Frequently Asked Questions
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?
- What is the difference between talk therapy and experiential therapy?
- I'm in a 12-Step program—is STAR compatible?
- Can family and/or friends attend STAR together?
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 are some of the methods STAR utilizes?
- What happens at STAR?
- Why is STAR a residential program?
- How is STAR different from other programs?
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 does a STAR retreat cost?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of STAR?
- Is there financial help available?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- What is the cancelation policy?
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?
- How is the food at a workshop?
Confidentiality
Who should attend a STAR workshop?
Since STAR's beginning in the mid-1970s, people from all over the world and all walks of life have attended STAR. Participants have included therapists, mental health professionals, physicians and surgeons, business leaders, attorneys, engineers, teachers, elected officials, political consultants, parents, students, musicians, writers, and more.
The reasons for coming to STAR are as varied as the people attending. They include those who are dealing with or experiencing one or more of the following: depression, anxiety, low self esteem, personal or professional burnout, relationship issues, grief and loss, personal growth, anger issues including anger management, codependent behavior, loss of life's meaning and purpose, life transitions, personal crisis, feeling "stuck" in one's process, blocked creativity, addictive and compulsive behaviors, trauma or PTSD, and stress.
Who should not attend a STAR workshop?
We do not accept individuals who are unable 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 for a multitude of reasons. Our retreat is experiential (with some talk therapy); we have many varied and effective modalities used in our process; we employ over 20 different modalities in the STAR Process; we create and maintain a very safe and trusting environment; we maintain an almost 1:2 participant to staff ratio; and our staff is available 24 hours per day.
Many people, who have experienced very little change after long-term psychotherapy, have enjoyed amazingly rapid progress through the STAR retreat. Many therapists refer clients to STAR who simply need to get "unstuck" or who would benefit from intensive work on their core issues. Their clients benefit from being able to deeply and continuously engage in their work 24/7 while at STAR, as opposed to the “stop and start” nature of outpatient therapy.
What is the difference between talk therapy and experiential therapy?
Talk therapy is simply talking about what is bothering you. This can help you spot things that are causing problems in your life. Through discussion, you can find ways to handle your problems so that the same issues won't continually disrupt your life.
Experiential therapy goes a lot deeper. The goal is to free a person from the unresolved emotions so that he or she becomes freer to live in the present. Experiential therapy uses recognized processes to enable the enactment or reenactment of the emotional climate of the family of origin and/or other past significant relationships and events. In re-examining them, you are able to feel those feelings now, work through them now and defuse them once and for all. The released emotional pain is no longer repressed and allowed to fester.
I’m in a 12-Step program - is STAR compatible?
STAR is completely congruent with and complimentary to 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.
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 do your own work without consideration for anyone else in your environment.
Who facilitates STAR workshops?
Workshops are led by Barbara Findeisen, M.F.T., who is the Founder of the STAR Foundation and the developer of the 30+ year old the STAR process. Barbara works personally with each and every participant and is assisted by staff members who facilitate each participant’s process. STAR staff is made up of individuals from all walks of life—professional therapists and social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, body workers, nurses, attorneys, business people, etc. All members of the 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 approximately 1 staff member for every 2 participants, with a comparatively intimate group size that never exceeds 26 participants. This is by far the richest staff-to-participant ratio of any remotely similar program. We are a nonprofit company. Our emphasis is upon providing an environment in which each participant has an opportunity to get what he or she needs. 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 is carefully matched with a facilitator in order to guide their experience every day of STAR.
How large is a typical group and is it coed?
A typical group is 18 to 24 people (maximum 26) consisting of both men and women.
What are some of the methods STAR utilizes?
STAR blends techniques from mainstream psychotherapy with holistic and transpersonal approaches. The process mostly occurs in a group setting; yet it is highly individualized. The STAR Process includes experiential therapies (see "What is experiential therapy?"), integrative breathwork, emotional release work, journaling, intensive writing assignments, cognitive exercises, art projects, ego-state psychology, family of origin exploration, and a variety of other creative and innovative approaches to healing. Staff members 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.
Why is STAR a residential program?
A good deal of the unique power of STAR is derived from the fact that participants are relieved of their usual daily life burdens in a completely supportive environment. Participants are therefore able to focus completely on themselves 24/7. This results in an unparalleled opportunity to deeply 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 lifelong friendships with participants.
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, dysfunctional patterns, addictive behaviors, and spiritual crises 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 and opportunity for each participant to meet his or her particular 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.
How much does a STAR retreat cost?
The 10-day retreat costs $3,695, or about $370 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.
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 Master Card and Visa.
What is the cancelation policy?
A deposit of $800 is required to reserve your space.
All cancellations are subject to the following policies:
If you cancel your attendance more than 30 days prior to the start of the workshop, your deposit, less a $250 administrative fee, will be refunded.
If you cancel your attendance between 14 and 30 days, inclusive, prior to the start of the workshop, your deposit, less a $250 administrative fee, may be transferred to another workshop of your choosing so long as it commences within 1 year of the start of the cancelled workshop. If you fail to select another workshop within 45 days of cancellation and/or if you cancel your attendance at the newly chosen workshop, the transferred deposit will be forfeited in its entirety.
If you cancel your attendance less than 14 days prior to the start of the workshop, your deposit will be forfeited in its entirety.
What is the application procedure?
Simply call the STAR Foundation office at 707-857-3359, or toll-free at 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 reserve 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 the tuition in full or made other payment arrangements with our Executive Director.
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 both prior to and after STAR creates a continuity of care that enhances your healing process. We find that the benefits of the STAR experience are significantly maximized by participants who return to therapy following STAR.
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.
Enrollees with all application materials, including payment in full by check 30 days in advance of STAR, qualify for an Early Enrollment Discount of $200.
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.
Where is the workshop held?
STAR is held at Kenyon Ranch, a 90 acre former dude ranch in Tumacacori, Arizona, 30 miles south of Tucson. It 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.
What airport do I fly into?
You fly into Tucson, Arizona, where you are met by a shuttle service. 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 have been found to interfere with your personal process. We understand that you may need to briefly check in at home or work. But we very strongly recommend that all contact be necessary, brief and kept to a bare minimum. It's your process and we want you to have the very best opportunities for healing.
How is the food at a workshop?
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. Kenyon Ranch tries to provide Organic foods as much as possible but does not offer totally organic meals. For an additional $10.00 per day we can provide gluten-free and vegan diets.
How is confidentiality controlled by the STAR Foundation?
A strict policy of confidentiality is maintained by all STAR staff. Participants are also asked not to share any personal information regarding fellow STAR participants—this includes sharing with your 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.
