Before We Gather: What Most Retreat Leaders Miss

Carrie Haynes returns from her first fall retreat with reflections on the unseen work that made the experience so beautiful and easeful.

In this episode of The Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle, Carrie explores the relational preparation that begins long before a retreat — conversations with first-time participants, attunement to returning ones, and quiet listening for what each circle is ready to become.

You’ll hear:

  • Why most retreat leaders skip pre-screening — and what’s lost when they do
  • How early connection shapes safety, depth, and group cohesion
  • Ways to prepare both new and returning participants
  • Options for pre-retreat preparation when 1:1 calls aren’t feasible
  • Why this process supports the facilitator’s own nervous system
  • How pre-retreat tending lets the magic of retreat truly unfold

For facilitators wanting to learn Carrie’s full pre-retreat process — including her structure, questions, and mentorship on applying it in your own work — visit carriehayneslpc.com/mentorship.

🎧 Listen now and begin preparing your next retreat from the inside out.

Direction: Carrie Haynes 

Production: Hayley Lewis

Music:

Song: Embrace

Composer: Sappheiros

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

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