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   PTSD Retreat for Female Veterans and First Responders
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The Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, founded by Michelle Dutro in 2018.  The sole focus is to lessen the adverse effects that PTSD has on the lives of Veterans and First-Responders

 This Inner North Star Women's PTSD Retreat Center has chosen to focus on women for two reasons: Firstly, there's a notable scarcity of dedicated programs for women. The other is that female veterans and first-responders have vastly different experiences, in those career fields than their male counterparts.  Thus, we work with trauma for women differently than what one would expect in a program designed for men.

As an Air Force Veteran and former Firefighter, I've personally experienced the profound toll acute and ongoing stress can take on our mental, emotional, and physical health.

I've also witnessed the effects on countless others I have worked alongside which include: depression, isolation, strained relationships, addiction, and suicide.

It was for this reason that I have spent the better part of two decades finding the latest techniques and tools to help those suffering from the effects of PTSD.

During our 4-day/3-night Retreat, you'll learn the three techniques that have consistently shown the highest success rates in clinical trials and countless studies for reducing PTSD symptoms. All retreats are by application only. The link can be found at the bottom of the page.

Some of the improvements:
• Better sleep
• A consistent sense of inner peace
• A renewed outlook on life
• Clarity of thought

 

The Three Foundational Skills

of Emotional Wellbeing You Will Learn
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Tapping/EFT

(Emotional Freedom Technique)

Tapping provides relief from chronic pain, emotional problems, disorders, addictions, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical diseases.  While Tapping is newly set to revolutionize the field of health and wellness, the healing concepts that it’s based upon have been in practice in Eastern medicine for over 5,000 years.

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 HeartMath Biofeedback

Since, 1991, the HeartMath Institute has researched and developed reliable, scientifically based tools to help people bridge the connection between their hearts and minds and deepen their connection with the hearts of others.  HeartMath Institute's long years of scientific research and clinic trials...

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Yoga Nidra 

 

The practice of Yoga Nidra (Guided Meditation) has been found to greatly reduce tension and anxiety. The symptoms of high anxiety such as a headache, chest pain, palpitations, sweating, and abdominal pain respond well. It has been used with great success to help veterans from war cope with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) as well as others diagnosed with the same condition, regardless of origin...

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Testimonial from a Women's PTSD Retreat:

 

"The average person comes with trust issues, but I put all of those aside and trusted Michelle and her ways and her workings and her studies, and her knowledge. And it was worth everything to me.

And now I have a way to live life. That is priceless and I couldn't be more thankful and more grateful to what she has given me."

 - Shay, Navy Veteran

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   During the Retreat We Focus on the Three Pillars for Creating a Fulfilling life:
Your State - Your Beliefs - Your Vision

Your State of Being

The first step in creating a sense of Inner Peace regardless of outer turmoil all start with mastering your State of Being.

 

Creating a sense of inner peace, even amidst the chaos of life, begins with mastering your State of Being. This essential skill is not only attainable but can profoundly transform your daily experiences. At Inner North Star Retreat Center, we emphasize that mastering your State of Being is a foundational element for healing, particularly for those navigating the challenges of PTSD. Through dedicated practice of Tapping, HeartMath techniques, and Yoga Nidra, participants can cultivate a profound sense of calm and centeredness that permeates every aspect of their lives. These practices empower you to connect with your inner self, enabling you to navigate emotional turbulence with grace and resilience.

As you learn to master your State of Being, you’ll find that it vastly improves the quality of every relationship in your life—whether with co-workers, significant others, children, or even casual acquaintances you encounter throughout your day. More importantly, this mastery enhances the most critical relationship of all: the one you have with yourself. By fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, you develop a deeper understanding of your needs and triggers, allowing for more compassionate interactions with others. This shift not only promotes healthier connections but also nurtures a loving and supportive internal dialogue. At our retreats, we provide the tools and guidance needed to achieve this mastery, helping you cultivate lasting inner peace and resilience. Join us in this journey of self-discovery, where the art of mastering your State of Being can lead to profound healing and transformation.

 

 

Becoming the master of your thoughts, your mood, your perception, and ultimately your destiny.

 

At our PTSD Retreats, we delve into the transformative power of the brain, specifically focusing on the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The DMN plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and overall perception of the world. It is the backdrop for our internal dialogue, influencing how we interpret experiences and react to life’s challenges. By recognizing and reshaping the patterns of thought within the DMN, we can initiate profound changes in our mood, personality, and life experiences. Our retreats provide a supportive environment to explore these patterns, fostering self-awareness and equipping you with the tools necessary for change.

Equally vital is the programming of the RAS, which acts as a filter for our experiences, highlighting what truly matters to us while dismissing the noise of everyday life. This selective attention shapes our realities and significantly impacts the quality of our lives. Through targeted practices during our retreats, we teach participants how to consciously program their RAS to focus on positivity, resilience, and growth. By aligning your RAS with your personal goals and values, you empower yourself to shift your focus towards what truly enhances your life, cultivating a richer, more fulfilling existence. By engaging with both the DMN and RAS, you will embark on a journey of healing and transformation, paving the way for a life marked by purpose, clarity, and connection. Join us in this sacred space where change begins, and your journey toward healing unfolds.

 

Align Your Beliefs

Once beliefs are identified and changed to align with our highest outcome, prosperity in all areas becomes effortless.

The majority of daily decisions (like 34,995 of them) were all made by your subconscious mind. 

That part of the mind that has taken every event, encounter, and situation assigned meaning to them all, and turned them into your beliefs. So, each one of those beliefs is the foundation of every one of those decisions.

It becomes easy to see that every area of your life right now is a reflection of everything you believe to be true.

  • Your health is a reflection of what you believe regarding the value of nutrition and exercise.
  • Your finances are a reflection of what you believe you are worth.
  • Your relationships are a reflection of what you believe you deserve.

Once you assigned new meaning to the events of your life, your entire life will change.

It's not enough to think a thought; you must take action.

 At the Inner North Star Retreat Center, we recognize that simply thinking about change is not enough; true transformation requires purposeful action, especially for those healing from PTSD. Our retreats are specifically designed to address the emotional burdens that can weigh heavily on your mind—guilt, sadness, regret, blame, anger, shame, and hopeless despair. When these emotions dominate our thoughts, they create a barrier to envisioning a compelling future. That's why we start by lowering the charge of these emotions, providing a safe space to explore and understand how our brains are wired. By gaining insights into the neurological underpinnings of these feelings, participants learn practical strategies to literally change their brain wiring, setting the stage for meaningful action.

Once we have laid this essential groundwork, we focus on taking action that is aligned with what matters most to you.  With this clarity, each day becomes an opportunity to take intentional steps toward healing and fulfillment. By grounding your actions in your newly defined values and purpose, you create a roadmap to a happier, more meaningful life. Our retreats empower you to reclaim your narrative and foster resilience, ensuring you move closer to a life filled with happiness, purpose, and connection. 

 

 

Please click the link below to fill out an application. 

Once your application is received, you will be notified of the next steps. 

If life is unfilling, you are struggling with PTSD, and nothing seems to be getting better, please apply. You are here for a reason. We are taking applications for PTSD Retreats taking place May - October 2025.

 

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