MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS RETREATS
One-of-a-kind, healing weekends where women can safely explore the long-term effects of early mother loss
Our 2024 retreats with Hope Edelman, author of Motherless Daughters, are now open for registration
Most motherless daughters have never had the experience of sitting in a room filled with women who understand their innermost challenges, triumphs, and fears.
You’ll find that here.
Few women who lost mothers in childhood or adolescence know other women who’ve experienced the same. “Aren’t you over it yet?” is a question they often hear from those who don’t understand the profound effects of early loss.
In addition, daughters who lose a mother in their 20s are often overlooked, their losses minimized because they were “already adults” or “lucky to have had a mother for that long.”
We don’t agree with this. Mother loss is hard and its effects are long-lasting at any age.
At a Motherless Daughters Retreat, you'll be listened to and supported.
Your story, your thoughts, and your feelings will be received with curiosity and compassion by others who understand.
In our circles, you’ll learn new ways to stay connected to your mom after her death and to continue to honor her life, legacy, and the relationship you shared.
NEW in 2024:
MORE FOCUS on “Age-at-time-of-Loss” GROUPINGS
Our retreats now welcome 24-45 participants at a time. Our 24-person retreats do large-group work, with occasional small-group work based on age at time of loss.
At our 45-person retreats, everyone will be together for open and closing activities, as well as every catered meal.
The rest of the time, you’ll be part of an intimate circle of up to 15 women who all lost mothers around the same age you did. We’ll sub-divide into three groups at time of loss: Up to Age 12, Ages 13-19, and Ages 20-30.
This is because the developmental challenges faced at each stage are so different. We want to honor that and help you meet others who have faced similar challenges.
The same program and activities will be tailored to each age-at-time-of-loss circle, so you’ll never miss out on anything!
Women tell us that a Motherless Daughters Retreat is a life-changing experience. But we know it can feel daunting to talk about something you may have kept safely tucked away in the past.
The video below includes women who’ve participated in past retreats. They’re part of a generous, welcoming sisterhood you’ll be part of from the first moment you arrive. These are their special messages to you.
Choose your perfect retreat destination.
Chester, Connecticut
June 7 - 10, 2024
This retreat is for Motherless Daughters who were children, teens and young adults (up to age 25) at the time of loss.
We’re returning to Guest House Retreat,
our beautiful East Coast home.
Oxfordshire, UK
September 5 - 8, 2024
This retreat is for Motherless Daughters who were up to age 21 at the time of loss.
This is our first retreat in the UK. We can’t wait to meet you there.
Iowa City, Iowa
August 1 - 4, 2024
This retreat is for Motherless Daughters who were children, teens, and 20-somethings at the time of loss.
We hope you can join us at our first
Midwestern retreat.
All retreats include:
Customized activities and tips based on your retreat group’s specific needs;
Small-group breakout sessions based on your age at time of loss (US retreats);
Three nights’ accommodations (Connecticut and UK retreats only; group hotel rate available in Iowa City);
Catered, healthy, buffet-style meals;
All workshop materials, including activities you won’t find anywhere else;
Guidance and attention to your unique story from national experts in early mother loss, including Hope Edelman, author of Motherless Daughters and Motherless Mothers;
A gift bag upon arrival;
Access to a private Facebook group for pre-retreat support;
Access to a private WhatsApp group for post-retreat support;
A follow-up group conference call;
Optional access to a continuation program for 6 months of continued contact (we’ll never let you leave unsupported);
A lifetime 10% discount on all future Motherless Daughters ONLINE offerings (weekly support calls, online courses, writing programs, and more);
A group of women who will become your support network and soul sisters for long after the weekend ends.
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.
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.