February 8–14, 2026
Embodiment through Story Retreat — Panama
Hosted by Kimberly Hock & Jenny McGrath
An Invitation to Explore the Power of Your Story and the Wisdom of Your Body
Our Embodied Approach
We all carry stories—some joyful, some painful—many shaped in childhood as ways to feel safe in a world that didn’t always feel kind. These early narratives often live on in our bodies, quietly guiding how we move through life, how we connect with others, and how we see ourselves.
Over time, these internal stories can leave us stuck in cycles of shame, grief, or disconnection. It’s not that we are broken—it’s that our bodies have been doing their best to protect us.
At this retreat, we invite you into a different way of being—with yourself, with your story, and with your body.
Through the gentle, powerful integration of storywork and somatic movement, we’ll explore a holistic path to healing rooted in curiosity, safety, and embodiment. Together, we’ll listen deeply to what our bodies have been holding: the breath that catches, the sensations that speak, the emotions that rise when we slow down and pay attention.
This is sacred space: a week of healing movement, salty ocean air, laughter, tears, and deep belonging. A gathering of women ready to honor their stories and move—softly, bravely—toward freedom.
You are welcome here, just as you are.
A sacred space for sacred questions and sacred shifts.
Come With Intention
This is not a retreat you simply sign up for—it’s a space you enter with care.
To begin, we ask for a $200 application fee—a sign of your sincerity and desire to join this sacred circle. If it’s the right fit, the fee will be applied toward your total. If it isn’t, it will be fully refunded.
If you say yes, your space will be lovingly held.
What You Can Expect
This retreat is a tender and powerful invitation—a sacred space to gently explore the deeper layers of your healing. Within a safe and nurturing environment, you’ll be lovingly held as you turn inward, listening to the quiet wisdom your body carries.
Through the integration of somatic bodywork and storywork, we honor the truth that healing is not just of the mind, but of the whole self. Many of us carry harm woven through years of silence, shame, or inherited beliefs. Here, there is space to gently untangle those threads, to soften what has been constricted, and to listen for what still longs to be heard.
Whether your story holds layers of spiritual wounding or simply the weight of trying to be “good” for too long, you are welcome. We move together—with reverence and compassion—toward wholeness, truth, and the freedom to live in your body as your truest self.
storywork and somatic movement
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Practicing Presence
Psycho-spiritual and somatic practices to help you come home to yourself and be more fully present—with your body, your story, and those around you.
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Unsticking Patterns
Tangible tools for reconnecting with the parts of you that feel stuck—offering new ways to shift old patterns and move toward feeling at home in yourself.
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Discovering Meaning in Your Story
An invitation to be curious about what your story reveals—about who you are, and who you’re becoming.
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Healing Through Connection
Let yourself be witnessed in love, as others enter your story with reverence and help tend to what’s been fractured or forgotten.
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Embracing Your Truth
Explore and release limiting beliefs, so you can reconnect with the deeper truth of who you are and how you’re meant to move through the world.
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Growing Together in Safe Space
A nurturing space where you can be surrounded by a caring community—people who, like you, are ready to heal and grow together.
Meet Your Hosts
Kim
LMHC, MA, NCC
Storywork Guide and Retreat Facilitator
Kim guides individuals in her curated storywork containers in the form of retreats, group therapy programs, and in her 1:1 practice. Her success lies in her unique ability to see things that others cannot see; through pictures, metaphors, nature, and movement.
Jenny
MACP, LMHC
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and Certified Yoga Teacher
Jenny has been facilitating trauma-focused narrative groups for the last decade, believing that each person's body is the wisest thing about them.
What’s Included
Movement & Yoga Sessions
Mats, blocks, and all essentials provided to support your practice as you connect with your body and breath.
Group Story Engagement
Meaningful group gatherings where stories are shared—deepening connection and healing.
Access to All Property Amenities
Enjoy the full range of our peaceful surroundings and facilities designed for your comfort and relaxation.
Hiking Day Excursion
Explore beautiful trails and hidden natural gems on a guided hike through the local landscape.
Snorkeling Day Excursion
Dive into crystal-clear waters and connect with the vibrant marine life during this refreshing adventure.
Airport Shuttle, Taxes & Gratuity
All logistics taken care of so you can arrive and settle in with ease and peace of mind.
Optional Add-Ons
(available for an additional fee)
Massages to soothe and restore your body
A selection of alcoholic beverages, smoothies, and snacks for moments of indulgence
Laundry services to keep you comfortable throughout your stay
Your Daily Journey
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Each day begins gently with coffee and fresh fruit—simple, nourishing offerings to welcome you into the morning’s rhythm.
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We gather for a chef-prepared breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients. These shared meals become moments of connection and grounding before the day’s work unfolds.
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Join Kim and Jenny for a combined teaching time designed to invite reflection, learning, and healing. Together, we’ll engage with storytelling in small groups, followed by open discussions focused on trauma and transformation, creating a space of deep listening and shared understanding.
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Midday brings another chef-prepared meal, crafted from fresh local produce, offering nourishment for both body and spirit as we pause and connect.
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The afternoon offers rich opportunities for dialogue and teaching, delving deeper into our themes. For those who wish, optional individual sessions with Kim or Jenny provide a more personalized space to explore your journey.
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The late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you choose—whether it’s a peaceful stroll along the beach, a refreshing swim in the pool, a lively game of pickleball, a calming massage, or simply resting in quiet reflection.
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We come back together in the evening for a shared meal and continued conversations, allowing the day’s experiences to settle warmly among us.
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Each night, our evening sessions invite a variety of experiences designed to nourish body, mind, and soul. Following group discussions, you're invited to choose from a range of joyful and restorative activities, including gathering around a bonfire, walking at sunset, dancing, yoga and movement, somatic breathwork, or other practices that invite presence and healing.
This schedule is subject to change.
Kind Words from Past Participants
Kind Words from Past Participants
Accomodations
El Regalo Resort Boca Chica, Panama
Nestled in a secluded corner of the world near Boca Chica, Panama, El Regalo Resort offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the gentle beauty of tropical islands scattered along the horizon and the meeting place of river and ocean—bocas del mar. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the calm and serenity of nature’s embrace.
Transportation
You’ll arrive at Enrique Malek International Airport in David, Panama. From there, we’ll arrange a comfortable transfer to El Regalo Resort, just under an hour’s drive away. (Please note, airfare is not included.)
Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservations help ensure your preferred choice.
double occupancy - $2750/ea
single occupancy - $4200
COIBA
Located on the second level, features a king-size bed with a sitting area. One of the two largest rooms and includes a private balcony! Enjoy mountain, ocean, bocas del mar – where the river meets the ocean – and offshore island views from the adjoining terrace.
Size 579 SqFt (53.8 SqM)
double occupancy - $2750/ea
PARIDA
Located on the second level, features two king-size beds with a sitting area. One of the two largest rooms and includes a private balcony! Enjoy mountain, ocean, bocas del mar – where the river meets the ocean – and offshore island views from the adjoining terrace.
Size 579 SqFt (53.8 SqM)
double occupancy - $2750/ea
BOLANOS
Located on the second level, features a queen-size bed with a sitting area. Enjoy ocean and offshore island views from the windows overlooking the lush landscape with the Pacific Ocean on the horizon.
Size 458 SqFt (42.5 SqM))
double occupancy - $2750/ea
GAMEZ
Located on the second level, features two queen-size beds with a sitting area. Enjoy ocean and offshore island views from the windows overlooking the lush landscape with the Pacific Ocean on the horizon.
Size 458 SqFt (42.5 SqM)
double occupancy - $2750/ea
SINGLE OCCUPANCY - $4200
BOCA BRAVA
Located on the main level, features a king-size bed with a sitting area. Enjoy pool and ocean views from the adjoining terrace, which is equipped with lounge furniture and a hammock for total relaxation.
Size 454 SqFt (42.2 SqM)
double occupancy - $2750/ea
SINGLE OCCUPANCY - $4200
THE BUNGALOW
A newly built standalone bungalow is steps away from the main property. It will offer its own ocean view from your bed as you wake up in the morning, and a walk-out veranda offers a relaxing space with the view.
Fresh new space offers a king bed or 2 twins, a beautiful spa-like bathroom, and a walk-out seating area.
Facing our own depth and darkness can be scary.
When we cultivate inner safety—deep trust and quiet knowing—we begin to sit tenderly with the fullness of our inner world. We learn to meet our darkness, not as something to fear or push away, but as a part of ourselves yearning for comfort and care.
This darkness becomes something to soothe, to nourish, to honor. It holds wisdom waiting to be seen. From this sacred space, growth begins to unfold naturally—movement arises, and the possibility of rebirth blooms.