We don't believe in coping, we believe in thriving...
Since 2006, the Choose Again centre in Costa Rica has trained thousands in how to break free from unhealthy patterns, including common symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and recurring relationship patterns.
More than a wellness retreat, our program addresses and heals the root cause of persistent negative emotions and relationship patterns, while providing you with lifelong tools to support mental health and wellbeing.
More than a wellness retreat, our program addresses and heals the root cause of persistent negative emotions and relationship patterns, while providing you with lifelong tools to support mental health and wellbeing.
A HIDDEN GEM OVERLOOKING LAKE ARENAL, COSTA RICA...
|
|
|
10-Day Mind-healing Intensives
"Train your mind, Change your life."
Choose Again founder Diederik Wolsak leads a healing circle.
Every intensive includes:
Mental Wellness Program
The foundation of every retreat is the Six Steps to Freedom, a powerful, proven therapeutic process for discovering and undoing the root cause of recurring negative patterns in our lives. With the Six Steps process, you will learn how to work with your thoughts and emotions to locate and release negative core beliefs formed in childhood. The result is the capacity to notice habitual thought patterns and ways of interpreting our life challenges, inviting a shift to a new perception and sense of purpose in every situation. A deeper connection to self and a clarified sense of purpose are the foundations for living a rich and full life.
The Six Steps to Freedom is taught and practiced in daily therapeutic processing circles, guided by a team of highly trained counsellors. Each workshop has a maximum of 12 participants for a nearly 1-2 counsellor-client ratio. This guarantees each participant daily opportunities for personal processing, as well as the chance to learn from each other's processes in a supportive and confidential environment.
Supportive Somatic Practices
The mind-training program is supported by a supportive somatic-based experiential program, designed to help you integrate what you have learned, access deeper emotional states, release tensions and chronic stress.
Our mind and body practices help to lay the groundwork for continued self-care after you go home.
To this end, each 10-day includes the following:
∙ Life-changing holotropic breathwork sessions
∙ Daily yoga and movement
∙ World-class vitality-based cuisine
∙ Daily morning meditation, with instruction
∙ Excursions to some of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural attractions
∙ Connecting with a group and learning how to support each other
∙ Time in nature, with monkeys, parrots, toucans, and incredible flora
∙ Digital detox (optional)
The foundation of every retreat is the Six Steps to Freedom, a powerful, proven therapeutic process for discovering and undoing the root cause of recurring negative patterns in our lives. With the Six Steps process, you will learn how to work with your thoughts and emotions to locate and release negative core beliefs formed in childhood. The result is the capacity to notice habitual thought patterns and ways of interpreting our life challenges, inviting a shift to a new perception and sense of purpose in every situation. A deeper connection to self and a clarified sense of purpose are the foundations for living a rich and full life.
The Six Steps to Freedom is taught and practiced in daily therapeutic processing circles, guided by a team of highly trained counsellors. Each workshop has a maximum of 12 participants for a nearly 1-2 counsellor-client ratio. This guarantees each participant daily opportunities for personal processing, as well as the chance to learn from each other's processes in a supportive and confidential environment.
Supportive Somatic Practices
The mind-training program is supported by a supportive somatic-based experiential program, designed to help you integrate what you have learned, access deeper emotional states, release tensions and chronic stress.
Our mind and body practices help to lay the groundwork for continued self-care after you go home.
To this end, each 10-day includes the following:
∙ Life-changing holotropic breathwork sessions
∙ Daily yoga and movement
∙ World-class vitality-based cuisine
∙ Daily morning meditation, with instruction
∙ Excursions to some of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural attractions
∙ Connecting with a group and learning how to support each other
∙ Time in nature, with monkeys, parrots, toucans, and incredible flora
∙ Digital detox (optional)
|
|
|
"My time in Costa Rica, was life changing. I have never experienced a group of people with such love and compassion. I was just blown away with the kindness, in a place of profound beauty, I felt safe and welcomed and at ease. I am so grateful. The process has become an important part of my life."
~ Susan B., 2019 workshop participant
~ Susan B., 2019 workshop participant
Take the next step:
Call us direct toll-free:
(1) 888 832 5959
(1) 888 832 5959
Therapeutic program
Each 10-day intensive offers a rich and profound therapeutic program, inviting healing of both mind and body.
Daily healing circles support participants to dive deeper into their own emotional and psychological patterns, learning how to release them and return to a deeper sense of self.
The circles are supported by a carefully selected set of somatic and mindfulness practices, designed to help you to recenter yourself, release hidden blocks, integrate what you've learned, and open up to a greater sense of freedom and joy in yourself.
Daily healing circles support participants to dive deeper into their own emotional and psychological patterns, learning how to release them and return to a deeper sense of self.
The circles are supported by a carefully selected set of somatic and mindfulness practices, designed to help you to recenter yourself, release hidden blocks, integrate what you've learned, and open up to a greater sense of freedom and joy in yourself.
Core therapeutic components
Therapy and mind-training: In daily therapeutic circles and sessions, each participant will have a chance to undo painful emotional patterns with the guidance of highly trained counselling staff.
Holotropic breathwork: Life-changing 2-hr breathwork sessions.
Yoga and movement: Holistic body-mind practices such as yoga, hiking, and expressive movement, tailored to our participants' levels of physical fitness.
Meditation: Start your day with a 6:30am meditation practice, with instruction.
Silence: Every morning is silent, and several days of the program are silent outside of program times. This allows for going inward and integration of what you have been learning. it.
Time 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.
Gratitude: Nightly gratitudes around a candle-lit dinner table is many participants' favourite part of the program.
Digital detox (optional): Put away your digital devices and reclaim time for contemplation, reflection, and creativity.
Holotropic breathwork: Life-changing 2-hr breathwork sessions.
Yoga and movement: Holistic body-mind practices such as yoga, hiking, and expressive movement, tailored to our participants' levels of physical fitness.
Meditation: Start your day with a 6:30am meditation practice, with instruction.
Silence: Every morning is silent, and several days of the program are silent outside of program times. This allows for going inward and integration of what you have been learning. it.
Time 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.
Gratitude: Nightly gratitudes around a candle-lit dinner table is many participants' favourite part of the program.
Digital detox (optional): Put away your digital devices and reclaim time for contemplation, reflection, and creativity.
Vibrant gourmet cuisine
As everyone who has been to El Cielo knows, we take eating here 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 fresh fruit 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 by in our on-site greenhouse.
Vegetarian and vegan preferences can be accommodated for.
Our international, in-house chefs serve three buffets a day of globally-inspired, locally-sourced food. The menu is high in fresh fruit 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 by in our on-site greenhouse.
Vegetarian and vegan preferences can be accommodated for.
"Continuing with the El Cielo healthy eating has changed my life. I no longer have knee and back pain and have reversed the need to have a double knee replacement… Forever grateful."
~Mandy White, 2022 & 2023 workshop participant
~Mandy White, 2022 & 2023 workshop participant
Accommodations
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.
We offer both private and shared accommodations, with a maximum of two people per room. All rooms have a private bathroom, and a shared verandah with rocking chairs and a view of Lake Arenal.
We offer both private and shared accommodations, with a maximum of two people per room. All rooms have a private bathroom, and a shared verandah with rocking chairs and a view of Lake Arenal.
Excursions to local 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.
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.
RatesPrivate accommodation: $4,500 USD Shared accommodation (max. 2 per room): $3,500 USD Rates cover all aspects of the therapeutic program as well as meals, lodging, outings and shuttle to and from the Liberia International Airport, (LIR). *Payments are billed in Canadian Dollars at rate on day of billing |
|
Current Intensives (Dec 2023 - April 2024)
Our 10-day intensives are offered throughout the year.
For dates later than those posted here, contact us anytime.
For dates later than those posted here, contact us anytime.
Freedom from
|
Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
Next start dates:
Jan 14, Feb 25, Apr 7 Release yourself from the limiting beliefs that keep your life and relationships in the same old patterns. About this intensive
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:
|
Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
Next start dates:
Dec 17, Jan 28, Mar 10 Understand the root cause of toxic emotional & behavioural patterns. About this intensive
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:
|
Go Deep! 28-day Program
Our 28-day program allows you to join two consecutive 10-day programs 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.
About this program:
Our 28-day program will allow you to:
- Complete two consecutive 10-day workshops of your choice (see above)
- Have time for deepening and integration with all-inclusive full-board stays between workshops (as us about our Integration Day rates).
- 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.
Take the next step:
2023-2024 Calendar
2023
December 17-27, 2023
Christmas Retreat - Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
2024
December 31- January 10, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
January 14-24, 2024
Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
with Diederik Wolsak
January 28-February 07, 2024
Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
Feb 11-21, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
Feb 25-Mar 06, 2024
Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
with Diederik Wolsak
Mar 10-20 2024
Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
Mar 24-Apr 03, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
Retreats are offered on an ongoing basis.
Contact us for later dates: enquiries@choose-again.com
December 17-27, 2023
Christmas Retreat - Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
2024
December 31- January 10, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
January 14-24, 2024
Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
with Diederik Wolsak
January 28-February 07, 2024
Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
Feb 11-21, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
Feb 25-Mar 06, 2024
Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
with Diederik Wolsak
Mar 10-20 2024
Healing Intimate & Family Relationships
with Diederik Wolsak
Mar 24-Apr 03, 2024
Freedom from Trauma
with Diederik Wolsak
Retreats are offered on an ongoing basis.
Contact us for later dates: enquiries@choose-again.com
Or call us direct toll-free:
(1) 888 832 5959
(1) 888 832 5959
Logistics
A Typical Day
|
Morning
5:00 am: Wake up naturally with the howler monkeys. Silence and reflection until breakfast. 6:30 am: Morning meditation, with instruction 7:00 am: Yoga, walk, or expressive movement 8:30 am: Breakfast with morning card readings 9:30am: Participant-led study group 10:00am: Therapeutic circle led by skilled counsellors. Afternoon 12:30 pm: Buddha bowl lunch, different each day 1:30pm: Walk in surrounding nature, possibly a swim in the lake 2:15: Quiet time 3:45: Group session, such as holotropic breathwork, pairs practice, or afternoon outing to hotsprings or equine therapy 5:30: Evening meditation |
Evening
6:00 pm: Candlelit gourmet dinner with gratitudes 7:00 pm: Time for socialising, or quiet reflection All day Time in Nature: Living in an incredible natural setting, with daily time with Costa Rica's famous biodiversity and our cared-for gardens. Digital detox: Take these 10 days to get a break from your digital devices, using the maximal amount of time for deep reflection, contemplation, creativity and healing. |
Getting here
The Choose Again Intensive Retreat Center is located in northwest Costa Rica, by Lake Arenal.
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 enquiries@choose-again.com for details for other transport options.
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 enquiries@choose-again.com for details for other transport options.
What to Bring
Wondering what to bring? We will help you every step of the way, Upon registration we will send you a list of what you will need for your 10 day retreat in paradise, and work together to make sure you have everything you need.
Recognition of our Six Steps to Freedom process
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
"Direct and eloquent… a practical six-step program to self-liberation.”
Gabor Maté
Renowned Speaker & Bestselling Author / Canada
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“It has the power and the potential to truly change your life.”
Jerry Jampolsky
Founder of Attitudinal Healing International & Bestselling Author / USA
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 0
- 1
"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
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:
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
Gallery
Rebecca's Testimonial
Questions? Get in touch
- Toll-free Phone - (1) 888 832 5959 Our offices are open from 8am - 5pm (Pacific Time).
- Email us: enquiries@choose-again.com
- Book a call with our registration consultant:
Read an independent evaluation of our program |
| ||