Email: contact@souliology.com
HEART LESSONS OF THE JOURNEY -
A RETREAT WITH CECE SYKES
AVON, CONNECTICUT, USA
Heart Lessons of the Journey is a Unique Workshop for Therapists
Throughout the retreat you will explore questions like:
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How did you become a psychotherapist?
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How can new awareness of your story deepen your work?
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Who is listening to your story?
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How did early family life impact your choice to be here?
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How might your personal struggles impact your professional journey?
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As expert listeners, have you spent enough time hearing your own voice, tending to your own heart lessons?
Life as a therapist is interesting and very rewarding. We become specialists in providing emotional support, devoting thousands of hours to this role. Our own deepest feelings and personal storyline remain firmly in the background. Yet our life is evolving, too…
During this retreat, you will have the opportunity to join other therapists and counsellors to explore these important questions. Enjoy time for sharing, reflection, journaling, visualization exercises and laughter. We’ve found that rediscovering our story often reveals hidden strengths; sharing our sorrows and triumphs can become a roadmap to unexpected healing.
The goal of this retreat is to help you feel restored, with a deeper appreciation of your journey and a closer connection to the real sources of your unique wisdom.
This retreat is open to licensed therapists and/or counsellors only who are also Level 1 IFS trained. This retreat is limited to a maximum of 28 participants.
There will be 15 IFS CE credits available for IFS Certification or Recertification for all attendees of this retreat.
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 Avon
Avon Old Farm Hotel is the perfect place for our 3-day retreat.
Nestled amidst 10 acres of breathtakingly manicured grounds on Connecticut’s scenic Talcott Mountain, Avon Old Farms Hotel is a haven of peace and timeless New England charm.
It provides a true escape from the everyday, with this boutique hotel perfectly blending warmth, elegance, and personalised hospitality with the comforts of a world-class stay.
Just a short drive from downtown Hartford, and a 30-minute Uber drive from Bradley International Airport, the hotel offers a serene sanctuary where nature and luxury harmonise.
Wander through picturesque gardens blooming with vibrant flowers, cross a charming wooden bridge over a gentle stream, or find a moment of quiet reflection in the garden gazebo.
The interiors exude classic sophistication, with beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring four-poster beds, plush down featherbeds, and modern amenities to ensure a restful and rejuvenating stay.
Avon Old Farms Hotel creates the perfect space to relax, recharge, and fully engage in this retreat with Cece, allowing for deep connection, renewal, self-exploration, and personal growth.
Retreat particulars
Applications are currently open for this retreat in Avon, Connecticut from October 1st - 3rd, 2025.
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.
The retreat will take place over 3 days starting on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 and concluding on Friday, October 3rd, 2025
This retreat is limited to a maximum of 28 participants and participants need to have completed a Level 1 IFS Training and be a licensed Therapist/Counsellor.
If you are interested in participating in this retreat, please register your interest. You will then be directed automatically 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.
Any travel costs to the retreat location in Avon, Connecticut, USA is the sole responsibility of the participant.
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.
What the participants from our previous retreats had to say
Heart Lessons of the Journey - A retreat with Cece Sykes in Ireland 2024.
What an extraordinary week of such riches, travelling with like-hearted people… learning, sharing, healing. This is a retreat for every 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 was my first time in Ireland, while my ancestry is Irish. It was lovely to be looked after so well and feel the warm heartedness of the Irish people I met. I was surprised at the international nature of the workshop participants, many from North America, and also The Netherlands. It was lovely getting to know many of the participants, both in and outside of the formal retreat . There was a good mix of activities provided to help the socialising .
Mary
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
Heart Lessons of the Journey Retreat Schedule.
3-Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the 3-days will look like but please note it is subject to change at the retreat leaders discretion.
Wednesday October 1st – Friday October 3rd, 2025
Wednesday
2pm – 6pm
6.00pm
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Evening Session
Thursday
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Friday
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch and goodbyes
Please note, bottomless Coffee and Tea are available in the Hotel Lobby each day, along with some delicious cookies each afternoon.
Your Investment:
Total Retreat Cost - $1,700 (USD) for this 3-day residential retreat - The retreat cost includes the retreat itself with Cece, 2 nights private ensuite accommodation in a charming hotel and delicious meals a day to include a buffet breakfast, a light lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule. Our retreat location can also cater to a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerant. You can indicate your preference on the registration form.
Retreat Payment Schedule:
Payments are separated into 2 payments -
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Payment 1: $700 (USD) non-refundable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: $1,000 (USD) per person is due by July 1st. Please note: There are no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after July 1st, 2025.
If you register your interest after the above payment deadlines, the above payment schedule does not apply and 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 outlined in the registration form.
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 which is outlined in the registration form. 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 (USD) per person late fee for payments received after 1st July, 2025.
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An additional $50 (USD) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
There will be 15 IFS CE credits available for IFS Certification or Recertification for all attendees of this retreat.
