We don't believe in coping, we believe in thriving.

We work with anyone who would like to make a real and lasting change in their lives. Some of the presenting symptoms we work with are: 

  • chronic anxiety and low-grade or acute depression 
  • dysfunctional home- and work-life relationships
  • chronic stress and overworking
  • perfectionism and overwhelm
  • addictive or self-sabotaging behaviours
  • and other forms of persistent psychological and spiritual suffering​
Come join us for a radically holistic, healing program in a breathtaking natural setting. 

Join us for a 10-day Choose Again Mental Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica!

Each 10-day Retreat includes a comprehensive therapeutic program: 
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34+ hrs of Six Steps to Freedom circles: Over the course of 10 days, participants will become well-versed with the deeply transformative and healing Six Steps to Freedom. Highly-skilled counsellors will lead participants through the Six Steps, teaching them how to the process for themselves, and how to guide others through the process.

3x 2-hour holotropic breath work sessions. 

Immersion in Nature: Wake up to the howler monkey, fall asleep to a frog chorus. Our manicured gardens amidst lush jungle offer daily delights for the eyes, ears, and heart. ​

Daily meditations: Start your day with a guided meditation practice.

Morning yoga and movement: After meditation, enjoy daily body-mind practices such as yoga, walks in nature, and expressive movement, tailored to our participants' levels of physical fitness.

At least two excursions to local sites of incredible beauty, including the Arenal hot springs and Nicoya Peninsula beaches. 

Afternoon circles or group study. 

Afternoon guided nature hikes: daily

Silence: Every morning is silent, and several days of the program are silent outside of program times. Silence allows for going inward and integration of what you have been learning.  

Gratitude practice:  Evening gratitude practice around a candle-lit dinner table is many participants' favourite part of the program, and stays with them long after they return home

Digital detox (optional): Put away your digital devices and reclaim time for contemplation, reflection, and creativity. ​  

+ 3-month coaching & integration program! Our online aftercare program offers you 4 integration coaching sessions, 12 circles, and 1 private session, all with the same expert counsellors you worked with at the Centre.  ​​
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See a typical daily retreat schedule here.

Vibrant gourmet cuisine

As everyone who has been to El Cielo knows, we take eating very seriously. The mind and body healing that we offer to our guests is necessarily supported by vibrant and nourishing cuisine.  

​Our international, in-house chefs serve three buffets a day of globally-inspired, locally-sourced food. The menu is high in salads and vegetables, with local fresh fish or chicken for protein, and low in refined carbohydrates. Meals range from fresh eggs and avocados for breakfast, creative Buddha bowls for lunches, and delicious gourmet dinners; all augmented by fresh fruits, green smoothies, and a regular supply of salads and micro-greens grown in our on-site greenhouse. Coffee, tea, and snacks available all day.

​Vegetarian and vegan preferences can be accommodated. 

Beautiful accommodations, garden and lake view

​El Cielo, Choose Again's holistic retreat centre, was opened in 2006 in northwestern Costa Rica. This unique mid-elevation locale boasts manicured gardens in the midst of lush jungle overlooking the stunning Lake Arenal. Our facilities include a communal dining hall, spaces for indoor and outdoor group circles, a yoga studio and a greenhouse where we grow our own greens. ​

All rooms have posturepedic mattresses, a private bath, and veranda with garden and lake view.

Rejuvenating excursions to natural hot springs, lake, and beaches

In every workshop we make sure to make at least one excursion to a local site of extraordinary beauty. This could be to the wild hot springs by Arenal Volcano, the tranquil Lake Arenal that is our spectacular view, our local equine therapy centre, and/or one of the vast and peaceful beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. 

The excursions are an essential part of the therapeutic program, offering participants an opportunity to practice what you are learning, engaging with local people and natural surroundings.
As a busy working mom, I felt that I was ‘destined’ to be stuck in the rat race of life, putting everyone else first and never having time for me. Because of this belief I was unhappy and constantly looking to find love and relief in all the wrong places. Making the decision to come to El Cielo, to put myself first was the greatest gift I gave myself (and my family). First, the program is designed to nourish your body and mind. The food is fantastic and the beauty of the silent walks took my breath away. Knowing and believing now that I am joy and peace at my core and that it is only my choice to be anything but that, has given me the trust in myself to go forwards with love.

~M.Y. 38, Corporate Secretary, Canada, January 2024 retreat participant 
​    ....Read more testimonials
Retreat registration is by telephone only.
​For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
​ 1 (888) 832 5959​

FEATURED RETREATS

Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life

The Choose Again Essentials!
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​Whether you are new to this work, or a veteran of the process, this workshop offers a deep dive into the unconscious core beliefs that block you from leading a joyful and fulfilling  life.

Master our powerful Six Step to Freedom process and gain a tool for a lifelong journey of transformation and  growth.

​UPCOMING DATES
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​​June 15-25, 2025
with Gad Sprukt, Fred Wilberts, & Claudia Mosele

​July 13-23, 2025 - Special Rate!
with Fred Wilberts & Claudia Mosele

Oct 5-15, 2025
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

Nov 2-12, 2025
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

Nov 30-Dec 10, 2025
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

Dec 28-Jan 7, 2026
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

​Jan 25-Feb 4, 2026
With senior Choose Again counsellors ​

our workshops run year round; contact us for later dates

Freedom from Trauma​

Realise the effects of early childhood conditioning on your life, and gain simple tools to help you move beyond the past with self-awareness, compassion, and a renewed vision and purpose. 

Please note, that we define Trauma as any childhood conditioning that caused you to limit your idea of who you are and moved you away from a deep and natural connection with yourself. 

UPCOMING DATES

July 27- Aug 6, 2025 - Special Rate!
with Fred Wilberts & Claudia Mosele

Nov 16-26, 2025
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

​Jan 11-Jan 21, 2026
With senior Choose Again counsellors ​

our workshops run year round; contact us for later dates

Healing Intimate & Family Relationships

Discover a way to dramatically reduce relationship conflict and establish a deeper connection with yourself and others.

Understand the root cause of toxic emotional & behavioral patterns. 
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Learn how to change painful dynamics without waiting for others to change.
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​UPCOMING DATES
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Oct 19-Oct 29, 2025
With senior Choose Again counsellors 

Dec 14-Dec 24, 2025
​With senior Choose Again counsellors

our workshops run year round; contact us for later dates

​August 10-20, 2025
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Annual Healthcare Professionals Retreat


Each year, we hold a special retreat for practitioners in the fields of physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness. 

This retreat is offered as a reduced rate in our commitment as a charitable organisation to help those who help others. 

As with all our retreats, we only accept a maximum of 12 participants. 

This retreat is by application only. Please email us for inquiries: [email protected]

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24-day Intensive Program: offered year-round

Our  intensive allows you to join two consecutive 10-day retreats of your choice, and enjoy free time in the days in-between to either rest and integrate with us at the Centre, or discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica. You will receive a discounted rate on the second workshop. Contact us for details. 
​This program will allow you to:
  • Complete two consecutive 10-day retreats of your choice (see above)
  • Have time for deepening and integration with all-inclusive full-board stays between workshops.
  • Have opportunities to explore some of Costa rica's most magical areas: Volcano Arenal, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the stunning beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.​​

Participants testimonials

I chose to gift myself a retreat to El Cielo.  It was the best birthday present I have ever received or given.  I didn't know much about this magical place in Costa Rica or the Choose Again Six Step Process. I was hesitant. Now, after being through the program and coming back to my world and seeing first hand how peace and happiness is attainable, I encourage all other folks reading this review to "Go for it." Pack your bags and transform your life. This really works.  Everyone in my group had a life changing experience.  You will re-connect and discover through the help of the fantastic staff that all along the key to happiness and peace exists right in you. They will help you navigate how to access  that truth.  I am forever grateful to myself for choosing to go to Costa Rica, the amazing Team at Choose Again and the people who shared in my journey. 

- Debbi Levins, NY,
​2023 Retreat Participant
I have been in 12-step recovery for addiction for over 20 years. Although I have stayed sober I have continued to struggle with depression. I have read dozens of books and studied several spiritual practices, but none of them presented me with what Choose Again did. If true happiness has eluded you and you believe no human power can help. There is a solution here.

- D.F., Real Estate Developer, Colorado, Healing Trauma Retreat, January 2024
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​    ....Read more testimonials

Recognition of the Six Steps to Freedom Process

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"Direct and eloquent… a practical six-step program to self-liberation.”

Gabor Maté

Renowned Speaker & Bestselling Author
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Canada

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“It has the power and the potential to truly change your life.”

Jerry Jampolsky

Founder of Attitudinal Healing International & Bestselling Author
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USA

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Healing minds since 2005

In December of 2011, Warren Helfrich, a program evaluation consultant in private practice, was contracted to complete an evaluation of the services offered by Choose Again at their Healing Centre in Costa Rica (El Cielo).

Here are only a few of the highlights of the results:
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  • 95% of those attending the Centre reported having ‘very good’ quality of life at the time of exit, an 89% improvement over the pre‐test result.

  • 77% of individuals exiting the Centre indicated that they had a strong sense of the purpose and value of healthy relationships, an increase of 148% over pre‐test results.

  • The total number of individuals indicating that they had a very positive relationship with their spouse/partner more than doubled from pre‐test ratings to follow‐up (a 132% increase)
Learn more about the evaluation here

Life at the Center

Getting here

The Choose Again Intensive Retreat Center is located in northwest Costa Rica, by Lake Arenal.
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​The nearest airport to us is in Liberia, Guanacaste. A free shuttle is provided on workshop start and end dates for arrivals and departures. If you need to book a flight on another day of the week or via another airport in Costa Rica please let us know in advance so we can work with you on travel arrangements prior to registration.

Due to the distance, we are unable to run an airport transfer from San Jose, if you choose this route, please contact us at [email protected] for details for other transport options.

Questions? Get in touch

  • Toll-free phone - 1 (888) 832 5959 Our offices are open Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm (Pacific Time). If you call outside these hours, please leave a message and we will get back to you the next working day.
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  • Or book a call with our registration consultant: