“Creative wellness retreat” is starting to show up more, but it isn’t always clear what it means, or how it differs from therapy. Here are straight answers.
What is a creative wellness retreat?
A creative wellness retreat is a few days away where you rest and reset by making things, moving and spending time outdoors, instead of mostly listening to talks. At Embodied Experiences, each retreat combines expressive and creative arts, mindful movement and yoga, time in nature and small-group connection.
In practice, you might make collage, mandalas, malas, watercolor or journal pages, or take part in drum circles and storytelling. Nothing is a performance, and there’s no “right way” to do any of it.
Is a creative wellness retreat the same as therapy?
No. A creative wellness retreat isn’t therapy and doesn’t replace it. Therapy is an ongoing clinical relationship focused on treatment. A creative wellness retreat is an experience: a guided break built around creativity, rest and connection.
Embodied Experiences retreats are creative wellness experiences, not therapy. Our co-founders, Ashley Rogers and Ashley Kuehne, are both licensed counselors. Their experience shapes how carefully the retreats are planned and how the space is held, but they’re hosting a retreat, not providing treatment. If you want individual therapy, our About page links to each Ashley’s private practice.
Is it the same as “art therapy”?
No. Art therapy is a clinical service. At our retreats, the art is for play, reflection and having something to take home, not treatment. You don’t need any art experience.
Why use creativity instead of talking?
Making something with your hands gets you out of your head and into what you’re doing. Many people find that a creative activity helps them notice what matters to them more easily than a discussion would. You also go home with real reminders, like a mala you made or a vision mandala for the year.
Who is a creative wellness retreat for?
It’s for anyone who wants to slow down and reconnect, whether or not they think of themselves as creative. Embodied Experiences offers:
- Retreats open to everyone, like Manifesting, Malas & Mandalas and the Santa Fe Creative Retreat.
- The Healers RE-Treat for therapists, nurses, bodyworkers and other helpers. It offers 13 CEU hours.
- SHE RISES, our retreat just for women.
- Custom experiences for teams and organizations.
What makes a good creative wellness retreat?
Look for a small group, guidance at every step, real time to rest and an all-inclusive setup. Our retreats have no more than 10 people, including both hosts. Every retreat is all-inclusive, so you just show up. We pick a new venue to fit each retreat. Right now that includes Limestone Fields in Jewett, Texas, and Synergia Ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
How long is a creative wellness retreat?
Usually a weekend to a few days. Manifesting, Malas & Mandalas is three days, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. SHE RISES is four days. The Santa Fe retreat is five days and four nights. A weekend is enough to slow down. A longer retreat gives you more time to settle in.
What do you take home?
You take home the things you made, a few practices you can keep doing and the people you met. For ways to keep the experience going once you’re home, read Post-Retreat Integration.
FAQ
Is a creative wellness retreat therapy?
No. It’s a guided creative and restorative experience. It isn’t treatment and doesn’t replace therapy.
Do I need to be good at art?
No. Every activity is guided, and there’s no right way to do it.
What activities are included?
They vary by retreat but can include collage, mandalas, malas, watercolor, journaling, drum circles, storytelling, gentle yoga, meditation and time outdoors.
Are Embodied Experiences retreats only for women?
No. Most are open to everyone. SHE RISES is the women’s retreat.
Where are the retreats held?
The venue changes with each retreat. The next one is at Limestone Fields in Jewett, TX.
Try one this January
Manifesting, Malas & Mandalas runs Jan 8–10, 2027 (Friday 4 PM to Sunday 3 PM CT) at Limestone Fields in Jewett, TX. It’s $1,675 all-inclusive with private rooms, and only 3 spots are left. Reserve with a $500 deposit, or email retreats@embodiedexperiencenow.com or call (469) 389-1667.