"And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.” – Kahlil Gibran
The Seasons of Loss: Grief as Teacher
a Vermont-based grief retreat cohort
gathering seasonally for 2027
January 29-31, April 16-18, July 16-18, October 15-17, 2027
All people with all forms of grief are welcome.
Registration opens September 1, 2026
and closes January 1/when full.
Space intentionally limited. Register early.
$2200 for the full-year program without lodging
$3600 for the full-year program with lodging
❋ Intentional Structure and SpaceThe blend of supportive structure and comfortable space designed exactly for processing grief offers a depth and sustainability for inner and communal work that is rare. This cohort centers on intentional processes, routines, practices, and content options that not only support participants to process and explore their experiences of loss, change, and death but also form a resilient community able to undertake the work together.
Agendas are shared in advance. Retreat materials are printed, organized, and shared with you very intentionally. Online materials are easily accessible during and in between sessions. You are deep in grief. We seek to ensure there is as little guesswork on the who, what, where, when, how, and why of everything that is happening so that you can focus on the reflection and refuge you came for.
❋ Skilled FacilitationLed by experienced facilitators who know how to hold space for difficult emotions and topics while ensuring each person is heard, held, seen, and supported. Our facilitators seek to hold the integrity of the collective and each individual at the heart of the work. Lead facilitation by Jess, Director of The Grief Center with support.
❋ Belonging, Care, and RefugeBecause we are facing life’s most difficult experiences, The Grief Center’s design itself prioritizes comfort, care, and unconditional respect so that it is easy to show up here. Grab snacks, make a perfect cup of coffee or tea, lose yourself in a puzzle or a painting or a labyrinth for a bit. This very space itself was created for you and your grief. May you find moments of comfort and solace here in surprisingly simple ways.
❋ Balance of Personal Reflection & CollaborationConnection, sharing (to the extent you are comfortable or energized), and community are core parts of our work together. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content and yourself.
Reflection and discussion are supported with optional prompts, passages, and processes. Agendas are continually fine-tuned to the needs of participants. You will have routine opportunities for feedback and input to the extent you desire. The needs of the individual and the collective balance to form a strong nest for our work together.
A year-long grief retreat cohort moving through a full cycle of the seasons of grief together.
Sample Schedule
Rituals and Rhythms of Our Time Together
Day one: ground and gather
Day two: reflect and interconnect
Day three: practice and synthesize
breakfast7:30am-9:30am
available at The Grief Center
open center: movement, meditation, art, reading, etc. on your own.
9:00–9:30am
opening invitations
arrive and settle in
check-in/settle-in9:30am-12:00pm
introductions (day 1) and/or announcements
review major feedback from previous gathering/day
review previous day/forecast day ahead/agenda review
An intentional progression of some form of individual, whole group, and dyad/triad/quad reflections and activities.
10:30-10:45am: snack, coffee, bio break
morning sessionlunch, movement, self-care, and rest break12:00pm-2:00pm
afternoon session2:00pm-4:30pm
Typically grief rituals, creative projects, affinity groups.
Sunday:
2:00-3:00pm closing circle
dinner5:30pm-7:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
first night: reflection and rest encouraged
second night: optional structured and unstructured social and antisocial activities
after dinner
Previous Cohort Member Reviews
“I love being part of this cohort with you facilitating. It places new lenses and inspires deeper connectedness with the work we are all doing.”
- BD
“I so appreciate your authenticity, your tender care and your ability to change tact and welcome what arrives in the moment.”
- JC
“This isn’t an end!…I look forward to continuing this journey with you all, and am so grateful to you, Jess, for offering it to us.”
- MR
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We approach retreats in a unique way. Most of our retreats happen with programming during the day at The Grief Center of Vermont and lodging you choose closeby. This is intentional. We are giving a place to process and associate your grief, a place designed for a range of activities and breakout spaces made just for these purposes. Staying on location where this deep work is happening can be draining for some people. The physical break from programming vs. outside social or rest time can help modulate the intensity of the work.
People often want to personalize their lodging choices based on their own needs and preferences (single rooms, private bathrooms) but report feeling some pressure at retreats to put those preferences aside. We want to encourage your agency, especially when grieving, without pressure to do anything other than what you are called to do.
Many opt to stay at the Essex Resort and Spa. Especially off-season, they have affordable rates for a range of rooms with optional add-ons to enhance your experience. Cohort members of the more extroverted nature can further save on cost by sharing a room. We will assist in linking you to others who want this option. See your welcome materials contain a block rate code.
There are also several nice AirBNBs, hotels, motels, and homeshares in and around the area (many within walking distance to TGC). Be where you will feel comfortable.
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Grief work is significant and important to engage in. We are here to support you and answer your questions. Never hesitate to reach Jess by call or text at 802-404-2144 or by email.
The welcome letter after registration details different ways to specifically access grief doula support that is included in your cohort membership like links for scheduling virtual or in-office meetings.
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While the cohort community will miss you and we count on your presence, things happen. Facilitators will meet with you to review the missed agenda and support you between gatherings. No refunds are available after December 1; we are happy to help you engage with the work another way. Cohort members also receive free/reduced fee programming at The Grief Center for the year of the cohort. You are welcome to supplement your missed weekend with other programming at The Grief Center.
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Collaborative, honest, spacious, affirming, and clear. You are tenderly and fiercely held with unconditional positive regard, a unique experience in this world. Facilitators are here to guide processes with great care and integrity while creating capacity to hold what is difficult; you engage in ways that work best for you. It really is that simple and what grief continually asks of us.