A Soulful Invitation to The Treehouse
A retreat designed exclusively for therapists, helpers and healers.
Awaken your body, mind, and soul at The Treehouse, Megan Gunnell's breathtaking retreat estate in Northern Michigan in the city of Bear Lake. This exclusive 4-day, 3-night retreat, co-hosted with Alex Castro Croy, is a restorative sanctuary designed for therapists, helpers and healers to heal burnout, restore their spirit, and reconnect with their purpose.
Join us for this small group retreat August 7-10, 2025.
Your retreat will include daily yoga, sound bath sessions, guided meditation with live harp music, shamanic journey work, drum circles, creative art and mandala sessions, Jungian archetype sessions, chef prepared meals and inspiring sessions to help heal your burnout and restore your passion and purpose.
Everyone deserves the space and time to retreat and recharge!
Join us for this small group retreat August 7-10, 2025.
Your retreat will include daily yoga, sound bath sessions, guided meditation with live harp music, shamanic journey work, drum circles, creative art and mandala sessions, Jungian archetype sessions, chef prepared meals and inspiring sessions to help heal your burnout and restore your passion and purpose.
Everyone deserves the space and time to retreat and recharge!
What awaits you:
This retreat offers a harmonious blend of mind-body healing, nature immersion, and creative exploration, designed to leave you feeling recharged and inspired.
You’ll enjoy:
You’ll enjoy:
- Morning Yoga on the outdoor rooftop yoga deck.
- Shamanic Journey Meditations for insight and guidance.
- Jungian Archetype Card Readings to discover new insights.
- Sound Bath and Drum Circles for profound healing.
- Guided Imagery with Live Harp Music for relaxation and transformation.
- Burnout Recovery and Prevention Workshops led by Megan and Alex.
Lodging Information:
While all programming, meals, workshops, yoga and healing arts sessions will take place at The Treehouse in Bear Lake, Michicagan, overnight lodging is not included in the retreat package.
Explore these options on our Local Lodging Recommendations page and secure your stay early, as August is high season in Northern Michigan. We’ve curated a list of recommended local accommodations, located just a few miles from The Treehouse, to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.
As soon as you arrive to the Treehouse, you instantly feel transported to a place of peace, balance and well-being.
The Treehouse is nestled on 5 acres of serene rolling farmland, surrounded by endless horizons with no neighbors in sight. From this tranquil space, you'll be treated to breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of lush fruit orchards, vibrant wildflowers, and expansive grassy meadows.
If your soul is craving solitude, peace and space to breathe again, The Treehouse is the perfect place to feel renewed! Immerse yourself in the beauty nature, where all around you'll hear the gentle rustle of wind through towering trees and the sounds of the song birds.
It's time to take a deep inhale and exhale in the freshness and peace of Northern Michigan.
Explore these options on our Local Lodging Recommendations page and secure your stay early, as August is high season in Northern Michigan. We’ve curated a list of recommended local accommodations, located just a few miles from The Treehouse, to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.
As soon as you arrive to the Treehouse, you instantly feel transported to a place of peace, balance and well-being.
The Treehouse is nestled on 5 acres of serene rolling farmland, surrounded by endless horizons with no neighbors in sight. From this tranquil space, you'll be treated to breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of lush fruit orchards, vibrant wildflowers, and expansive grassy meadows.
If your soul is craving solitude, peace and space to breathe again, The Treehouse is the perfect place to feel renewed! Immerse yourself in the beauty nature, where all around you'll hear the gentle rustle of wind through towering trees and the sounds of the song birds.
It's time to take a deep inhale and exhale in the freshness and peace of Northern Michigan.
Chef Prepared Meals
Can you imagine having a professional chef prepare all your meals for 3 nights and 4 days? Chef Freeman Gunnell, Megan's husband, has designed a delicious, healthy menu that sources local, fresh, organic ingredients where possible. Please note, we cannot change the menu to accommodate special dietary restrictions.
With over 35 years experience in the culinary industry, Chef Freeman's meals will be a nourishing and delicious part of your retreat experience.
Megan and Freeman have collaborated on many project, including hosting professional culinary tours abroad with their company Gunnell Innovation. Freeman has also cooked for Megan's retreats across the US, Costa Rica and Italy.
Their collaborations on retreats combine their passion for excellence, beauty, hospitality, and creating unforgettable experiences that nourish not just the body, but the soul.
With over 35 years experience in the culinary industry, Chef Freeman's meals will be a nourishing and delicious part of your retreat experience.
Megan and Freeman have collaborated on many project, including hosting professional culinary tours abroad with their company Gunnell Innovation. Freeman has also cooked for Megan's retreats across the US, Costa Rica and Italy.
Their collaborations on retreats combine their passion for excellence, beauty, hospitality, and creating unforgettable experiences that nourish not just the body, but the soul.
What will we experience?
This exclusive retreat is designed to provide you with 2 distinct experiences.
1. Thrive as a Person - permission to completely relax and recharge.
and
2. Thrive in your profession - an opportunity to heal your burnout and return to your passion and purpose.
Return home feeling:
- Renewed and Recharged
- Inspired and Awake
- Connected to your Purpose and Passion
- Joy and Gratitude
- Refreshed, Clear and Energized
Sample schedule:
Thursday, August 7, 2025:
Afternoon Arrival: Check into your recommended accommodations nearby.
5:30pm Welcome Dinner: Hosted at The Treehouse, featuring farm-to-table creations by Chef Freeman Gunnell.
6:30pm Opening Circle: "Leaning into our Collective Intention" followed by a sound healing for relaxation and grounding.
Friday, August 8, 2025:
7:30 AM: Morning yoga and meditation on the rooftop yoga deck.
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Morning Circle - "A Return to Creativity" - an experiential session to aid in burnout prevention and recovery.
12:00 PM: Lunch.
1:00–4:00 PM: Free time
4:00 PM: Afternoon Circle - "Answering the Call - what do we need now?" - a guided meditation session for deepening our insight and growth.
5:30 PM: Dinner.
6:30 PM: Evening Circle (drum circles, guided meditation with live harp music, or Jungian Archetype card readings)
Saturday, August 9, 2025:
7:30 AM: Morning yoga and meditation on the rooftop yoga deck.
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Morning Circle - "Creating Mandalas for Insight and Wisdom" with Megan Gunnell
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–4:00 PM: Free time
4:00 PM: Afternoon Circle - "Healing the Healers Soul" with Alex Castro Croy
5:30 PM: Dinner
6:30 PM: Evening Circle - "Fire and Water" - drum circle followed by a fire burning and release ceremony on the shores of Lake Michigan
Sunday, August 10, 2025:
7:30 AM: Yoga and meditation
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Closing Circle: "Sacred Connection and Reflection"
11:00 AM: Departure
1. Thrive as a Person - permission to completely relax and recharge.
and
2. Thrive in your profession - an opportunity to heal your burnout and return to your passion and purpose.
Return home feeling:
- Renewed and Recharged
- Inspired and Awake
- Connected to your Purpose and Passion
- Joy and Gratitude
- Refreshed, Clear and Energized
Sample schedule:
Thursday, August 7, 2025:
Afternoon Arrival: Check into your recommended accommodations nearby.
5:30pm Welcome Dinner: Hosted at The Treehouse, featuring farm-to-table creations by Chef Freeman Gunnell.
6:30pm Opening Circle: "Leaning into our Collective Intention" followed by a sound healing for relaxation and grounding.
Friday, August 8, 2025:
7:30 AM: Morning yoga and meditation on the rooftop yoga deck.
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Morning Circle - "A Return to Creativity" - an experiential session to aid in burnout prevention and recovery.
12:00 PM: Lunch.
1:00–4:00 PM: Free time
4:00 PM: Afternoon Circle - "Answering the Call - what do we need now?" - a guided meditation session for deepening our insight and growth.
5:30 PM: Dinner.
6:30 PM: Evening Circle (drum circles, guided meditation with live harp music, or Jungian Archetype card readings)
Saturday, August 9, 2025:
7:30 AM: Morning yoga and meditation on the rooftop yoga deck.
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Morning Circle - "Creating Mandalas for Insight and Wisdom" with Megan Gunnell
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–4:00 PM: Free time
4:00 PM: Afternoon Circle - "Healing the Healers Soul" with Alex Castro Croy
5:30 PM: Dinner
6:30 PM: Evening Circle - "Fire and Water" - drum circle followed by a fire burning and release ceremony on the shores of Lake Michigan
Sunday, August 10, 2025:
7:30 AM: Yoga and meditation
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Closing Circle: "Sacred Connection and Reflection"
11:00 AM: Departure
Meet your Retreat Team
Megan Gunnell, Founder
Megan Gunnell, Psychotherapist, Group Practice Owner, International Retreat Leader, #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker, Founder of the Thriving Therapists FB Group, Founder & Director of the Thriving Well Institute, Founder of The Thrive Advantage Group and Co-Founder of Gunnell Innovation, loves building opportunities to help people thrive personally and professionally. She has hosted local, national and international retreats for over 20 years and loves building intentional space for purpose, passion and connection. Her retreats combine a healthy balance of restoration for the body and mind with inspiration for the spirit. She believes in the power of self-care, presence and mindfulness and knows that when we travel to exquisite retreat destinations we have the capacity to transform and awaken our soul. For more about Megan click here.
Alex Castro Croy (Alejandro Castro)
Alex Castro Croy is a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, Speaker, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and the owner of Transcending Consulting Group in Colorado. A first-generation immigrant from Mexico, Alex achieved his academic dreams, earning an AA in Pastoral Ministry, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and an MA in Community Counseling, with ongoing studies toward a Ph.D. in Jungian and Archetypal Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. With over a decade of experience as an Adjunct Professor at MSU-Denver, Alex has also served as an Interventionist for the Latino LGBTQ+ community, a Drug Court Probation Officer, and a Bilingual Diversion Officer. His eclectic therapeutic approach focuses on effectively treating trauma and addiction while emphasizing the importance of self-care and soul work. Guided by a Depth/Jungian perspective, Alex believes in honoring the human before the professional, recognizing that true healing begins with tending to the soul.
Heidi Schindlbeck
Heidi Schindlbeck plays many roles with the Thrive Team! As our business manager, she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She also teaches yoga at all of our retreats and summits and has extensive experience in personal training, wellness and fitness. Yoga sessions with Heidi are supportive, connected and intuitive. She will help you stretch and grow into your highest potential both on and off the mat. At the retreat, Heidi will offer daily yoga sessions for restoration and recharging. No experience is necessary. Heidi helps everyone in the room feel comfortable whether you're brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi.
Chef Freeman Gunnell
Chef Freeman E. Gunnell brings over 30 years of culinary expertise shaped by renowned mentors like Jimmy Schmidt, Wolfgang Puck, and Madeleine Kamman. A graduate of the School for American Chefs at Beringer Vineyards in Napa Valley and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Freeman has excelled as chef de cuisine, executive and sous chef, pastry chef, and bakery owner, including managing Cornwall Bakery in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, for eight years. A visionary chef, he is the recipient of the prestigious IACP Pastry Award and a three-time IDDBA Scholarship honoree, his passion lies in empowering home chefs and curating exceptional menus for extraordinary culinary tours and retreats both locally and abroad.
Travel Details
If you fly into the Traverse City (TVC) airport, Bear Lake is 1 hour away or if you choose Grand Rapids (GRR) airport, it is 2 hours away. You can rent a car from either location.
Specific address and directions to The Treehouse will be provided to you upon registration.
The Treehouse is located in Bear Lake, MI. You are responsible for your own lodging and transportation to the Treehouse where all meals, yoga, workshops and sessions will be held.
Specific address and directions to The Treehouse will be provided to you upon registration.
The Treehouse is located in Bear Lake, MI. You are responsible for your own lodging and transportation to the Treehouse where all meals, yoga, workshops and sessions will be held.
Registration
Investment is $1800 per person.
There are two options for purchase:
a. Deposit of $361 with balance of $1,493 due on May 1, 2025.
b. Three monthly payments of $618 initiated upon purchase. Your remaining payments will be processed automatically.
Once you've made your payment, we will send a confirmation email with The Treehouse address. Once we get closer to the travel dates, you will receive all the detailed information including a suggested packing list, how to prepare for your retreat, etc.
Overnight lodging is not included with your registration. We have a curated list of recommended lodging options for all budgets.
What’s Included:
There are two options for purchase:
a. Deposit of $361 with balance of $1,493 due on May 1, 2025.
b. Three monthly payments of $618 initiated upon purchase. Your remaining payments will be processed automatically.
Once you've made your payment, we will send a confirmation email with The Treehouse address. Once we get closer to the travel dates, you will receive all the detailed information including a suggested packing list, how to prepare for your retreat, etc.
Overnight lodging is not included with your registration. We have a curated list of recommended lodging options for all budgets.
What’s Included:
- All programming, sessions, and workshops
- Daily morning yoga
- All meals prepared on-site
- A special gift bag for every participant
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FAQs1. Will Continuing Education (CE) credits be offered for this retreat? No, this retreat does not offer CE credits. 2. Who is eligible to attend this retreat? This retreat is specifically designed for mental health professionals, helpers and healers, including psychotherapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, physicians, nurses, reiki masters, massage therapists, yoga instructors, etc. Megan and Alex are trained psychotherapists, but this retreat is designed as a wellness retreat offering and not as a replacement for psychotherapeutic care. 3. When should I arrive and plan to leave? Plan to arrive to your local accommodations before 4pm on 8/7/25. Your retreat will close at 11am on 8/10/25. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel back after we close, you don't want to miss the final session and closing goodbyes. 4. Is this retreat only for women? No, this retreat is open to all genders. 5. Do I need yoga experience to participate in the yoga sessions? No prior yoga experience is necessary. All yoga sessions are designed to be gentle and accessible to participants of all levels. The retreat property is built on a hillside and has steps and stairways to get from the main floor to the yoga deck. 6. What should I bring to the retreat? Closer to the retreat, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. Essentials typically include comfortable clothing, yoga attire, walking shoes, and personal toiletries. 7. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? The menus will be plant forward with lean protein and cannot make menu changes. We are unable to accommodate vegan or celiac diets for this retreat. 8. How do I get to The Treehouse? We recommend flying into Traverse City (TVC) or Grand Rapids (GRR) airports and renting a car. Detailed travel directions will be provided upon registration. 9. Is this a substance-free retreat? Yes, this retreat is alcohol- and substance-free to support a clear, restorative, and mindful environment for all participants. Additionally, The Treehouse is a non-smoking facility; smoking is not permitted in the house or anywhere on the grounds. Thank you for your understanding. 10. What is the group size for this retreat? This retreat is intentionally limited to a small group of only 15 participants to ensure a highly personalized and intimate experience. 12. Can I attend if I’m traveling solo? Absolutely! Many participants come alone and find it to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive environment. If you're searching for a roommate for your lodging options, you can connect with others who are attending on our Thrive Summits and Retreats FB page. We will connect all who register so you can coordinate sharing lodging and / or car rental / transportation. 13. Is the retreat refundable if I can’t attend? Due to the extensive planning and limited spots available, all payments are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your registration to another therapist, helper or healer you know or someone from our waitlist. 14. Do I need travel insurance? We recommend you purchase individual travel insurance for your trip from Allianz or Travel Insured. More questions? Email us at: info@thrivingwellinstitute.com |
You deserve to THRIVE!
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