Email: contact@souliology.com
THE WORN OUT HEALER
A Retreat for Therapists on the Edge of Burnout
with Cece Sykes
The Worn-Out Healer - A 6-Day residential Retreat with Cece Sykes
In a world that asks therapists to hold so much, where the boundary between service and Self can blur, exhaustion can quietly take root. This retreat offers a pause—a place to lay down what you’ve been carrying, to rest your nervous system, and to reconnect with the parts of you that long to be noticed, nourished, and restored.
Together with the wise and playful guidance of Cece Sykes, we’ll explore a familiar cycle between clinical benevolence and therapist depletion. This is not a retreat about doing more, fixing more, or learning new techniques—it’s an invitation to reconnect and release our parts stuck in stressful patterns and to rediscover the Self energy that sustains our capacity for Effective Compassion.
Through gentle experiential practices, storytelling, movement, journalling and quiet reflection, we’ll tend to the protectors that drive over-doing, over-giving, and over-identifying with our clients’ pain. We’ll listen deeply to the exiles within us who ache for permission to truly rest. And we’ll remember, together, that healing does not only flow outward—it begins within.
You’ll leave not only with renewed energy and insight, but with a deeper sense of permission: to pause, to feel, to rest, and to realign your work with your heart’s truth.
This retreat is for you if:
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You’ve been feeling stretched thin by the weight of your clinical or caregiving roles
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You find yourself longing for inspiration or meaning again in your work
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You wish to reconnect with your body, spirit, and Self energy in community with other liked minded therapists.
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You sense that your parts are asking for something slower, kinder, and more sustainable
Join us for a restorative week with Cece in a restorative place just on the Oceanfront —what better way to soften, to remember, and to come home to yourself.
“….It’s Not Your Compassion that is Fatigued….”
This retreat is open to IFS Level 1+ Trained Therapists or Practitioners only. This retreat is limited to a maximum of 28 participants.
There will be 20 IFS CE credits available for IFS Certification or Recertification for all attendees of this retreat.
Please be advised that this is not a formal training and is not intended as a formal training on how to guide this work for other people. This is strictly a retreat for your own personal growth and well-being.
A little about Cece ….
Cece Sykes, LCSW, is a consultant and senior trainer with the Internal Family Systems Institute, where she specializes in trauma and addiction and educates therapists around the world on how to apply the IFS therapy model to addictive processes.
Additionally, Cece developed the Heart Lessons of the Journey retreat for an on-going international study of the personal narratives of therapists and impact on psychotherapy practice.
She lectures, consults, and leads workshops and retreats on these and related topics, and maintains a private practice in Chicago.
She has co-authored a number of articles on treating the impact of sexual trauma in families, authored the chapter “An IFS Lens on Addiction” in Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy (2017)) and co-authored Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addiction (2023).
For more information about Cece, you can visit her website: www.cecesykeslcsw.com and to buy a copy of her newly released book on addictions, please click on this link: https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Family-Systems-Therapy-Addictions/dp/1683736028
The Retreat Location in Portugal
The Retreat will take place in the 5* Star Oceanfront Hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.
Sesimbra, a hidden gem just a stones throw from Lisbon! This charming town, beloved by locals, offers an authentic slice of Portuguese life, far from the hustle of mass tourism.
Sesimbra is beautifully situated next to Arrábida National Park, where you'll find stunning hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and untouched beaches. From here, you can easily reach Capo Espichel, known for its famous sanctuary where dinosaur footprints were discovered.
The town offers a variety of activities, including excursions, scenic walks, and water sports. The sandy bay is flanked by high cliffs to the west and a fishing port to the east, with the municipal beach charmingly split in two by a historic fort. Nearby, the pristine beaches of Arrábida Natural Park, such as the famous Praia do Figueirinha, entice visitors with their calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to "The Castle," perched on a 200-meter cliff. Built by the Moors and later contested in the 12th century by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Dom Sancho I, this historic site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. The castle's main attraction is the Igreja Santa Maria do Castelo, a small white church beautifully decorated with traditional blue and white azulejos.
If you love the great outdoors, Arrábida National Park is a must-visit. This protected mountain area, stretching behind the town, is one of Portugal's most picturesque green spaces. With numerous hiking paths suitable for both trekking and mountain biking, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
There is plenty to do on your afternoon off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the sea, Sesimbra offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in an enchanting corner of Portugal!
Here is a link to help you explore more about the locality:
Retreat Objectives
Recognise and Understand the Internal System That Drives Burnout
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Identify key parts that contribute to exhaustion—such as the over-responsible caretaker, the perfectionist, the overachiever, or the inner critic.
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Explore the protective intentions behind these parts, and the origins of these roles in the system.
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Identify protective firefighters that impact the therapist system – and explore how soothers, indulgers and escapist parts are trying to help.
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Differentiate between empathy and effective compassion, recognising when self-like parts become enmeshed with the suffering of our clients or others.
Reconnect With the Core Essence of Self Energy
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Engage in guided practices to discover what is blocking access to the qualities of Self—calm, curiosity, compassion, clarity—in our work and at home.
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Experience the felt sense of Self presence in community, cultivating relational safety and resonance with other helping professionals.
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Strengthen the ability to maintain Self-energy even in the presence of others’ pain or intensity, restoring emotional spaciousness and inner equilibrium.
Rebuild a Sustainable Relationship With Work and Service
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Clarify boundaries that protect time, energy, and creative renewal, while still allowing for authentic connection with clients and colleagues.
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Explore how to bring more play, rest, and inspiration into professional life as essential elements of ethical and effective practice.
Integrate Healing and Growth Through Community and Creative Expression
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Participate in shared storytelling, movement, and creative exercises that allow the system to express and release accumulated tension and grief.
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Experience the healing power of being witnessed and supported by peers who understand the emotional demands of therapeutic work.
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Leave with a renewed sense of connection—to Self, to the community of healers, and to the sacred purpose underlying the helping professions.
Develop an Ongoing Self-Care and Integration Plan
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Create a personal map of your internal system as it relates to professional roles and responsibilities.
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Identify practices that nourish the Self and maintain alignment with core values.
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Identify small, sustainable changes that support long-term vitality and resilience, ensuring that your healing work continues to flow from abundance rather than depletion.
If this sounds like the perfect retreat for you, please register your interest. You will then be automatically directed to a registration form for completion. Only applicants who complete a full registration form will be considered for this retreat. Once your registration is approved we will advise you formally and it is only at this point that we will request payment to reserve your place on this retreat. Please do not make travel arrangements until your registration has been formally accepted.
What the participants from our previous retreats with Cece had to say -
What an extraordinary week of such riches, travelling with like-hearted people… learning, sharing, healing. This is a retreat for every IFS therapist. Such a treat for ourselves. Cece is a wonderful teacher and role model for Self energy holding the space with care, authenticity, humility and humour. What a pleasure and privilege to have had this experience with her and Joan! And Ciara made sure that every need of us all was met. Beautiful people, beautiful country and wonderful week… thank you…
Lisa M UK.
This retreat met me exactly where I was when I walked in the door and celebrated me through the transformation that occurred in the time we were together. That was accomplished because Cece is an extraordinary presenter. She uses the power of poetry, humor, her radiant faith in the process of transformation, and her very appropriate and generous self disclosures that inspired me to to look deep and then deeper within. AND, there is a contagion factor to Cece's Self Energy. The felt sense of abundant Self Energy held us all and allowed me and others to befriend parts that really needed it.
PH from Boston, MA
Ciara, Joan and CeCe were all warm, engaging and present. Their warm, hospitable and open energy allowed for great connection to oneself and to others creating a really healing space throughout the retreat. I would highly recommend this.
Jane
Beautifully held and supported nourishing retreat - good for the soul.
AA England
Both Cece Sykes and Souliology make life better. Highly recommended!
Griet op de beeck, belgium
The retreat was held in a heartfelt way, warm and supportive, well organised. Much appreciation 💛
Marie le Mahieu, Netherlands
The Worn-Out Healer Retreat Schedule.
6-Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the 6-days will look like but please note it is subject to change at the retreat leaders discretion.
Sunday, May 3rd – Friday, May 8th, 2026
Sunday
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
6.30pm
7.30pm - 9pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am - 9am
9am - 12pm
12.30pm
1pm onwards
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.30pm
Dinner
Opening Circle
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning session
Lunch
Afternoon and evening off to do as you please and sightsee, enjoy the spa, or rest by the ocean.
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch and goodbyes
Please note, your hotel room will be available for check in from 3pm but you can store your luggage either at reception or the retreat room on arrival if you get there earlier. Please also note that we will NOT be providing dinner on Wednesday night to allow you enjoy your full afternoon off and explore places to eat elsewhere on your travels.
Your Investment:
Applications are currently open for this retreat in Portugal with Cece Sykes from May 3-8, 2026.
Total Retreat Cost: - €3,250 per participant (based on single room occupancy)
The retreat cost includes the 6-day retreat itself with Cece Sykes, 5 nights private oceanfront ensuite accommodation in a beautiful 5* Star Oceanfront hotel and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule. The will be no dinner provided on Wednesday night to allow participants explore and dine elsewhere. Our retreat location can also cater for a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerant. You can indicate your dietary requirements and preferences on the registration form.
Retreat Payment Schedule:
We are delighted to offer flexibility with our payment options. You have two choices: you can make full payment now of €3,250 (EURO) or you can opt for our convenient payment plan. The payment plan breaks down the retreat cost into 3 convenient payments as follows:
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Payment 1: €1,000 (Euro) non-refundable and non-transferable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €1,000 (Euro) per person due by the 6th February, 2026. (This amount will be refundable until 27th March 2026 should you decide to cancel.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance, depending on your room occupancy type must be paid by the 27th March 2026.
Please note: There is no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after 27th March, 2026. If you register for the retreat after the specified payment deadlines outlined above, the existing payment schedule will no longer apply. Your payment schedule will either be adjusted to align with the existing payment plan, provided the payment deadlines allow, or you will be required to pay for the retreat in full.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the retreat with a companion and share accommodation, we offer a reduced fee for both attendees. The total cost for two people to attend the full retreat and share accommodation at the hotel is €6,000.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set retreat meals but not attend the retreat itself. This option incurs a supplementary charge of €1,000 for your companion. Please ensure to indicate your preference during the registration process.
Please note:
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Any companion accompanying you must be an adult over 18 years of age.
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Children are not allowed to join you in shared accommodation during the retreat.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional €100 (Euro) per person late fee for payments received after 6th February and 27th March, 2026.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
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Any travel costs to the retreat location in Portugal is the sole responsibility of the participant.
This IFS Retreat is pending approval for 20 IFS-CE credits, which may be applied toward IFS certification or recertification
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on Covid, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to Covid or in the unlikely event the retreat leader is not in a position to attend. The FAQS page also provides further general information which you may find useful when planning your trip. If after reading the FAQS page you have any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
