“With every journey, we bring baggage; period. I didn’t realize the amount of excess emotional weight I had been dragging with me for years, and inadvertently rolling it over and through those that mean the most to me, including myself. I had tried to “logic” my way through so many things, read every self-help book out there, and spent countless hours in traditional talk therapy. Those things have their place, but life is an experience, not a formula. You can’t think your way through it, you have to feel it. You have to experience it. Star is an experience. I admittedly came in extremely skeptical. But thanks to the incredible Star staff, my skepticism eroded layer by layer, finally revealing what I had been missing for so long. I didn’t think it, I felt it. I cried harder than I ever had, but also laughed deeper and more genuinely than I “thought” I ever could. I found my essence, and I’m never losing it again. “-Winter 2024

“I came to STAR not knowing exactly what it was or what I was searching for, other than inner peace. I found that and so much more. I found a sense of purpose. I realized that I am not alone and plenty of other people hurt like me and various other ways. I found a new family. If you find yourself lost, low or beating yourself up, grieving, depressed or discarded, just go. You’ll get out what you put in and it’s hard work. But it’s so worth it. You are worth it.” – Winter 2024

“STAR changed my life. I came here because I had tried EVERYTHING else and it didn’t work. It was either die or do STAR. At this retreat found my essence again, I found my radiance. This is the most precious gift. I can start to live again.” – Spring 2024

“Support through my journey was amazing. Staff was always available and so willing to help. This has been an eye-opening event allowing me time and space to find me. My heart, my child is very full, heard and appreciated. Tools to reengage in the world are helpful and tailored to my needs. Pleasantly surprised with my learnings and my connection back to my heart. Thank you.” – Winter 2024

“STAR has provided me with the tools to identify the blocks in my life that were holding me back. The agenda for the week was intentionally created and crafted to create opportunities for participants to go deep within themselves. The staff was incredibly supportive along the way to help you get out of your own way and dig deep within yourself. I feel like I am more connected with my true self now, more than ever before and have the tools to work through life moving forward. Keep up and the amazing work. Thank you.” – Winter 2024

“Greatest investment I could have ever made in myself and future self. The unconditional love and support that has been demonstrated during this short time will have an impact on me for the rest of my life.” – Winter 2024

“When I came to this STAR I was disconnected, lost and out of hope. My life had been in chaos and that’s where I thought I was meant to live. STAR was able to “unlock and open” my heart for the first time and I was able to “love” myself. I discovered “love” “compassion” and “intimacy”. I found my essence. I will forever be grateful and thankful. I have an amazing “new family”.” – Winter 2024

“Wow, what an amazing experience I had. I can’t even believe how good I feel about myself and the world and look forward to trying everything I learned out in real life and see where I go.” – Winter 2024

“At STAR I got cracked open and the darkness seeped out and the light came in. I rediscovered the strength I have and how to use it. I learned. I don’t have to be paralyzed in fear. That there are authentic people you can trust, and I learned to believe in myself again. I learned that just because bad things happen that it does not define me. I was able to let go of the traits that don’t serve me on my new path and journey. I found hope and promise of a new future if I am willing to put the work in thank you with all my heart. With real love“ – Winter 2024

“The amount of gratitude that is in my heart for this program is unreal. The transformation that has happened within me, the closeness I feel with myself, the confidence and trust I have in myself, is something that I never thought attainable. I found my true self. I found peace” – Retreat Alumni

“STAR is life changing. It has sent me on a path to self actualization and wholeness. The love is transformative. Thank you.” – Fall 2023

“I would recommend STAR to anyone who wants to experience more joy and presence, less anger & stress and who wants to be their authentic self in life and in relationships.”

“STAR helped me deal with trauma that has shaped my life and gave me strength, clarity and tools to live the life God meant me to live.” – Fall 2023

“I really feel that I would never be able to get to this place (Day 9), in a lifetime of therapy. I really feel that I am in a much better place. Now, therapy will continue to keep me on track with the tools I learned at STAR. Everything I learned here is important.” – Fall 2023

“I came to STAR to deal with the grief of my son. The 10 day journey I embarked on was so much more than I expected. I’m leaving with 14 new best friends along with a trunk full of new tools I can use in my everyday life. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I look forward to becoming my best me here on out.” – Fall 2023

“My STAR surrender journey was a life changing, life saving experience. I was able to discover and reconnect to my inner self buried nearly 50 years ago. My self made mantra of “nothing can touch me” which I erected to protect me in distant past was discovered and destroyed forever. I am forever blessed and enriched deep in my soul. Thank God for STAR retreat, it will save my wife and my life.” – Fall 2023

“STAR has truly been a life changing experience and I feel that many people would get so much from this. Everything from the initial phone call to the last day has been amazing and I am extremely grateful. The love is amazing. Thank you” – Fall 2023

“This has been the most profound self awareness journey I have ever participated in. It has truly been transforming! I so appreciate the love and support of the entire STAR staff. The program is life changing and could be such a value to so many people who are desperate to find themselves. I truly believe the STAR experience has saved my life!” – Fall 2023

“STAR is a life changing program. It will be an everlasting memory. The staff is phenomenal. STAR will make me be a better person! Thank you! Thank you!” -S.O., Spring 2023

“I didn’t know what to expect prior to my arrival and had some skepticism that it would yield any benefit. At the end of the session, I feel so much better about myself in many ways. It was a terrific experience of self exploration and discovery! I feel empowered and optimistic about what the future holds. Thank you ALL at STAR!” –Spring 2023

“Wow! Life changing. Great to have an overall mapping of my heart when evaluating situations. To make sure to take care of my inner child and to see/understand when my mask, inner critic, or shadow come out to play. To stop & breathe. To realize I am co-dependent was HUGE! So much learning and understanding of my childhood and how those experiences have affected and shaped my adult life/ personality. Thank you for ALL your hard work.” – Spring 2023

“I would recommend STAR to anyone looking for that something or are just stuck in a life rut. It has this energy that creates a safe place to allow you to work on you. The friendships made with other attendees, facilitators, and ranch staff will stay with me for years to come. If you are thinking about taking the STAR journey, don’t over think it. Trust and do it.” – Spring 2023

“My experience at STAR was nothing short of intense, emotional and painful but through it all, I leave here feeling gratitude, joy and discovering positive things about myself that I never realized existed. Incredible experience.” – Winter 2023

“It will be an experience which will never be forgotten. Words can’t express the love, safety and self-exploration that is experienced. You will leave knowing a new sense of who you are and able to leave self-doubt behind. The staff is incredible, and it is 10 days that you will cherish in your heart forever.” – Winter 2023

“At a very pivotal crisis time in my life, I reached out to STAR. The communication and sense of relating and caring was evident from the start. From Day #1 I felt very safe and able to talk and it continually grew more each day. The bond that was formed with peers was amazing! The classes helped me dive into my issues and look at better, more able ways to cope in the moment. I connected with staff and my facilitator more and more as each day passed and felt the care, love and compassion. The entire process was truly fantastic, and I look forward to utilizing my new bag of tools.” –Winter 2023

“STAR is THE RETREAT! You have to experience it for yourself. This was a life changing opportunity that I want all the people in my life to experience. The staff was well equipped, patient and kind. The structure of the 10 days was well organized. I never felt alone. STAR provided tools I will have forever as I continue to grow and heal. My advice to anyone reading this is to make the call, find the money, be brave enough to book the flight & GO!! Show up & TRUST THE PROCESS. You will be happy you did! I truly believe STAR was just for me. It showed up & found me at the right time in my life. Everything was connected. Every exercise, homework assignment, session, art project, special groups… it all came together & created a beautiful experience. As long as I trusted the process. The outcome helped me tap into the deepest part of my being. I’ve always wanted something like this & here it is. Thank you for doing this beautiful work. Don’t stop!” – Fall 2022

“My time at the STAR healing retreat is the turning point of my life. The staff was able to safely help me move step by step. Returning to my past, examining my present, and planning my future was opened to me gently and with only my best in mind. It is truly a labor of love on their parts. The principles, techniques, presentations, and materials all work together to make the ten days a life changing experience. I highly recommend those seeking answers for their lives should attend.” ~J., Summer 2022

“I needed to break free from my past and find a better way to live. I have been struggling with my own childhood pain as an adult, even as a mental health professional. I had not heard of a place or program like this before. I was seeking something that would go beyond 12 step programs, weekly therapy and self help books. I found it here at STAR. When you call to find out about it, keep an open mind. The experiences are like no other for me. I experienced a transformation that has freed me, given me the tools to continue evolving into the best me and provided me with a new way to treat myself and others. I will take all I have learned into my work as a mental health professional which will make me more effective as a provider. Thank you so much STAR staff.” ~S.P., Summer 2022

“Hardest most fulfilling experience of my life!! I am a better mom, girlfriend and person after this. Thank you for giving me passion for life again and for helping me heal my past traumas. I can finally see tomorrow!” – Retreat Participant 2022

“From the very first phone call to the tearful goodbyes on the last day, I felt known, loved, and cared about by the STAR staff. I had never felt so SEEN in my entire life. At first I didn’t know what to do with that feeling, but now I refuse to accept anything less! I have a new found love and compassion for myself, and because of this, I am able to be more loving and compassionate towards others as well.”— Ann, 2017

“As an attachment therapist and STAR graduate, I know that through the deep early work at STAR, the participant begins to remember and resolve the mysteries encountered in relationship— to self, to others, to community, and to environment. This validating information helps to foster compassionate understanding and fill in the blanks in the attachment continuum.” — Susan L. Love, MA., MFT, Oakland, CA