Presence & Practice: Working with Self-Criticism
A Day Retreat
In person, for adults
Presence & Practice is a small, in-person 6-hour day retreat in Aldie, Virginia, focused on working with self-criticism. It offers a trauma-informed space to notice overly self-critical patterns and practice relating to them in a way that promotes well-being and reduces unnecessary suffering.
The day is structured, guided, and paced, with time for reflection, skill practice, and integration. It is designed for adults who tend to get caught in perfectionism, striving for more, or the belief that they are not “good enough,” and who want a space to practice meeting themselves with greater steadiness and compassion while still honoring goals and aspirations.
The retreat is informed by mindfulness-based approaches (including MBCT and MBSR), Vipassana meditation, and Dr. McEachron’s clinical work with trauma, anxiety, and depression, while remaining outside of a therapy or treatment framework.
This experience includes:
- Guided mindfulness practices that cultivate present-moment awareness
- Gentle, accessible movement to support regulation and embodiment
- Reflection exercises to deepen insight and integration
- Small-group connection for shared learning and support
Participants will practice:
- Present-moment awareness
- Nonjudgmental attention to inner experience
- Noticing the inner critic without buying into its story
- Responding to self-criticism with clarity and compassion
Registration
- Early registration: $389 through February 27
- Standard registration: $425 beginning February 28
Coffee, tea, water, and light snacks (such as whole fruit and granola bars) will be provided. Participants are invited to bring a nourishing lunch that reflects their own sense of care and attunement.
Details
When
Monday, April 27, 2026
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a non-clinical, educational, and experiential retreat. It is not psychotherapy, psychological treatment, crisis intervention, or a substitute for mental health care. Participation does not establish a therapist–client relationship.
While the practices may be personally meaningful, the retreat does not involve diagnosis, treatment planning, or processing of individual trauma histories.
This retreat is for adults who experience patterns of self-criticism, self-doubt, perfectionism, or a constant sense of “doing,” and who want a calm, structured day of mindfulness, reflection, and practice.
It may be especially supportive for people who are thoughtful, hard on themselves, and interested in learning to relate to inner difficulty with more clarity and care.
This retreat is not appropriate for individuals who are currently in crisis or who need a higher level of clinical support. This includes people who are experiencing active suicidal ideation, self-harm urges, unmanaged mania or psychosis, severe dissociation that interferes with group participation, recent psychiatric hospitalization, or active substance use that impairs awareness or safety.
If you’re unsure whether this retreat is appropriate for you, you’re welcome to reach out to the facilitator with questions before registering. Contact info@northstarcenterva.com.
The day is structured, intentionally paced, and trauma-informed. It includes guided mindfulness and self-compassion practices, periods of quiet reflection and journaling, gentle movement, and time for integration. Much of the retreat is held in partial silence to support presence and inward attention. There are a few brief, structured opportunities for optional sharing.
No. Sharing is always optional. You are welcome to participate quietly and engage with the practices in ways that feel supportive for you. You may opt out of any practice, modify movement, take breaks, or step out at any time.
Coffee, tea, water, and light snacks (such as whole fruit and granola bars) will be provided.
Participants are invited to bring a nourishing lunch that reflects their own sense of care and attunement, and dietary restrictions, recognizing that each person is best positioned to know what their body needs. Lunch will be eaten on site to support continuity and presence throughout the day.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting, gentle movement, and mindfulness practice. You may wish to bring:
- A water bottle
- Comfortable layers (sweater, socks, shawl)
- A blanket if you tend to get cold
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A journal (a journal and pen will also be provided)
- Any grounding or comfort items that support you
- Yoga mats, meditation cushions, back jacks
Limited upright chairs, floor seating and supports will be available.
Yes. The retreat is trauma-informed, with an emphasis on choice, pacing, consent, and respect for individual limits. Practices are offered with options, and participants are encouraged to care for themselves throughout the day.
- Full refund (minus credit card processing fees) is available with written notice up to 21 days before the retreat.
- 50% refund is available 20–8 days before the retreat.
- No refunds are available within 7 days of the retreat.
Registrations may be transferred to another person up to 48 hours before the retreat.
Contact info@northstarva.com.
Yes. If you have questions about fit, accessibility, or the structure of the day, you’re welcome to reach out before registering. Contact info@northstarcenterva.com.
Mindfulness and self-reflection can sometimes bring up tender emotions or physical sensations. You may feel calm and clear afterward, or emotionally open.
Participants are encouraged to plan gentle support for themselves after the retreat, such as quiet time, nourishment, hydration, rest, and reduced demands for the remainder of the day.