UPCOMING RETREATS
Our in-person retreats are held throughout the year at a variety of beautiful venues on both
East and West coasts of the U.S.
Join us for our flagship three-night, four-day gathering of motherless daughters who were children and teens at the time of loss (up to and including age 21).
Spend the weekend sharing stories and doing customized activities with a group of women who share histories similar to yours, women who “get” you from the moment you arrive.
NOTE: You can be any age over 21 now, but please ensure your retreat choice matches your age at time of loss. At least 2 years must have passed since the death of your mother to qualify you for a retreat.
“I’ve been in therapy for 20+ years since my mom passed. I got more out of this three-day retreat than in the past twenty years of therapy. It’s great to be with peers who understand you, and the tools you learn are so valuable in your grief process.”
Interested in West Coast Retreats?
We don’t have any upcoming West Coast Retreats but click the link below to get on our waiting list and be the first to find out.
Interested in East Coast Retreats?
We don’t have any upcoming East Coast Retreats but click the link below to get on our waiting list and be the first to find out.
WHAT CAN I HOPE TO GAIN FROM THESE RETREATS?
Most motherless daughters have never had the experience of sitting in a room of women who understand their innermost challenges, triumphs, and fears. In addition, many of us were silenced in the past or told we needed to be “over” the loss after a brief period of time.
At a Motherless Daughters Retreat, you'll be listened to and supported. Your story will be treated with curiosity and compassion.
You’ll also learn how to create new connections with your mother, and to honor the unique individual you are, both as her daughter and as a female in your own right.
WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE?
A typical four-day retreat* looks like this:
Day 1: group meeting at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., and an evening program** from 7 until about 8:30 p.m.
Day 2: coffee/snacks from 9-9:30, daytime program** from 9:30 till 12:30. After lunch we meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. You have free time from 3:30 p.m. until dinner at 6. After dinner, the evening program runs until approximately 9 p.m.
Day 3: coffee/snacks from 9-9:30, yoga or bodywork class from 10-11, daytime program** from 11 till 12:30. After lunch we meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. You have free time from 3:30 p.m. until dinner at 6. After dinner, the evening program runs until approximately 9 p.m.
Day 4: coffee from 9-9:30., and then a morning program** before the retreat ends at approximately 11:30 a.m., followed by a group brunch.
* Retreats may follow a different or longer schedule, depending on the online or in-person option. Please contact us directly to inquire about the daily schedule.
** “Program” refers to a unique curriculum developed for your specific group, which may include story sharing; story reframing; journal writing prompts; experiential exercises; guided meditations; and group talks in the evenings.
WHO WILL BE IN THE GROUP?
The group will be a diverse collection of women from all over the U.S. and Canada (and sometimes from overseas) who have lost their mothers to death at various ages, and from many different causes.
Women sign up for these retreats because they feel ready to examine the impact their mothers’ deaths have had on their lives. Participants find they have many experiences in common. Most group members arrive saying they’d felt alone and isolated with their stories for years, and leave saying they have a new group of soul sisters they can stay in touch with now.
Motherless Daughters Retreats does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or marital status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants and, whenever possible, choose retreat sites that are ADA compliant.
“Hope’s book [Motherless Daughters] and the retreats changed my life. Having the chance to spend the weekend with other women who truly understand what it means to grow up without your mom was more powerful than I could have imagined. I made lasting connections and now have a community of women to turn to when I need them. I no longer feel alone and like I need to keep my loss to myself. With the help on Hope and the retreats I have brought my mother back into the light and now find ways to celebrate her life and legacy.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Motherless Daughter Retreat is a powerful and often life-changing event. We've compiled this detailed FAQ to answer common questions participants have before and after registration. If your question is not covered here, please contact us at info@hopeedelman.com.
YOUR RETREAT FEE:
$1395 USD
PLEASE NOTE: Housing accommodations at the West Coast retreats are NOT INCLUDED. The retreat is held in Topanga Canyon, California. You will receive the address of the site once you register, so you can find housing nearby at hotels or AirBnbs.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Customized activities and tips based on your specific needs;
Drop-in hours with Hope and the co-facilitator each afternoon;
Catered, healthy meals from Thursday evening until Sunday brunch;
Saturday morning movement class;
All workshop materials;
A signed copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Motherless Daughters (for you or a friend);
Access to a private WhatsApp group for pre- and post-retreat support;
A follow-up group conference call;
The ability to join a Fly It Forward Alumni Retreat (6 months after the initial retreat);
Priority access to future International Service Retreats;
A lifetime 10% discount on all future Motherless Daughters ONLINE offerings (webinars, online courses, materials).
PLEASE NOTE: At least two years need to have elapsed since the time of your mother’s death to best meet your bereavement needs. Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of retreat.
COVID-19 POLICY (AS OF 08/15/22):
We require double vaccination (or single in the case of J&J) unless medical reasons are provided, and we strongly suggest a booster. We will not be testing or requiring tests of any participant. Each person assumes their own risk if they choose to attend this event, and everyone is encouraged to do what feels right in terms of masking. We are not able to give refunds outside of our normal cancellation policy (see below) for any sickness, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up to 60 days prior to start date: refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
Up to 30 days prior the start date: 50% refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
From 21 days to the start date: non-refundable.
We suggest you purchase travel insurance when you book airline tickets to avoid flight cancellation fees.
Organizers reserve the right to cancel the retreat up to 21 days before start date if minimum enrollment has not been achieved. You would then receive a 100% refund of the registration fee.
“At Hope’s retreat, I was able to find what I had been missing since my mother’s death- a sisterhood of women who understand, a sense of not being alone, and a safe place to feel my grief. That sense of community was more effective and comforting than any therapy I’ve had!”
“It’s been almost twenty five years since my mom passed away, yet I feel her presence with me and within me more strongly now than ever. I am so grateful for the gift of this retreat and new insight.
”
“I didn’t really understand the impact this weekend would have on me until we were about a day and a half into it. I was nervous and unsure before walking through the front door even though I wanted to be on this retreat. I can’t really explain it, but for me, it was a magical experience. I guess a more grown up word would be transformative.”
“My experience at the retreat was truly transformative. Hope and Claire put together a weekend of deep reflection and kindness that enabled me to think through many of the feelings I’ve had for years. The opportunity to talk about mother loss with a group of women that really understand was amazing and the support that I continue to feel many weeks after the retreat is wonderful. I just wish I had done this sooner!
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Further retreat questions? Please send an email to info@HopeEdelman.com