Email: contact@souliology.com
STEP 1 - SOMATIC IFS RETREAT WITH SUSAN MCCONNELL AND STAFF
PORTUGAL - APRIL 28 - 5 MAY, 2027
What to expect from a Somatic Internal Family Systems Retreat (SIFS) with Susan McConnell and her trained staff?
Susan McConnell’s amazing Somatic IFS retreat is a retreat not to be missed.
Somatic IFS is a branch of IFS that blends the principles of somatic therapy - like movement, touch, sensation and breathwork – with the traditional tools of IFS. Somatic IFS explores the embodiment of the internal family with the goal of restoring the client’s SELF to leadership and allowing parts that express through the body to come into relationship and alignment with the client’s SELF.
On this retreat, you will be invited to explore your internal system with the practices of Somatic IFS. Through guided exercises, journaling, live in the moment mini-demos and small group interactions you will listen to your parts through sensations, movement and touch. Your experience of the Embodied Self can transform your personal and professional life.
During the retreat you will experience for yourself the five practices of Somatic IFS -
1: Somatic Awareness
2: Conscious Breathing
3: Radical Resonance
4: Mindful Movement
5: Attuned Touch
Susan, through Somatic IFS, incorporates the five practices to help you heal parts's burdens in the body, using the IFS model.
Demos During the Retreat
Please note that while Susan will offer a number of brief, in-the-moment (micro) demos throughout the retreat, there will be no formal demo sessions with individual participants.
Susan reserves formal demos for her training programmes, where there is dedicated time and structure to observe, reflect, and study her approach in depth. This retreat, by contrast, is designed to support your personal experience, integration, growth and embodiment.
We kindly invite you and your parts to arrive with this understanding, so expectations are clear and any potential disappointment can be avoided. Susan will, however, engage in many informal demos during the week in response to questions and where it feels appropriate in the moment.
The retreat is open to IFS graduates only.
PLEASE NOTE: This Step 1 Program is an experiential Retreat and NOT a formal training of the model nor is it an official or accredited training program of the IFS Institute or its model. Once you fully complete a Step 1 Retreat with Susan McConnell, you are eligible to take her Step 2 - 54Hr Online Training in Somatic IFS which instructs and supports you to apply Somatic IFS in your clinical practice.
20 IFS-CE credits are available for this Somatic IFS Retreat which can be used towards IFS certification or recertification.
A completion certificate will only be offered to participants who attend all 30 hours of this retreat. If, for any reason you cannot attend the full 30 hours, you will not be issued with a completion certificate. You will also require a completion certificate from a Step 1 Program to be eligible to attend a Step 2 54-hour Somatic IFS Training Program.
This retreat is limited to 32 participants.
A Little more about Susan....
Susan McConnell, MA, CIFST, CHT, is the creator and founder of Somatic Internal Family Systems (SIFS) and a Senior Lead Trainer for the IFS Institute. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her teaching, mentorship of other trainers, and development of curriculum for IFS Training programs. A pioneer in integrating somatic awareness with the evidence-based IFS model, Susan has been teaching Internal Family Systems throughout the United States and internationally since 1997.
She is the author of Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement and Touch in Practice, published by North Atlantic Books, as well as the companion Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy Workbook – Embodied Healing Practices to Transform Trauma. Translated into eight languages, these books have become essential resources for clinicians and practitioners seeking to deepen their Somatic IFS work through embodied, experiential practice.
Somatic IFS represents the culmination of Susan’s five decades of study and practice in bodywork, movement, spiritual traditions, and body psychotherapy. Her approach demonstrates how a deeper embodiment of our internal family—our sub-personalities and our essential Core Self—supports compassionate witnessing of the implicit body stories that arise from individual wounds and collective burdens. Case studies and clinical vignettes throughout her work highlight the profound efficacy of Somatic IFS in addressing a wide range of therapeutic issues.
Susan leads Somatic IFS retreats, and trainings to IFS therapists and practitioners and provides mentorship for the Somatic IFS teaching staff. When she is not teaching, she enjoys time with her family and friends along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes, where rest, nature, and play nourish her ongoing dedication to healing and embodiment.
To learn a little more, you can visit her website: www.embodiedself.net
The Retreat Location
The Retreat will take place in the gorgeous Oceanfront Hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.
Sesimbra, a hidden gem just a stone's 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 day off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, indulging in the Hotel's wonderful spa treatments 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:
Recommended Reading
Susan McConnell is also the author of Somatic Internal Family Systems: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement and Touch in Practice and The Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy Workbook. The workbook is both a stand-alone book and a companion to her Somatic Internal family Systems Therapy book.
You can purchase these books at https://www.embodiedself.net/book and they are also available on Amazon UK and US or at North Atlantic Books - https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/
It would be really beneficial to read at least her book -Somatic Internal Family Systems: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement and Touch in Practice in its entirety prior to the beginning of the retreat so you can get the very most out of your experience and financial investment but it is not essential and there is no obligation to do so.
Retreat Particulars
The retreat will take place South of Lisbon in a charming seaside resort called Sesimbra. We will be staying at the glorious Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel.
The retreat is over 7 days starting at 6.30pm on the Wednesday evening of April 28th, 2027 when we will meet for dinner, welcome everyone, make introductions and outline the program for the week. We will complete our week on Wednesday May 5th, 2027 after breakfast, when you are free to depart at your convenience.
The cost of the retreat is €4,500 based on single room occupancy. The retreat cost includes the retreat guidance with Susan McConnell and Staff, 7 nights private ensuite accommodation and 3 meals a day plus teas/coffees and refreshments during the morning and afternoon breaks. Each day locally sourced foods will be available for breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal. All meals include gluten free and vegetarian options.
There is a day off on Sunday, May 2nd, 2027 to allow participants to process, rest and relax. You are not required to stay at the retreat hotel on the day off, so if you wish to make plans, go to Lisbon or go sightseeing, you are free to use your time as you wish. To allow you fully embrace this day off, we will not be providing lunch or dinner on May 2nd, 2027.
This retreat is limited to 32 participants. If you are interested in participating, please register your interest. You will then be seamlessly 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 a €1,000 (EURO) non-refundable and non-transferable deposit to secure your place.
Any travel costs to the retreat location in Sesimbra, Portugal, is the sole responsibility of the participant.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on illness, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to illness 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.
Retreat Schedule: -
Seven Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the week will look like but it is subject to change at Susan’s discretion.
Wednesday 28th April – Wednesday 5h, May, 2027
Wednesday – 28th
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday
Sunday - May 2nd
4pm or later
6.30pm
7.30pm – 9pm
7.30am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
7pm
Hotel Check-in
Dinner
Opening Session
Breakfast
Morning Session with Susan
Lunch
Afternoon Integration Group
Dinner
Tuesday Night
Wednesday – 5th May
Day off to do as you please – rest, relax, process, enjoy the spa or sightsee. Please note, we will not be offering lunch or an evening meal on this day to allow you fully embrace your day off. However, breakfast will be available for you so you can start the day on the right note.
8am – 9am
11am
Breakfast
Check out.
7pm - Dinner followed by a closing event at 8pm with music from a wonderful local musician. Please ensure to stay until the end so you don’t miss it.
IMPORTANT: Afternoon Integration Groups
Throughout the retreat, you will participate in four afternoon Integration Groups held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, These smaller groups, facilitated by Susan’s Somatic IFS-trained staff, are designed to help you process and integrate the morning teachings with Susan McConnell.
Integration Groups offer a more intimate and supportive space for reflection, questions, journaling, drawing, and exploring what is arising for you as you deepen into the work. They are an important part of the retreat experience, providing a safe and contained environment for integration and shared insight. Please note that Susan does not attend these groups.
On Tuesday, you will spend both the morning and afternoon with Susan and the staff, with some dedicated time set aside to say goodbye to your fellow Integration Group members.
Your Investment: .
Total Retreat Cost: - €4,500 per participant (based on single room occupancy)
The retreat cost includes the 7-day retreat itself with Susan McConnell, 7 nights private ensuite accommodation in a beautiful beachfront hotel and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, a light lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule (except on the day off when we will be offering breakfast only). Our retreat location can also cater for a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerance. 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 €4,500 (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 deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €2,000 (Euro) per person due by the 30th October, 2026. This amount, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance of €1,500 for solo occupancy or more depending on your room occupancy type must be paid by the 29th January 2027. This amount, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you register after the published payment deadlines, the standard payment schedule may no longer apply and any remaining balance may be adjusted or become payable in full at the time of registration.
PLEASE NOTE: Please note that all fees paid towards this retreat are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable unless the retreat is cancelled by Souliology. To protect your financial investment, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage, to safeguard against illness, emergencies, adverse weather, travel disruptions, flight delays or cancellations, or any other unforeseen circumstance that may prevent you from attending.
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 €8,700. Please ensure to indicate your preference by choosing Option 3 during the registration process.
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 cost of €1,200. Please ensure to indicate your preference by choosing Option 2 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 30th October 2026 and 29th January 2027.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
20 IFS-CE credits are available for this Somatic IFS Retreat which can be used towards IFS certification or recertification.
