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

​Since 2006, our residential program has helped thousands to break free from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-sabotaging behaviours.

​Much more than a wellness retreat, our program addresses the root cause of persistent negative experiences and relationship patterns. In our intensive 10-day retreats we teach the Six Steps to Freedom process, a powerful self-forgiveness tool that will support lifelong mental health and well-being. 

10-Day Therapeutic Retreats

​LAKE ARENAL, COSTA RICA

Upcoming Dates

Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
May 1-17, 2023

​Healing Intimate & Family Relationships 
May 21-31, 2023

Freedom from Trauma
June 4-14, 2023 -  SOLD OUT
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Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
​ June 18-28, 2023

Healing Intimate & Family Relationships 
​ July 2-12, 2023

Freedom from Trauma
July 16-26, 2023

Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
​ July 30-August 9, 2023

Heal Your Mind,
Transform Your Life
Next start dates: ​June 18, July 30


​Release yourself from the limiting beliefs that keep your life and relationships in the same old patterns.
About this workshop:
Release yourself from unconscious negative core beliefs and open up to your true potential.

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

You will:
∙ Go to the root of what's keeping you stuck in unwanted behavior & emotions.

∙ Heal yourself from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and lack of purpose.

∙ ​Release yourself from the limiting beliefs that keep your life and relationships in the same old patterns.
Upcoming dates:
  • June 18-28 Led by Fred Wilberts & Gad Sprukt
  • ​​July 30-Aug 9 ​Led by Gad Sprukt & Charles Nye
  • A new workshop starting every 6 weeks

Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
​Next start dates: May 21, July 2

 
Learn how to change painful relationship dynamics without waiting for others to change.
​
About this workshop:
Are you tired of reacting to loved ones in ways that are painful?​ 

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

You will:
∙ Understand the root cause of toxic emotional & behavioral patterns. 

∙ Learn how to change painful dynamics without waiting for others to change.

∙ ​Learn how your relationship can help you to re-discover your authentic self in the process.​​​
Upcoming dates:
  • May 21-31 Led by Fred Wilberts & Gad Sprukt
  • July 2-12 Led by Fred Wilberts & Charles Nye 
  • Aug 13-23 Led by Gad Sprukt & Charles Nye​
  • A new workshop starting every 6 weeks

Freedom from ​Trauma
Next start dates: July 16, Aug 27

Understand the effects of early childhood conditioning on your life, and learn how to move beyond the past.
About this workshop:
Childhood conditioning affects everyone, regardless of their background.

​​​In this retreat, you will learn to recognize the effects of early childhood experiences and how to free yourself from their negative expressions.

In this retreat you will: 
∙ Breakthrough challenging emotional patterns.

∙ ​Understand the effects of early childhood conditioning on your life, and learn how to move beyond the past.
​
∙ ​Recover yourself and experience freedom from past hurts, with the freedom to love again.
Upcoming dates:
  • June 4-14  SOLD OUT
  • July 16-26 Led by Fred Wilberts & Charles Nye
  • Aug 27-Sept 6 Led by Gad Sprukt & Charles Nye​
  • A new workshop starting every 6 weeks

Go Deep! The 28 Day Intensive in Costa Rica

Our 28-day program allows you to join two consecutive 10-day programs and enjoy free time in between to discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
About this workshop:
Our 28-day program will allow you to:

∙ Take two life-changing programs of your choice

∙ 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.

∙ ​All-inclusive full-board stays between workshops. ​

Take the next step:

Or call us direct toll-free:
​ (1) 888 832 5959

Each program offers:

∙ Daily therapeutic circles based on the Six Steps to Freedom process, in which will undo obsolete and painful emotional patterns with the guidance of highly trained counselling staff.

∙ Life changing breathwork sessions.

∙ Holistic body & mind practices - meditation, yoga, expressive movement.
​​​
∙ Digital detox - Turn in your devices and claim back your own mind.​​

∙ A chance to connect with others seeking an honest and profound process of self- transformation.
∙ Uplifting and invigorating Costa Rica excursions - lake walks and swims; outings to hot springs and beaches.

∙ Fresh, healthy, locally-sourced food shared together in communal meals around our dining-room table.
​
∙ Plenty of time to restore, renew and rejuvenate in the lush natural setting of Costa Rica, and in our simple and comfortable cabins. 

∙ Hours of personal processing time: maximum 12 participants per workshop

You will learn:

∙ The Six Steps to Freedom: a powerful, proven, therapeutic process for finding and dismantling all barriers and conflicts in your life.

∙ How to transform your thoughts & emotions.

∙ How to connect with your self and to a greater sense of purpose and a richer, fuller life.

∙ How to release yourself from core beliefs created at childhood.
​
∙ How to relate to yourself and others in an empowering way regardless of your external circumstances.

Our Costa Rica retreat center

Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Arenal - with toucans, monkeys, and butterflies ​in the trees overhead – sits El Cielo a remarkable gem of a retreat centre, the sole purpose of which is the personal transformation of all who come.

A typical day

∙ 6:30 am Morning Meditation
∙ 7:00 am Walk / Yoga
∙ 8:30 am Breakfast
∙ 10:00 am Six Steps Group Session (Circle) 
∙ ​12:30 pm Lunch​
∙ 3:30 pm Group Session  (e.g breathwork)
∙ 5:30 Evening Meditation
∙ 6:00 pm Dinner
∙ ​7:00 pm Time for socialising, or quiet reflection.

Rates for any 10-day healing retreat

Shared Occupancy (max 2 people per room)
(Per Person - All Included)
$3500 USD​
​
Single Private Room
(Per Person - All Included)
​$4500 USD​
Or call us direct toll-free:
​ (1) 888 832 5959
*Rates indicated are per person and include all aspects of the therapeutic program, meals, lodging, outings and local transportation. All billing is done in Canadian dollars at time of registration and at the current rate of exchange. Depending on your banking institution some currency exchange or bank processing fees may be applied at time of purchase, these fees, along with airline transportation costs, are not included in the cost of attendance.

Choose Again is a registered Canadian Charitable organization. If you are experiencing financial challenges and would like to join us in one of our programs, please contact us to review available financial assistance. 
"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

Recognition of Our 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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Transforming lives, 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:
​
  • 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

Rebecca's Testimonial 

Getting Here

The Choose Again Intensive Retreat Center is located in North West Costa Rica, by Lake Arenal, and the now dormant and magnificent Arenal Volcano.
​
​The nearest airport to us is Liberia. A shuttle is provided on scheduled workshop start and end dates for arrivals and departures free of charge. 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 for details of other transport options.

Questions? Get in touch

  • Toll-free Phone - (1) 888 832 5959 Our offices are open from 8am - 5pm (Pacific Time). 
If you call outside these hours, please leave a message and we will get back to you the next working day.
​
  • Book a call with our registration consultant:

El Cielo Slideshow, "Just another day in paradise..."