Star Retreat - Carefree, Arizona

Melanie Turner

“I recently attended a STAR retreat in Nov 2023 and it was truly a transformative experience. The peaceful environment, coupled with deeply insightful workshops, allowed me to reconnect with myself on a profound level. The facilitators were compassionate and knowledgeable, creating a safe space for healing and self-reflection. The days were filled with meditation, worksheets, breath work, small and large group discussions. And also daily one on ones with my facilitator. During the retreat I started to feel love and compassion for myself. I left feeling lighter, more grounded, and with tools to continue my personal journey. Highly recommend for anyone seeking renewal and deeper connection to themselves and those around them!

Jed Appelrouth

Life Changing Retreat. My parents both attended. I could not believe the impact STAR had on my father- he came back a different person. I attended 10 or so years later and it shifted my direction in life. New career. Deeper and healthier relationships. I picked up new skills and a new language for my interior life that I use to this day. STAR is a gift to yourself, and to your kids. I'm definitely a better Dad (and spouse) with the insights I picked up during my STAR retreat.

David Davis

Success….. society has many measures and by most of those measures I’ve been “successful” in my life. However, the internal discord that I still felt didn’t match what the world saw. A nagging in the deepest part of my soul lead me to discovery of STAR. Like many profound journeys, there was a significant apprehension of the unknown and vulnerability at taking the steps to attend the STAR retreat.

Without hyperbole, my experience at Starr was the first moment in my life at almost 50 years of age where I was able to put the pieces together and develop a deep understanding of myself and how I fit into the world as well as some of the why. The staff at STAR were validating of my life experience and struggles without judgement. The staff ratios are such that I felt attended too and had ample opportunity to explore my own internal strife.

There is a deep wisdom in the STAR program that builds with each day the participant is present. For me, 25 years plus of therapy throughout my adult life never quite got me to the moment of peace I felt at the end of my STAR experience. The dedicated time with one self is a precious endeavor and one that I will forever be grateful for.

I would recommend the STAR experience and process to anyone who may feel that same inner discord within themselves despite what the outside world may see. Again, without hyperbole, a truly life-changing experience that has allowed me to live my life through my heart and share the wholeness and goodness of my soul with those in my life, those that become a part of it and those that simply are passing through.

Without this experience, I truly believe I would’ve remained in a haze, merely existing rather than being an active participant in cultivating a life of purpose and joy.

Garett Cornwell

My experience at Star Foundation was truly life-changing. The retreat provided a safe and supportive environment where I was able to delve deep into my personal growth journey. The staff, coming from diverse backgrounds, offered invaluable insights and guidance, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Before attending Star Foundation, I was perplexed by my own behaviors and reactions. I didn't understand why I had certain issues or where they originated. They were simply there, and I had spent countless hours and energy over the years trying to "work" on the symptoms without addressing the underlying causes.

Without any major traumatic events to point to, I couldn't comprehend why my responses to difficulties seemed so irrational. It was as if I was operating on a subconscious level, driven by patterns and beliefs that I wasn't even aware of.

Star Foundation was an essential and safe space for me to get to the root of my emotions. Without needing to blame myself or others, I was able to understand what I didn't know about myself. The retreat helped me to develop a new perspective and a healthier way of approaching challenges.

I am now trending in a different direction. I can show myself the same grace and compassion that I try to offer others. I feel free to grow and evolve without being held back by old patterns and beliefs. Thanks to the Star Foundation program and the incredible staff, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and the tools to live a more fulfilling life.

Sasha g

I found STAR at a time in my life when all other therapies had failed. No treatment could help me reach deeply enough to work on the root causes of my trauma and grief. At STAR I was surrounded by love and acceptance, and with this total immersion for 10 days I was able to feel love for myself for the first time in my life. For the first time, I could understand why I deserved love and kindness. I can't speak highly enough about the incredible staff, the organization, hospitality, and the flow of the retreat. STAR forever changed my life and showed me I am radiant.

mike black

My experience at STAR changed my life forever. A safe space was created for myself and my fellow participants to dig deep into the depths of who we really are, to find our hearts, and to finally find some peace. I am eternally grateful for my time at STAR and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who feels like they may have lost their way (or maybe never found it at all). ❤️

Tom Lucido

Star retreat changed my life in profound ways, helping me to realize and face the greatest obstacles in my life. While I was there, I described it as a "mental health bootcamp, with the world's kindest and most patient drill instructors." It's nothing like an actual boot camp, of course. More like a resort: the serene environment, the intentionally slow pace, the meaningful conversations and exercises and the incredible people all contribute to making STAR an experience I recommend to anyone who has experienced loss or emotional pain. Oh, and the food is just outstanding.

Sarah Stanfield

Restful, healing, transformative. Unlike anything else I've experienced. My STAR Retreat memories are some of my most meaningful. I've been able to grow and deepen as a person in ways I didn't think possible before STAR. I have recommended STAR to my dearest friends and family, and I would recommend it to anyone.