Kathy Mackechney, LCSW
Kathy Mackechney, LCSW
Come to this heart-centered retreat for adoptees in the Colorado mountains, connect with all the precious parts of you, and transform your inner and outer worlds.
You are warmly invited to an intimate, soul-nourishing retreat designed specifically for adoptees who are ready to engage in deep, transformative work for deep healing.
Over three days in the serene beauty of the Colorado Rockies, you'll explore the power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, enhanced by the healing benefits of nature, community, and relaxation.
What to Expect:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Sessions
Guided workshops will help you identify and work with different parts of yourself—especially the ones that may have been overlooked or left behind in your adoption journey. These sessions will help you transform core beliefs that shape your identity and relationships, uncover within you hidden gems that have remained untouched by the traumas of relinquishment and adoption, and heal long-held wounds.
Sacred
Space
You will co-create a sacred circle with fellow adoptees. Together, we will build a parts altar, engage in a group unburdening of wounded parts, and hold a grief ceremony to honor all that was lost—both the known and the unknown—through relinquishment and adoption.
Healing
Waters
Between deep inner-work sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the non-sulfurous, odorless hot springs, allowing the natural minerals to release stored trauma from your body and restore your sense of inner peace.
Spa
Treatments
Claim your birthright to self-care. Pamper yourself with soothing massages and treatments that nourish both body and mind, helping to integrate the insights gained from your inner work.
Relaxation and
Rejuvenation
Enjoy downtime in the peaceful resort setting. Reflect, journal, or simply be present, allowing yourself the space to integrate your experiences in a supportive and serene environment.
Outdoor
Activities
Engage your body in fitness classes in the hot springs (yes, in them!) or with complimentary mountain or fat bikes, cross country skis or snowshoes, or tennis rackets and courts, all included with your room.
WHY THIS RETREAT
Being an adoptee can be exhausting.
But discovering the parts of yourself that weren’t affected by the traumas of relinquishment and adoption is a profoundly liberating experience. It’s like reconnecting with the you(s) you thought you’d lost but have always been there, waiting for your return. IFS provides a powerful map to navigate the wilderness of relinquishment and adoption, helping you return to the starting point of wholeness you’ve always known was there, even if you haven’t yet reached it.
In this retreat, you’ll not only do the deep inner work, but nature itself will support your healing, offering a grounding energy that amplifies your journey.
By the end of the weekend, you'll leave with:
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A greater sense of calm, clarity and self-awareness
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A better understanding of your parts and how to relate to them in a healthy, compassionate way
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Increased internal harmony and connection
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New relationships with like-minded individuals who share your experiences
Don't miss this opportunity to nurture your mind, body, and spirit in one of the most restorative settings imaginable.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS RETREAT IS FOR ME?
This retreat is for you if you feel ready to do deep inner work in the presence of others. While knowledge of IFS (Internal Family Systems) is helpful and recommended, it’s not required. What is essential is a willingness to hold space for others’ healing, to witness their journey, and to commit to your own process with openness and courage. If you’re ready to turn toward your worries and fears—and the unlimited potential that lies within them—this retreat is for you.
It’s also a great fit if you’re ready to strengthen your relationship with your parts, build internal secure attachment, and share in the healing process alongside others who are walking a similar path.
If you’re still unsure whether this retreat is right for you, feel free to reach out to Kathy at kathy@adopteetherapy.com to schedule a 15-minute phone call to discuss.
RETREAT DETAILS
Not All Parts Get Adopted
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop, Colorado
May 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
May 24, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
May 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: Your registration does NOT include your room. Scroll down to learn about our special room rate at the Hot Springs Resort or other hotel options for the retreat.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BOOKING YOUR ROOM
To reserve your room at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, call 719.395.2447, give them the name and dates of the retreat, and mention the code ADOP25 to receive discounted rates starting at $176/night.
Your room includes access to all 8 of the resort’s hot springs pools, a sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool. You’ll also receive discounted spa treatments and complimentary access to bikes, skis and snowshoes (yes, there may still be snow in May!).
Nearby activities include hiking, whitewater rafting or kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, making it easy to extend your stay and explore the area. Be sure to book your room before April 22 to take advantage of the discount. The retreat will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.
Please note: Unless you are staying in one of the Hillside rooms, you will need to walk a short distance uphill to reach the retreat meeting room.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
9:30-10: Morning meditation
10-10:30: Introductions and setting of group rules and expectations, including demo of speaking for parts
10:30-10:45: Break
10:45-12: Parts mapping exercise, followed by sharing
12-12:30: Creation of parts altar
12:30-1:30: Lunch
1:30-3: IFS sculpt
3-3:15: Break
3:15-4:00: Sharing in dyads, overview of next day, closing meditation
YOUR RETREAT GUIDE
Kathy Mackechney, LCSW
Kathy is an adoptee and a therapist who specializes in working with other individuals who were relinquished and adopted. Kathy’s journey with Internal Family Systems (IFS) began 10 years ago, and she is now a certified IFS therapist and approved consultant.
Several years ago, Kathy realized that not all parts get adopted, which led her to offer workshops focused on this theme ever since. Through her work, Kathy continually witnesses the profound healing that comes from being Self-led and building secure attachments, both internally and externally.
Kathy is passionate about using IFS to bring adoptees together in community. She currently is exploring ways to integrate this model into the creation of meaningful rituals that honor the adoptee experience. She deeply believes in the power of IFS as a transformative tool for healing and connection.
Kathy is just beginning to explore the meanings of her ancestral roots in England, France and Poland. While she's delving into her heritage, she feels most at home in the Colorado mountains—especially on a ski day followed by a relaxing soak in a hot spring. With her local knowledge and passion for adventure, she’s an excellent resource for recommendations on the best places to visit and things to do.
YOUR RETREAT SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Ridghaus
Ridghaus is a late-discovery adoptee, a trained Level 3 IFS practitioner, and an advocate for healing through grief, psychedelics, and identity exploration. Specializing in work with NPEs (Not Parent Expected), late discovery adoptees (LDAs), and adoptees, Ridghaus combines personal experience with professional training to offer deep, transformative support.
A resident of rural Pacific Northwest, they retired as a media professor to pursue a more introspective path, which now includes film photography, coaching writers, and engaging in other healing practices.
Currently exploring their genetic Irish roots and embracing earth-centered Druidic spirituality, Ridghaus is dedicated to helping others find their authentic voice and personal direction. An amateur mycophile, they are often found foraging the deep woods with a Yashica Mat-124 G camera in hand, or strolling along beaches with the cuffs of their white flannel trousers rolled.