It is very normal to feel apprehensive about sharing your story, and nothing will be forced in this process. We do invite you to lean into discomfort because that is where the real healing happens. By sharing our stories with others, we reclaim pieces of history for ourselves, but now we are in control of writing the narrative.

"Shame cannot survive being spoken," Brene Brown says. "It cannot survive empathy."

First, let’s define what we mean by trauma. Judy Crane writes, “Trauma is anything less than nurturing that changes your vision of yourself and your place in the world.” Yes, trauma can come in the form of single major life events such as physical or sexual abuse and death, but it may also be more contextual, such as bullying, a narcissistic partner, attachment breaks, emotional neglect, and chaotic or unhealthy generational patterns learned from our families.

Yes, it is possible that you do not have trauma, but more often than not it is simply part of the human condition. We would love to explore this with you further, especially if the above list of issues resonates with you.

One of the benefits of an intensive is that many clients are able to make gains forward that might take months of weekly counseling. We offer a very small group size, with a maximum of 12 participants.

Most weekend workshops start at $1000, and all-inclusive options may be upwards of $4000. This is in addition to travel expenses.

In an effort to serve our community and keep our offerings affordable, the Connections workshop intensive is priced at $900, and $750 if you share a room with a friend. You may register by our early bird deadline on October 1, 2026 (CODE: CONNECT2026). You may reserve your spot immediately with a $300 deposit and pay monthly installments until the workshop date.

Space in each workshop is limited, so register now. Registration ends two weeks prior to workshop date to give time for all materials to be prepared. We are also offering payment plan options. Please reach out directly to Dr. Stivers to set up a payment schedule.

Please note any food allergies or special food accommodations when you register.

Prior to the workshop, Dr. Courtney Stivers will email you a history questionnaire so the workshop can be customized to the specific needs of each person and the group.

Please email courtney@summitfamily.net if you have any questions or concerns about the intensive.

Your registration fee is non-refundable, but transferable. Once registered, if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending a workshop, you will have the opportunity to transfer your fee to any other service provided through Summit Family Therapy including other workshops, intensives, groups, or retreats within 12 months of the registration date instead. However, there will be a $75 transfer fee applied. All classes are enrolled on a first come, first serve basis. If the workshop is cancelled by the presenters, the option will be given for a full refund or a complimentary transfer will be provided.

Lodging is included in your package.

**If we book more private rooms than shared rooms, we may open open some spots for Day Only Guests. It is still recommended to stay overnight at a local hotel to have the best experience.