Open     

Pods     

After many years of offering 24-hour individual therapeutic sessions, we’re transitioning to a new model that blends the depth of private work with the healing power of community. We call these pods—two-night immersive journeys for 3–4 individuals. Over time, we’ve seen that the most profound and sustainable transformation emerges with a two-night minimum and in the presence of others: being witnessed, witnessing others, and having a small circle to stay connected with after the journey ends.

Pods will be offered in both “open” and “private” forms.
(Click here if you’d like to learn about curating your own private group.)

Open Pods are designed for individuals who are ready to fully inhabit their lives and address whatever is standing in the way of a vibrant and thriving life. This is deep, personal therapeutic and somatic work held in a beautiful and playful environment. We curate these sessions with care, bringing together 3–4 people who are seeking an in-depth, personal, and relationally transformative experience. These Transformational Sessions are ideal for those ready to dive in to the deep work of reclaiming their life. Throughout the weekend, we maintain a high staff-to-participant ratio so that each person can have a deep experience and receive the individual care they need.

Entering a shared space with new companions often creates a unique kind of magic: vulnerability becomes easier, insights land more deeply, and a sense of belonging emerges in unexpected and meaningful ways. Many participants find that their Transformational Session companions become a supportive, resonant community that continues long after the journey ends.

Our next Open Transformational Retreats are:

  • January 16-18 in Stinson Beach, CA FULL

  • February 20-22 at Joytown in Idledale, CO FULL

  • April 24-26 in Idledale, CO FULL

  • May 15-17 in Idledale, CO FULL

  • May 22-24 at Joytown in Idledale, CO FULL

  • June 26-28 in Idledale, CO

  • July 10-12 in Idledale, CO

  • TANTRA POD October 1-4 Tantra in Idledale, CO

  • October 9-11 in Idledale, CO

  • Open Pod: $4000 per person

    • Individual Zoom preparation call  3–4 weeks before your session

    • In-person integration session during the event with a custom 30-day plan for your return into your life

    • Individual Zoom follow-up integration call 2 weeks after the retreat

    • Detailed follow-up messaging with personalized resources, playlists and more

  • To help us work in sustainable ways, please note the following terms:

    1. A non-refundable deposit ($1000/individual, $3000/closed pod) is required within 24 hours of reservation to secure your spot.

    2. Full payment is due no later than 14 days before the event.

    3. Open pods are subject to rescheduling in the event that less than 3 participants can be found for a given date (in this case we will work with you to reschedule or refund)

    4. Cancellation more than 30 days in advance: your deposit can be applied towards a future Joytown session or gathering within one year. 

    5. Cancellation within 30 days: your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. 

    6. Cancellation within 14 days: you are responsible for the full price of the session (exceptions may be made for emergencies).

    7. If one of the guests anticipates arriving more than 30 minutes late, they must let us know in advance. Out of respect for the container and other participants, late arrivals beyond that window may not be permitted to join.

Pod Highlights

  • 3 days / 2 nights, 48-hours together, enabling both full immersion and real-life integration

  • 2 full sessions, each up to 8-9 hour in length

  • 2 highly skilled facilitators plus additional support staff

  • Movement, breathwork and integration with the group each morning

  • Fresh, organic meals tailored to your dietary needs

  • Cacao and supplements served throughout the weekend

  • Private lodging for every individual

Reach out to Inquire

KIND WORDS

KIND WORDS

  • J.T.

    “I’ve worked with Mel in healing/journey spaces many times over the last few years and I’m deeply grateful for each and every session. She creates a beautiful and safe environment backed with years of training, expertise, and most importantly, real-AF life experience. She meets each person where they are with openness and intention. It’s much easier, in my opinion, to dive into our deeper shadows and find our brighter lights when we know we’re in a safe place devoid of any judgment. Her sparkles, music, ginger tea, and plethora of lovely floor pillows are delightful additions as well.

    This type of work is never easy, but it turns out there can be ease and oftentimes even joy. Feeling the challenging feelings like sorrow and grief is important, but equally so is a little heart opening with love and laughter.

    I can’t recommend Mel and her incredible community highly enough. 10/10 will work with her again, in fact it’s already on the books. :)”

  • S.M.

    “I entered into this work with Melissa as a depressed and ill person. I initially tried to postpone my participation because I just didn't think I was in "a good head, heart or physical place". My time with her was loving, compassionate, well orchestrated and secure. Every bit of the day was carefully attended to. I was transported to a wonderful world of mystery and sacredness. At no time did I feel unsupported or afraid.

    My transformation was pretty immediate…my depression lifted and my chronic GI issues completely disappeared. It has been almost 2 months since my experience with Melissa and I still feel the joy in my heart and the love that poured into me is still with me. Melissa has the skills to help heal people on a very deep level. I say this with complete assurance and gratitude for her many years of work to perfect her craft.”

  • C.R.

    “What I find to be truly special about Mel and Elisa is their approach to being in service. They are not going to “heal” you, you have to do that yourself. But they are unparalleled in their gift at holding space, guiding into the deepest and darkest shadows within, and leading you into loving acceptance of all that you are - the beauty, the chaos, the ugliness, and the calm.

    I have since worked with each individually, Elisa in breathwork and Mel in Tantra practices. Different modalities, but both leading me to a level of awareness and trust in myself that is unparalleled. Mel and Elisa's services have been one of the best investments I have made in my life.

    I truly can’t believe I am where I am today. It is far beyond what I ever thought was possible.”