PTSD Retreat for Female Veterans and First Responders
The Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Michelle Dutro in 2018. It was created exclusively for female Veterans and First Responders living with the effects of PTSD.
Most PTSD retreats and programs serving military and first-responder communities are designed for men. While valuable, they often don’t fully reflect the lived experiences, stressors, and trauma patterns unique to women who have served. This program was created to address that gap.
Inner North Star offers a trauma-informed space designed specifically for women whose nervous systems have been shaped by military service or emergency response — a place where your background is understood, without explanation.
Why This Retreat Exists
Michelle Dutro, an Air Force Veteran and former Firefighter. experienced the impact of chronic stress firsthand — and witnessing the long-term effects of PTSD in the women I served alongside — it became clear that women needed a space designed specifically for them.
This program was created to offer that space.
Before the Retreat:
Before the retreat, you’ll complete a confidential assessment that gives us a clear baseline of where you are right now. This helps us better support you throughout the retreat experience.
The Stability of Self Inventory™ (S2i) is a research-based assessment graciously provided by Bryan Hedrick, PhD, Founder of Lacuna Leadership Assessments. It looks at core areas related to identity, self-awareness, and internal stability — areas often affected by prolonged stress and trauma.
There is nothing to prepare for and nothing to get “right.”
The assessment simply helps us meet you where you are.
The Three Pillars of the Program:
HeartMath®: Nervous System Regulation
HeartMath® uses research-based techniques to help regulate the nervous system and restore communication between the heart and brain — an area often disrupted by trauma.
For those living with PTSD, these tools help reduce hypervigilance, calm emotional reactivity, and create a greater sense of internal stability and safety.
All retreat participants receive the Inner Balance HeartMath app and device to continue their practice at home.
Tapping (EFT): Calming the Stress Response
Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) helps calm the nervous system by gently reducing the body’s stress response while processing emotional triggers. For those living with PTSD, tapping can decrease anxiety, emotional intensity, and overwhelm while increasing a sense of control and safety.
All PTSD Retreat participants receive complimentary access to the The Tapping Solution app to continue using these tools when they return home. (Generously donated by The Tapping Solution.)
Yoga Nidra: Deep Rest for the Nervous System
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that supports deep rest and nervous system recovery — allowing the body to settle without requiring effort or movement.
For those living with PTSD, it can help reduce hyperarousal, improve sleep, and create a felt sense of safety and restoration.
All retreat participants receive a Yoga Nidra, series, recorded by Michelle, to continue their practice at home.
Investment & What’s Included
This PTSD Retreat is intentionally subsidized through fundraising and a portion of proceeds from all other Inner North Star retreats. Because of that support, the cost is significantly reduced.
A retreat of this depth and duration would typically be priced at $4,995. For eligible female Veterans and First Responders, the cost is:
$995 per person
$1,495 for two participants attending together (This is a two person max Retreat)
This includes all meals during the retreat, the pre-arrival assessment, workbook, and the take-home tools and resources referenced above.
Overnight accommodations are included in the Champagne Room or Italy Room, designed for one or two participants attending together. These rooms offer a quiet, comfortable space for rest and integration during the retreat. All meals are also included, which are all plant based.
For photos and full details of the accommodations, please refer to the 2-Day Retreat page, where the rooms and property are shown in more detail.
We share this upfront to ensure clarity and to support a good fit — there are no surprises later in the process.
Michelle Dutro
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