therapy camp.
What did you do this summer? I went to therapy camp.
Okay, so it wasn’t really “camp” but it was 10 days with a counselor in the mountains of Colorado. And it was, by far, one of the most significant experiences of my life.
Maybe that makes you cringe.
Or, maybe you're curious?
I’ll tell you this: It was transformational. Holy and healing.
I didn't go because of a major fallout or specific issue. I went because, like many of you, there is a constant — sometimes quiet, sometimes shouting — hum of pain, shame, ache in my story that I couldn’t dig up alone. Believe me, I had tried. I’ve popped in to counselors offices over the years, an hour here or there, but never getting breakthrough, always hiding behind the 1 hour ticking time limit. But at a week long, 1-on-1 therapy intensive, there’s no hiding.
As a 40-something woman, in a new season of life, work and ministry, I’ve entered what I expectantly and often call my mid-life awakening. New territory requiring a renewed me. I want to live this second half of my story fully alive, as whole and healed as possible. I want to let go of the grave clothes and chains that no longer fit and have bound me for far too long. So with the help of an incredible biblical therapist who coached, and counseled, and pastored me, I did the work…I went there. There was no wifi or cell on the property which opens up so much space to read and think and dream and pray and feel what busyness often numbs. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Ultimately, it was and is the kindness of God how He met me in the process and led me to the healing I needed— because He is the Healer and Lover of my soul.
I can truly say, I’ll never be the same. And that’s a good thing. It’s been a few weeks and I’m still a work in progress. Both healed and still healing. Grown and still growing. it’s an onward and upward journey, but I feel brand new.
The place I went is called Marble Retreat and it’s specifically created for people in or around ministry. Pastors, leaders, couples, individuals. They only host 4 individuals/couples each session so it’s small and quiet and safe. Their heart is to pastor pastors. And they do it so well.
Ask me about it next time you see me or leave a comment below…I’d love to tell you more.
Here are a few resources I read while at Marble and are helping me continue to grow:
Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud
Unpunishable by Danny Silk
The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown