I’ve been leading retreats for five decades. Our goal is deep emotional-physical-spiritual healing … far deeper than 50-minute private sessions allow. It’s the most powerful format I offer. Major transformations occur every time, and that’s why I’m excited to tell you about it.
If you’re curious about what happens in my Highly Sensitive Person Retreats, you’ll want to read this summary and excerpts from the participant’s evaluation form.
Summary of the HSP Retreat
Due to Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, we had to start the weekend HSP Retreat a day late. Fortunately, all six women were able to attend. Hearing about the hurricane’s devastation throughout the weekend made us astutely aware of the impact of trauma.
All my HSP Retreat participants are smart high-achieving, sensitive souls. Most of these super-responsible people experience chronic stress from feeling obligated to do too much in too little time. They struggle with caring for their bodies and setting healthy boundaries. They yearn for a deeper spiritual connection and healthier relationships. They want their Authentic Self to shine. They permitted me to share their goals and experiences with you so you can understand what is possible for you.
HSP Retreat Goals
1. Goal: I wanted to: (1) access the part of me that drives me to exhaustion. (2) understand and have tools to implement a healthier approach.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: This was my first retreat. I was nervous but hopeful. As it turned out, people in this group had similar experiences to me, and because they shared so vulnerably, I felt safe. Listening to their experiences was enlightening. Now, I don’t feel so driven, and it’s easier to make decisions to care for the well-being of my body, mind, and soul. I feel much more grounded and calm.
2. Goal: I wanted to connect with my exiled child. I wanted to break the incessant habit of doing too much, and stressing my body. My blood pressure has been way too high, and I’ve gained weight.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: I was able to build a relationship between all my inner parts and my Authentic Self, and to hold them in love. For the very first time, I was able to connect with the exiled wounded child hiding under layers of protection. She was scared and filled with emotional anguish from not getting the quality of love I needed from my parents. It makes sense that she went into hiding. My high-achieving part took over my life to try to get the strokes I needed. Every day was filled with stress because I felt compelled to meet my Inner Critic’s high-performance standards. As a mother, I never wanted my children to feel unloved like I felt. I bent over backward to give them everything they wanted, which caused financial stress. Connecting with my exiled wounded child in the HSP Retreat has broken the hypnotic spell cast by the high-achieving Inner Critic. I can finally make healthy choices and set effective boundaries for self-care. I can say no to my children when needed for the good of the whole family. They are learning how to be more responsible.
3. Goal: I wanted more inner peace rooted in self-love. I wanted to move from loathing being an HSP to accepting and loving how I was created. Also, I wanted to feel empowered to take care of my HSP needs more easily.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: Now, I can ask for what I need. I learned about the cost of suppressing and subjugating my HSP self to the perfectionist demands of my Inner Critic. I also encountered the quiet dignity of my HSP self. I am loved for being, not doing. This is a huge shift.
4. Goal: I wanted to connect with my inner child, get in touch with my emotions, and feel God’s love. I wanted to receive love, information, and guidance from Him.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: I discovered that my wounded inner child needs my love and nurturing because I am so afraid of failing. I can see how this has kept me from growing. I am forming a sweet loving relationship with my inner child, instead of her feeling ashamed and hiding. This is making a fundamental difference in my life. I accomplished all my goals above.
5. Goal: I wanted secure attachment with my inner family and complete trust in God.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: I have found a new home within myself. I don’t need to look outside myself for fulfillment. This is a foundational shift that will change my whole life.
6. Goal: I wanted to know why I’ve had so much difficulty asking for what I want and need, or even recognizing my needs. It was particularly difficult to ask for what I needed from the men in my life.
What I gained from the HSP Retreat: I learned in Breathwork that as a baby, I decided not to have needs or desires because I was unwanted by my parents. That started a life-long pattern. In the HSP retreat, I allowed myself to feel the deep anguish held in these early childhood memories. I’ve been doing personal growth work for 34 years, and I had never touched this depth. I was finally ready, and I experienced profound healing. All my prior therapy prepared me for this major transformation.
What participants say about Benita’s coaching style in the HSP Retreat:
Benita is direct but non-threatening. She can sense what others need. She listens to people, quickly discerns the underlying issues, and redirects as needed. She can pull the wisdom out of people.
Benita sees what we can’t see and calls it out so it makes sense. She can be honest and loving at the same time.
Benita is direct and loving, tender but firm, and oh so caring.
Benita cuts to the chase and tells it like it is.
Benita allows her intuition / the Holy Spirit to guide her. I like her empathetic support, and she calls out unhealthy patterns.
Benita was supportive and in tune with my experience.
What helped you the most in the HSP Retreat?
Observing others being coached. Being able to share in a supportive group free of judgment.
Breathwork and coaching before the event.
Breathwork, particularly with partners.
I loved feeling useful and needed by my friend and breathwork partner.
Benita sees what we can’t see and calls it out.
Breathwork, being the breather and the sitter (helping my breathwork partner)
What participants want to tell people who are thinking about attending an HSP Retreat:
Trust yourself. Listen to yourself. Open yourself up to coaching and the experiences of others.
It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it’s so worth being freer, more centered and grounded, and most of all — more You! Do it, and don’t be afraid. You are worth healing in deep, meaningful ways.
Get ready to go deep within yourself. You will be transformed.
If you want to find out what you are hiding from yourself, sign up.
I’d encourage you to participate if you want to dive into understanding your deeply held beliefs and behaviors. Realize it is not one and done.
It will transform your life.
Do you want to learn more about HSP Retreats?
If you’d like to learn more about what is possible for you in the HSP Retreats, please read the client anecdotes and watch the videos on this webpage.
I offer Spring and Fall HSP Retreats.
If you’re interested in attending, several private sessions are required before you can join us. You might want to get started soon. If you want to become a new client, please email your application found on the Contact Page.
About the Author
Benita A. Esposito is a spiritual counselor, life coach, and ordained minister. She’s the bestselling author of The Gifted Highly Sensitive Introvert, which you can find on Amazon. Four decades ago, she earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology. How does her experience benefit you? You’ll make faster progress because of the wisdom she embodies. She quickly spots patterns to reach the bottom line so you don’t waste precious time. She follows a grace-filled Christian path that honors all faiths. For fun, she grows beautiful flower gardens. She loves to hike through forests to waterfalls. Her inner shutterbug shot most of the photos on this website.
Benita Esposito’s credentials
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