Your Skills. Your Growth. Fully Supported.
SPARK + GLOW
EMDR Basic Training Retreat
February 22, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Learn. Nourish. Integrate.
REGISTER BEFORE 12/1 AND SAVE $140
USE CODE ‘RETREATEARLY’
For clinicians seeking a deeper, immersive experience, Spark + Glow combines foundational EMDR training with restorative, integrative supports. Gentle movement, meditation, creative expression, reflective exercises, and nourishing meals are woven into the retreat to nurture both your learning and your nervous system, creating space to integrate knowledge fully and meaningfully.
EMDRIA APPROVED EMDR TRAINING - RETREAT STYLE
Day 1: February 13th, 8-5pm - VIRTUAL
Day 2-6 Training Days; February 23rd - 27th (8-5pm)
Full Retreat (inclusive of evening arrival and morning after training departure): February 22nd - February 28th
EMDR is nothing short of transformative.
It works with the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate experiences, helping clients move through trauma, stuck emotions, and life challenges faster - and often more profoundly - than traditional talk therapy alone. As a clinician, this training gives you a tool to create breakthroughs you’ll see in real time.
Unlock Deeper Learning in an EMDR Intensive Retreat
This isn’t your typical EMDR training experience. This is an immersive, comprehensive EMDR training retreat, designed to help you learn deeply, integrate thoroughly, and return to your practice transformed with a new tool in your clinical toolbox.
Over one virtual day and five in-person retreat days at the stunning Hillman Retreat House, you’ll experience a training built around how humans actually learn: immersive practices with opportunities for reflection and integration, nourishment for mind and body.
Join us for a transformational EMDR training experience—where learning meets restoration.
STEP INTO A WEEK DESIGNED FOR LEARNING & RENEWAL
what you’ll get in this retreat experience
You’ll receive our full EMDRIA approved basic EMDR training, plus so much more….
Retreat Benefits:
One virtual day + five in-person retreat days (57 CEUs)
Overnight accommodations in the serene Hillman Retreat House
Nourishing meals crafted to support learning and energy
Optional sauna and cold plunge to enhance nervous system regulation
Deep focus without daily distractions
Focused Skill-Building: Structured sessions designed for clarity and deep learning.
Guided Practice + Reflection: Apply EMDR skills immediately and integrate them with confidence.
Restorative, Somatic Support: Mindful movement, guided meditation, sauna, nourishing meals.
Supportive Community: Collaborate, share insights, and learn in a “we’ve got you” environment.
Creating Space for Every Style of Connection
While our retreat offers opportunities to connect, unwind, and build community, socializing outside of training hours is completely optional. We understand that everyone recharges differently — some enjoy conversation and group activities, while others prefer quiet reflection or alone time. Both are equally welcomed and respected. You’re encouraged to honor what you need throughout the week so you can fully learn, rest, and restore.
Your Home for the Week
1164 Co Hwy 8, Hillman, MN 56338 (1.5 hours from the metro)
13 bedrooms (a variety of room layouts), 6 bathrooms, large kitchen and dining space, lounge, creative space, game rooms, yoga room, and sauna.
Prefer to stay elsewhere? No problem! You’re still welcome to join us for the retreat. Simply select Option 2 below when you register.
Why Getting Trained in EMDR Matters
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy proven effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and many other concerns. It has been recognized by organizations worldwide—including the World Health Organization (WHO) —as one of the most effective trauma therapies available.
Clients are increasingly seeking out EMDR because they’ve heard powerful success stories—from family and friends, social media, or even celebrities. Being trained positions you to meet this growing demand with competence and confidence.
Therapists often find EMDR helps clients make progress more quickly than traditional talk therapy, unlocking stuck places and fostering deeper healing.
EMDR integrates seamlessly with other therapeutic approaches, so you can enhance the work you already do rather than replace it.
Learning EMDR is more than memorizing techniques - it’s about embedding skills so they truly stick. Our retreat-style format creates the conditions your brain and nervous system need to absorb, practice, and integrate EMDR, so you leave not just knowing it, but confidently applying it.
Getting trained in EMDR equips you with a powerful, flexible tool to help clients heal, grow, and thrive—while also keeping you inspired and effective as a therapist.
We were called to break the mold while supporting therapists learning this transformational model.
This retreat-style training is designed to align with EMDR’s core principles: providing opportunities for processing, integration, and resource-building in a way that supports both skill acquisition AND self-care. By creating the conditions for focused learning and embodied experience, you’ll return to your clients with enhanced skills, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of clarity in your practice.
UNLOCK DEEPER LEARNING IN AN EMDR RETREAT
Step away from your everyday routine and immerse yourself in an EMDR training experience designed to maximize both your professional growth and personal renewal. This isn’t just another training - it’s an opportunity to integrate learning, restore balance, and connect deeply with your own resources.
Over one virtual day and five in-person retreat days at the stunning Hillman Retreat House, you’ll experience a training built around how humans actually learn:
Comprehensive, Focused Learning: Neuroscience shows that distributed, immersive practice (especially when paired with reflection and real-world application) strengthens neural pathways and consolidates skills. Our retreat schedule intentionally balances high-impact EMDR training content with restorative activities, so that what you learn sticks.
Experiential Integration: EMDR isn’t just a set of techniques - it’s a process. Our retreat provides the space and support for you to practice, reflect, and integrate skills in a way that mirrors how your clients’ brains process difficult experiences. By spacing practice in an immersive retreat format, you’ll harness principles of working memory and adaptive information processing—learning in a way that promotes deeper retention and integration of new skills.
Nourish Your Body and Mind: Enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals, mindful movement, yoga sessions, and optional sauna experiences to support your physical and emotional well-being.
Experience a Healing Environment: With overnight accommodations in a serene retreat setting, you can focus fully on your growth without the usual distractions of daily life. This supportive environment mirrors the therapeutic space you create for clients—safe, restorative, and transformative.
Connect and Reflect: Collaborate with peers in small groups, share insights, and integrate experiential learning, all while surrounded by a community of like-minded clinicians.
“This sounds wonderful, but isn’t a retreat setting kind of… indulgent?”
It might seem that way at first glance, but the truth is: investing in your learning environment pays off. Research in neuroscience and adult learning shows that when you’re supported in body, mind, and nervous system, you retain more and integrate skills more deeply.
What looks like “luxury” is actually an evidence-based way to help you become a stronger EMDR clinician.
And as you already know, the better you integrate your learning, the more your future clients benefit.
HERE’S THE DETAILS…
All Trainings Days: 8:00am - 5:00pm
February 13th, 2026 (virtual)
This full-day live virtual day will anchor us into the theoretical model behind EMDR, exploring its methodology, mechanisms of action and cultural considerations.
You’ll also receive access to pre-recorded modules covering key topics in traumatology, neurobiology, and attachment theory to complete at your own pace before the retreat.
LIVE VIRTUAL TRAINING DAY 1
February 22rd, 2026
Check-in (4:00pm) | Welcome Dinner (6:00pm)
Arrive, settle in, and ground yourself in the retreat space. We’ll gather in the evening for a welcome dinner, community connection and optional grounding activities including a yoga nidra practice, sauna or enjoying the nature around you.
✨ This evening is all about fully arriving - in body, mind, and spirit.✨
RETREAT ARRIVAL & WELCOME
February 23rd, 2026
We’ll begin our in-person learning together with hands-on integration of foundational EMDR concepts. Through demonstration and practice, we’ll explore safe/calm space techniques and the phases of EMDR.
✨ Integration Breaks: Expect movement-friendly breaks, access to yoga or sauna, and space for mindful transitions throughout the day.
RETREAT TRAINING DAY 2
February 24th, 2026
We move deeper into the EMDR Standard Protocol, practice RDI and explore how to integrate cognitive interweaves. This day includes a strong experiential component with supervised practice woven throughout.
🎵 Down-regulation Opportunities: Gentle music, guided mindfulness, or open studio time for art-making may be offered.
You’ll also have space to move, breathe, or simply rest as needed.
RETREAT TRAINING DAY 3
February 25th, 2026
Today’s curriculum brings in special considerations: working with children, recent events, anxiety, grief and somatic symptoms. We’ll also continued supervised practice and discussion.
🌿 Restorative Moments: Morning or afternoon may include grounding movement or a group meditation. Our yoga and movement space will be open during breaks for optional use.
RETREAT TRAINING DAY 4
February 26th, 2026
We begin integrating EMDR with unique populations including perinatal, military, dissociation, addiction and more. The day includes continued practicum and live demonstrations.
🎨 Creative Integration: Optional arts-based practices or music listening will be available for those who wish to process creatively. Mindfulness exercises will open and close the day.
RETREAT TRAINING DAY 5
February 27th, 2026
Our last day of curriculum is designed to ensure you are launched into your practice with EMDR feeling confident and ready to integrate this modality with your clients. We will cover some important cultural considerations and ethical practice. We’ll revisit essential concept and complete your learning assessment.
🔥 Closing Integration: We’ll gather in community for reflection, movement, and celebration. You’re invited to relax in the sauna, take a nature walk, or engage in one last guided meditation to close the experience.
RETREAT TRAINING DAY 6
February 28th, 2026
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, final reflections, and time to gently transition back into the world. You’ll leave feeling supported, skilled, and deeply connected—to yourself, your cohort, and the work ahead.
Checkout is at 10 am
DEPARTURE & INTEGRATION
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GROW, LEARN, RECHARGE
You deserve this—don’t let it pass you by.
This retreat is more than just a training; it’s a chance to step away from the busyness of life, focus on your professional growth, and give yourself space to recharge.
In just one transformative week, you’ll:
Complete the full EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training
Gain skills you can immediately bring back to your clients
Enjoy downtime to slow your nervous system, rest, and restore your energy
Invest in yourself, your clients, and your career. This is your opportunity to grow, learn, and return home with both new tools and renewed energy.
TWO OPTIONS FOR JOINING THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY
OPTION 1: TRAINING & LODGING AT HILLMAN
UP TO 13 ROOMS AVAILABLE
EMDRIA approved basic training with Mandy & Tia, Retreat Style
Dates:
Virtual Training Day: February 13, 2026 - 8-5pm
Retreat Training Dates: February 23rd-27th, 2026 (arrival 22nd and depart 28th)
Location: Hillman, MN
Meals: All meals will be provided
Rooms: Lovely space with individual rooms
Additional Fun: pickleball gym, yoga space, beautiful nature view
Consultation Hours: (5) 2 hour blocks of virtual group consultation provided after the retreat, dates and times will be provided at the retreat
OPTION 2: TRAINING WITHOUT LODGING
UP TO 8 SEATS AVAILABLE
EMDRIA approved basic training with Mandy & Tia, Retreat Style - WITHOUT Lodging
Dates:
Virtual Training Day: February 13, 2026 - 8-5pm
Retreat Training Dates: February 23rd-27th, 2026
Location: Hillman, MN
Meals: All meals will be provided
Lodging: On your own
Additional Fun: pickleball gym, yoga space, lovely nature view
Consultation Hours: (5) 2 hour blocks of virtual group consultation provided after the retreat, dates and times will be provided at the retreat
REGISTER BEFORE 12/1 AND SAVE $140
USE CODE ‘RETREATEARLY’
Still not totally sure, hear from one of our past trainees…
“They were very down to earth, relaxed, kind, patient, helpful, knowledgeable, and authentic. They did a really incredible job with a very emotionally taxing training.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Be sure to review our EMDR Basic Training FAQ’s here (the FAQs below are specific to the retreat).
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EMDR Basic Training, EMDRIA approved
Consultation hours (10) required for training
57 CEUs
Lodging at Hillman House Retreat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: Option 2 does not include lodging.
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This training is approved by MN professional boards for 57 CEs
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Each training day is scheduled from 8am to 5pm and includes breaks. After the scheduled training, all activities (such as yoga, meals, etc.) are optional.
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We’ll be sharing nourishing meals designed to support learning, energy, and restoration throughout the retreat. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are included each day. Some meals will be catered by local providers, while others will be lovingly homemade. Our focus is on offering food that is both wholesome and satisfying—helping reduce fatigue and keeping you feeling grounded and well cared for.
We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice, so you can relax and enjoy your meals without worry.
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You bet. Just be sure to register using Option 2.
The training hours are M-F, 8-5pm. You’re registration includes all meals, so you’ll be invited to stay for dinner as well.
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We always recommend to dress comfortably for long training days.
Bring a swimsuit if you think you’d like to hop into the Sauna or try a cold plunge.
EMDR textbook
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Yep, the Hillman House has wifi connection ready for us.
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Hillman Retreat House is a spacious 7,000 sq ft property that comfortably accommodates a large number of guests. The house features 14 bedrooms, most with king-size beds, and 6 bathrooms, including 4 with walk-in showers. Rooms are furnished with a mix of new and vintage pieces, offering an eclectic yet comfortable atmosphere. Linens and towels are provided for your comfort and use. There are also some amazing shared spaces including include a large kitchen and dining area, yoga room with lake views, media room with a 75” TV, game room with a pool table and foosball, and sauna.
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Absolutely. This training meets all the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) requirements for Basic Training. The difference isn’t in what we cover, it’s in how we cover it. Instead of trying to absorb material in a purely classroom setting, you’ll learn in a way that honors how the brain actually integrates knowledge: focused sessions, practice, movement, and reflection time. By the end, you won’t just know EMDR - you’ll feel ready to use it confidently with your clients.
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Yes. EMDR has been studied for over 30 years and is recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a leading treatment for trauma. Beyond the research, clinicians consistently describe the transformation they witness in clients: the stuck becomes unstuck, the overwhelming becomes manageable, and clients often report relief faster than with other approaches. In this training, you’ll not only learn the method but also experience firsthand why EMDR is considered a game-changer in the field.
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We hear you. Traditional trainings can feel exhausting, with long hours of sitting, note-taking, and trying to hold it all in. That’s exactly why we designed this retreat format. Your brain learns best when your nervous system feels supported. With opportunities for yoga, nourishing meals included, sauna, and movement breaks woven into the schedule, you’ll stay engaged without burning out. This isn’t about pushing through - it’s about finding a rhythm that allows the learning to really land for you AND your future clients.
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Cancellations received prior to 2 months before the training event will be entitled to a full refund, less 5% processing fee.
Cancellations received less than 2 months before the training event will be entitled to 50% refund.
Only medically documented reasons or family deaths are considered an exception to this policy.
No-shows are not eligible for a refund. In the event that we will have to cancel the training, your registration will be moved to the rescheduled date.
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Note: the retreat cancellation policy differs from our standard training policy due to the planning and preparation that is involved to develop a retreat.