Join IFS lead trainer Kay Gardner to explore and heal your cultural and familial legacy.

IFS Legacy Burden Retreat

Feb. 15th-19th, 2024

Ingersoll, Ontario

Have you noticed that you’re holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you?

Legacy burdens are beliefs, feelings and behavioural patterns that are handed down through the family line, either directly or indirectly. These inherited ways of being become burdens when they are tied to shame and fear. Sometimes legacy burdens only go back a generation or two, but others can go farther back, even hundreds of years.

During our time together you’ll be engaged in guided meditation exercises, body based practices and rituals to support your legacy exploration. You’ll have an opportunity to identify the legacy and cultural burdens you may be carrying and release these burdens from your lineage.

someone looks at an open photo album full of black and white photos

Your ancestors want you to be well.

You’ve also inherited a unique set of legacy blessings from your familial and cultural ancestors. We’ll also take time together to claim, embody and cherish these gifts and the ways in which they orient us to our innate capacity for connection, courage, creativity and compassion (and all the other qualities of self).

Our Facilitator:

Kay Gardner, LCPC

Kay Gardner is a senior lead trainer of Internal Family Systems Therapy with the IFS Institute. She has been in private practice for over 40 years in Chicago, IL. In addition to IFS, she is also a trainer in the Hakomi somatic psychotherapy model. She is a heart-centred presenter who brings an embodied and spiritually integrated approach to her practice and teaching of the IFS model.

This is a unique opportunity to experience Kay’s unique and embodied facilitation of legacy healing work in an intimate group setting.

Image of Kay Gardner smiling in front of a rock wall
picture of retreat venue, a historic yellow brick home with an ornate water fountain in front of it

Accommodations:

We’ll be staying at the historic Elmhurst Inn and Spa in Ingersoll, Ontario for the duration of our time together. The Elmhurst is conveniently located just outside of London, Ontario - between Toronto (1.5 hour drive) and Detroit (2.5 hour drive). For more information on transportation options check out: getting here.

All rooms are single occupancy. If you’re coming with a friend or partner, please reach out to inquire about a room sharing discount.

Registration

Program Tuition:

Cost per participant is $3700 CAD (approx. $2725 USD depending on the current exchange rate).

Early Bird Discount: Save $200 when you register before Dec. 01

Registration fee includes:

  • 5 Days of Facilitated Legacy Work with Kay Gardner

  • Daily Morning Movement Practice (Yoga, ChiGong, Tai Chi)

  • 3 Recreational Group Activities

  • 4 nights accommodation at the Elm Hurst Inn and Spa in a Deluxe King or Queen Room

  • Meals and Snacks (starting with dinner on February 15th and ending with lunch on February 19th)

  • 15% Discount on SPA services available at the Elmhurst Spa (booking in advance is recommended)

Space is limited and expected to fill quickly. Register now to secure your spot.

More on Legacy Healing in IFS:

For more information about Legacy Burdens and Kay’s work check out her interview on The One Inside Podcast

 FAQs

  • Yes! If you are coming with a friend or partner that you'd like to share with, contact us to discuss a room splitting discount. If you are coming alone, unfortunately we are not able to pair people up for room sharing.

  • You should have familiarity with the model, but formal training is not required. This is an experiential healing retreat, not a training.

    If you'd like to attend but are new to IFS, not to worry. We'll be offering a one day virtual introduction to the model in advance of the retreat.

  • Definitely! When you register we will ask you to identify any specific needs you have and will send those along to the chef to ensure you are well nourished throughout our time together.

  • Probably! You'll need to reach out to the hotel to inquire. Let them know that you are part of our group booking, and they'll offer you their best rate.

  • We'd be happy to help. Check out our getting here page for more information.

  • While this retreat will undoubtedly deepen your experience with and knowledge of the model, it is not intended as a training and not eligible for continuing education credits with IFSI or any professional regulatory college.

    Ontario based Social Workers and Psychotherapists may consider listing this experience as part of their self-directed professional development program.

  • Most likely not. As Kay isn't licensed in the province of Ontario, most Ontario based insurance companies will not cover her professional services. It may be eligible for reimbursement through a flexible health care spending account, contact your benefits administrator to inquire.

  • Yes! A deposit in the amount of $1750 CAD is required to reserve your space in the retreat.

    The remainder of your registration fees are due Dec. 01, 2024.

  • We do have two scholarships (in the amount of 650$ each) available for individuals who would like to attend the retreat but cannot afford the full cost.

    These scholarships will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Accessibility

We’re committed to offering a barrier free retreat experience. Please let us know what we can provide to ensure you are able to safely and comfortably access all components of the retreat. For more information on our specific accessibility features please see: accessibility info.

Need more information?

Fill out the contact form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to answer any questions you may have before completing your registration.