 is fully refundable 30 days or more prior to the program. If you cancel within 30 days, the $800 is not refundable, but you can roll it over to another date within one year. Cancellations within 10 days of the workshop may result in forfeiture of a portion of the workshop fee. There are no refunds once you begin the program.
Who facilitates STAR workshops?
Workshops are led by Barbara Findeisen, M.F.T., who has developed the STAR process over the last 30 years. Barbara works personally with each participant assisted by staff members who facilitate each participant’s process. STAR staff is made up of individuals from all walks of life—professional therapists, lawyers, body workers, nurses, business people etc. All STAR staff have gone through the STAR process and have been through the STAR Foundation Training Program.
What is the ratio of staff to participants?
STAR has one staff member for every two participants, with a comparatively intimate group size that never exceeds 26 participants. This is without question the richest staff-to-participant ratio of any similar program. We are dedicated to maintaining this level of individualized attention so that we can always offer each participant a uniquely personal experience. While there are opportunities each day to work with a wide range of facilitators, every participant has a designated "Reader." This facilitator is matched with the participant in order to guide their experience every day of STAR.
I’ve never before experienced such safety, support,
and deeply transformative work in my life.
Recent Therapist Graduate
How large is a typical group and is it coed?
A typical group is 18 to 24 people (maximum 26) and is coed.
What methods does STAR utilize?
STAR blends techniques from mainstream psychotherapy with holistic and transpersonal approaches. The process occurs in a group setting; yet it is highly individualized. The STAR Process includes experiential therapies, integrative breathwork, emotional release work, journaling, intensive writing assignments, cognitive exercises, art projects, ego-state psychology, and family of origin exploration as well as a variety of other creative and innovative approaches to healing. 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.
What happens at STAR?
STAR is an individual process done in a group setting. It is a carefully structured retreat that encourages participants to work in an individual fashion while providing many opportunities for group interaction. Mornings are typically spent checking in with one’s facilitator, or working on daily written assignments. All 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.
Small break-out groups are scheduled almost daily to discuss and process the day’s assignments; optional groups such as 12-Step and Grief occur many days; an art room is available round the clock; and body work is available at an extra charge.
There is time for walking, jogging, swimming, and bird watching. Free time, however, is very limited; most find the STAR schedule very full.
For an overview of the ten days, see the Daily STAR Schedule.
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 explore core issues. You are free to do the kind of intensive work required to fully heal and move on into a freer, happier, more joyous, and more present-focused existence.
The residential nature of STAR facilitates healing and creates an environment which supports significant positive bonding with staff and the foundation for life long friendships with participants.
The safety and container for showing up is what I have never found any place else.
It allowed me to go through my own, organic individual process and
to receive and validate my truth, not your truth, and that’s power.
Participant—January, 2009
How is STAR different from other programs?
STAR is a uniquely complete in-depth approach to individual healing. Our experience has taught us that much of adult unhappiness, “stuck-ness,”dysfunctional patterns, addictive behaviors, and spiritual crisis are rooted in the negative messages and experiences of our early childhood. STAR seeks to identify and heal these wounds through a combination of highly effective therapies, including modalities that connect with the very earliest traumas and patterns. We believe that these very early incidents (that many other programs do not address) offer many profound answers as to what may be affecting the participant’s life.
The rich staff-to-participant ratio is unparalleled and offers the flexibility to meet more participant needs. Finally, the length of the program in the context of the incredible milieu of processes and support enables participants to go much deeper into their issues than in any other similar programs. Time and again, the result is a highly effective and transformative experience.
I know of no other program so rooted in reality and fact that touches your soul so deeply. STAR melds what really works with what each participant uniquely needs
to move forward positively in a lasting way.
Participant—April, 2008
Where is the workshop held?
STAR is held at Pocket Sanctuary, a 90 acre former dude ranch in Tumacacori, Arizona, south of Tucson. This is a private, comfortable location with a very supportive and helpful staff. Many participants share with us how the physical environment helps their process—beautiful sunsets, clear clean air, warm sun, hot tub, swimming pool, charming accommodations, meditative Koi pond, and gardens all set in the picturesque foothills of the Santa Rita and Tumacacori mountain ranges.
The cuisine at the ranch is consistently excellent. Menus vary and usually include poultry, meat, or fish as an entrée—as well as vegetarian options. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients. The chef is apprised in advance of any allergies or food restrictions so that all of your specific dietary needs will be met. A bonus is freedom from planning, shopping, preparing, and cleaning up meals for ten days.
What airport do I fly into?
You fly into Tucson, Arizona, where you are met by Carrie’s Coaches. Along with other participants, you are driven 50 minutes south to the ranch. The charge for your ground transportation ranges from $20 to $55 each direction, depending on whether you ride by yourself, or with others. All details related to travel will be provided in your pre-STAR information.
Is it possible to have a single room?
Accommodations are shared, usually double or triple with a private bath. A single is available at an extra charge of $40 per day, space permitting.
May I bring my cell phone or computer?
We strongly encourage participants to focus on themselves while at STAR, and connections with the outside via phone calls or email may interfere in your personal process. We understand that you may need to check in at home or work, and do allow for those necessary communications; this is especially important when you have small children.
How is confidentiality controlled by the STAR Foundation?
A strict policy of confidentiality is held by all STAR staff. Participants are also asked not to share any personal information regarding fellow STAR participants—this includes sharing with family members and partners.
All requests for information regarding our participants and former participants are referred to the main STAR office in California where all written authorizations to release records are kept on file. No information, verbal or written, is released without a current authorization on file in our office. Our staff has been trained to be sensitive to individual confidentiality and requests for information