EMOTIONAL WELLNESS RETREAT
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Heal Deep Wounds & Reclaim Your Life
Are You Exhausted by Unrelenting Pain, Stress, or Emotional Overwhelm?
Real, Lasting Healing Is Possible.
20+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
2500+
GUESTS SERVED
15+
WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS
The Silent Battles You've Fought Alone...
Burnout & Hopelessness
Feeling stuck in survival mode with no clear way out. Crushing emotional weight from unresolved trauma and PTSD that feels physically debilitating.
Overwhelming grief and loss
that threatens your will to live and robs you of joy. Constant sleepless nights and anxiety, medicating just to rest
Tired of Just "Managing" Your Mental Health?
Traditional therapy feels as if you're just treading water, while you crave for real, long-lasting solutions.
If you feel that you've tried every counsellor on the planet and are still where you started, you're not alone.
Endless answers to the same questions: "how do you feel" and "what would you do" barely scratch the surface.
And even if you have an amazing counsellor...
Deep down, you know that it's not enough. You need something more.
Why Conventional Approaches Fail
Usually, the primary focus of your care is to work on your mind, leaving out the rest. While medication can be helpful for many people, it doesn't fix the root causes of your unbearable, deep pain, sudden stress spikes and unhealthy drinking.
.
Talk therapy may provide insight, but in many cases, things are approached at an intellectual level. What's more, exhaustion, gut problems and sleep issues associated with your trauma remain untouched.
When your nervous system is depleted and your "batteries" run on empty, life becomes overwhelming.
The Hidden Truth:
As low mood deepens and grief gets suffocating, you may end up with insomnia, bloating, adrenal burnout and chronic pain, all at once.
The longer this goes on, the harder it becomes to manage your day, let alone your life.
You can barely make yourself get out of bed and take a shower. It is even more excruciating to pick up that darn phone to answer your client or boss.
A Whole Person Healing
We deep dive into healing your inner wounds, restoring your health, and empowering you to live fully again.
Our 7-, 14-, or 21-day Emotional Wellness Health Restoration Retreats work with the entire you: your body, mind, and soul, simultaneously, to help you not to merely cope, but to bring back your happy self from the inside out.
Individual Healing Path™
Whether you’re carrying grief, anxiety, old trauma, or just the heaviness of feeling lost, this is where real healing begins. Using more than 40 restorative therapies and 30 integrated healing protocols, we design a plan that helps you release what’s been weighing you down and rebuild from the inside out.
Safe Space to Process Emotions
We use gentle, deep-healing methods that do not force you to repeatedly relive trauma. Our one-on-one sessions take place in a supportive environment where you can unpack underlying patterns, release stuck emotions and rebuild healthy boundaries without judgement.
Healing Mind through the Body
At Fresh Start, we understand that every cell in your body is exhausted and yearns for love. This is why you start your journey here with extensive rest and relaxation, assisted by body and energy therapies, such as:
• Swedish Massage
• Salt Body Scrub
• Thai Yoga Massage
• Reiki
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Far-infrared sauna
• and more...
Experienced Team
The Fresh Start multi-disciplinary team has an average combined experience of 20 years and includes:
- Trauma-informed counsellors and life coach,
- Naturopathic Physician,
- Acupuncturist,
- Fitness instructors
- and other specialists.
Real Stories of Hope
Guests often report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and having more energy after the program.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I learned to live alongside the grief instead of letting it consume me!
I have hope for my future, that the grief I have is just love with nowhere to go, instead of punishing myself.”
- Adriana, BC, Canada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Now I catch my reflection and think, wow, look at that glow. I see the smile again. I used to avoid mirrors and photos. Today I start my day happy with what I see and how I feel, and that lifts every interaction that follows."
- Brandon, QC, Canada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Counseling here felt like ten years of therapy in ninety minutes. I had seen many therapists; this one broke everything down, helped me process and compartmentalize my trauma, and gave me a clear plan.
For the first time in five or six years, I feel genuinely well”
- Andrew, BC, Canada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I arrived after days of nonstop tears, hiding them from my kids on the school run. The pain felt endless and I could not let go.
Working with the therapists, staying positive, and following the program lifted the weight. I feel lighter now. I feel free.”
- Kristine, BC, Canada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Fresh Start used counseling I had never tried and the breakthroughs were real. In 21 days, neck pain disappeared. Joints and spine improved. Energy returned.
I can breathe freely. The counsellor and group support changed me into a hopeful, equipped version of myself.”
- Mathew, MI, USA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Anger ruled me because I did not understand what was happening inside. Three weeks focused on body, mind, and spirit opened me to new practices, self-love, and a more positive lens.
Now when anger rises, I pause and ask what I am truly feeling. Often the root is sadness, worry, or fear. Naming the real emotion diffuses the fire. I can meet myself with understanding instead of rage."
- Mitch, BC, Canada
Is This Retreat Right For You?
This is for you if:
- You are navigating stress, excessive worry, caregiver burnout, persistent sadness, grief, divorce recovery, effects of past traumatic experiences, emotional eating or support after sexual assault.
- You need to calm your emotions, stop snapping at loved ones or curb irritability
- You want to understand and diminish the root causes of your struggles instead of just coping with them
- You are looking for a safe space to process grief, trauma or major life changes
- You feel stuck in negative habits like emotional eating, tobacco, cannabis habit or unhealthy screen habits
- You crave motivation, clarity and purpose to do the things you know you need to do
- You need to nourish and heal your soul in a supportive environment away from daily stress and demands
This is NOT for you if:
We want every guest to thrive. This retreat is not the right fit if you:
- Are currently in an acute medical or psychiatric crisis requiring hospital-level care or 24/7 supervision.
- Are looking for a rehab center.
- Expect a quick fix or a “magic pill.” Healing here requires participation and patience.
- Are looking for a vacation spa with cocktails by the pool. This is a structured healing environment.
- Cannot step away from work, family or responsibilities for at least 7 days.
- Are unwilling to engage in dietary changes (organic, plant-based meals are a core part of the program).
- Want to continue heavy use of alcohol, street drugs, or other substances during the retreat.
- Prefer large group therapy marathons. Fresh Start focuses on gentle, individualised healing.
Imagine Your Life After Healing
- Imagine waking up with a sense of possibility that’s been missing for years.
- You greet the day with calm and clarity instead of dread.
- The ache of loss feels lighter, replaced by hope and new purpose.
- You’re no longer reacting from old pain or spiraling through worry.
- You find yourself meeting challenges with quiet strength, and your relationships deepen as you show up more present, more open, more you.
- The smallest moments bring new meaning: laughter comes easier, your energy returns, and simple pleasures feel rich again.
- What once felt impossible becomes doable; what once felt heavy now seems manageable.
- You know yourself in a new way, and you carry these tools confidently.
Upcoming Dates
We offer several retreat lengths depending on the depth of healing you need:
7-Day Jump Start
Nov 2-9, 2025
Nov 9-16, 2025
Nov 16-23, 2025
Jan 11-18, 2026
Jan 18-25, 2026
Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2026
14-Day Heal Deeper
Nov 2-16, 2025
Nov 9-23, 2025
Jan 11-25, 2026
Jan 18-Feb 1, 2026
Choose Your Transformation Journey
We offer several retreat lengths depending on the depth of healing you need:
7-Day Jump Start
$4,970 CAD
Rate does not include accommodation
Ideal for: Initial breakthrough and momentum building
- Core healing program foundation
- 7–8 individual healing services
- Custom healing protocols
- Professional assessment and planning
14-Day Heal Deeper
$9,940 CAD
Rate does not include accommodation
Ideal for: Significant trauma healing and habit transformation
- Everything in the 7-Day program plus
- 7–8 EXTRA individual healing services (14 - 16 total)
- Advanced healing protocols
- Deeper emotional processing work
21-Day Total Health Makeover
$14,910 CAD
Rate does not include accommodation
Ideal for: Initial breakthrough and momentum building
- Everything in the 14‑Day program plus
- 7-8 EXTRA individual healing services (21-24 in total),
- Advanced organ rebuilding protocols and
- A comprehensive lifestyle transformation
Financing Available:
Option 1: 0% financing is available with payment plans from 6–12 months.
Option 2: Low long term payments through MediCard
Accomodations
Paid Separately to Ocean Resort
All Fresh Start | Health & Lifestyle Transformation Retreats are hosted at the Ocean Resort since 2010.
We have a block of the best rooms at the Ocean Resort. Once you’ve registered with Fresh Start, we’ll notify Ocean Resort and you’ll be able to book the room at preferred rates.
Ocean Resort vary by room type and season.
E.g. Ocean View, No View or Pet Friendly Suites.
Our Healing Modalities
We use Personalized therapies that calm your nervous system, clear your mind, and rebuild your body for lasting change. Expect faster relief, better sleep, improved mood, reduced cravings, and habits you can keep.
Custom Healing Protocols™
Custom, data-backed protocols built from 40+ therapies and 30+ organ-focused cleanses target your priorities, accelerate change, and keep improvements consistent throughout your stay.
Professional Assessments
- Pre-program Assessment
- Individualized Program Creation
- Post Assessment
Emotional Wellness Services
Ensures you have all the tools you need to process stress, rewire patterns, and sustain breakthroughs, making the mental health retreat transformative. Results or guests often report.
Brain & Cellular Reprograming
Targeted massage sequences and neurosomatic techniques calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and support cellular renewal, easing tension while sharpening focus, mood, and overall resilience.
Energy Balancing Support
Gentle, non-invasive methods like Reiki, Shiatsu, and craniosacral work rebalance your system, settle stress, and lift mood for deeper sleep, steadier energy, and clear emotional focus.
Localized Hydrotherapy
Focused hot and cold treatments and therapeutic inhalations stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, clear sinus and foot congestion, and refresh tired muscles for quick relief and lasting comfort.
Muscular-Skeletal Services
Precision bodywork improves alignment and mobility, releases chronic tension, and retrains movement patterns so you feel lighter, move better, and stay active without recurring pain.
Advancing Body Cleansing
Supervised wellness services such as colon hydrotherapy, halotherapy, infrared sauna, and ionic foot baths reduce burden on organs, ease bloat, boost energy, and promote clearer skin while reducing cravings.
Naturopathic Services
Licensed ND consults and targeted support personalize your plan, coordinate supplements and injections, and adjust medications when appropriate to keep progress safe, effective, and aligned with your health goals.
Face, Foot, Hand & Hair Care
Natural facials, scalp therapy, foot reflexology, facial cupping, and paraffin hand and foot treatments boost circulation, de-puff tissues, and soften skin. Expect brighter tone, lighter steps, soothed hands, and deep head-to-toe relaxation.
More Stories of Hope
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I carried heavy guilt after losing my wife, mourning the plans we made and the moments she would miss with our grandkids.
I learned to face that guilt and work with what remains. I know myself better. Rather than battling the pieces of my grief, I understand them and live alongside them. I can honor her legacy and move forward.”"
- Brucks, BC, Canada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Before coming here I felt lost, like I had no place in the world. Worthless kept echoing in my head. I am leaving with real self-confidence, a sense of worth, and the feeling that I belong.
The calm environment, caring staff, and thoughtful Program Directors made it feel like a second home where healing is possible and you are truly taken care of.”
- Natalia, NJ, USA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Facing the truth of repeated, violent childhood abuse was brutal, even as a healer.
I fully processed what happened and chose not to live as a by-product of it. My nervous system settled, adrenals tested normal, energy and sleep returned.
I feel resilient again and can meet challenges without breaking.”
- Dee, BC
Your Life‑Changing Decision Starts Now
You deserve to feel calm, confident and connected again. Imagine waking up refreshed, free from incessant worry, and reconnecting with the people and passions that matter most.
Fresh Start’s retreats fill quickly because we accept only a limited number of guests to ensure individual attention.
Give yourself the gift of peace, balance and renewal – your new life begins now.
Our Team of Healers
Caroline Miskenack, BSN
Emotional Wellness
EXPERIENCE: 33 years
Caroline is a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist, experienced in a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use addiction, grief and loss, burnout, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
Chanci Dawn, B.Ed., RNCP
Emotional Wellness Specialist
EXPERIENCE: 14 years
Chanci’s pleasure and passion is holistically supporting her clients in their own healing, so they can live their most radiant, whole and fulfilling lives. Chanci studied psychology with a particular interest in emotional eating and eating disorders.
Glenda Bennett, CHPC™
Emotional Wellness Specialist
EXPERIENCE: 8 years
Glenda is a highly experienced Trauma-Informed & Body-Oriented Life Coach & a High-Performance Coach with over 7 years of expertise. She draws from Somatic, Hakomi, Gestalt, Polyvagal, Organic Intelligence® & other methods.
Dr. Lise Maltais, ND
Naturopathic Medicine
EXPERIENCE: 33 years
Dr. Lise is a Naturopathic Doctor, Accredited Bowen Therapy Instructor and Homeopathic Physician. She is a Founding member of the Quebec Association of Naturopathic Medicine and has trained the first Bowen Therapists in Quebec, Alberta, and Alaska.
Sandra Kelly, HHRT
Bodyworker
EXPERIENCE: 35 years
Sandra brings a unique combination of 35+ years with a research background, and advanced training in energy healing and emotional wellness. Sandra is a Holistic Health Practitioner and does Live Blood Analysis, aromatherapy & other therapies.
Steven Thomas R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
EXPERIENCE: 20 years
Steven’s acupuncture style is very gentle and pain-free for those sensitive to the feel of acupuncture. He offers deeper sports acupuncture for those who are ready. Steven incorporates other techniques such as Gua Sha, Tui Na and cupping.
Ania Kastashchuk, BS
Co-Founder & Program Director
EXPERIENCE: 20 years
Ania is a co-founder of Fresh Start. She is an experienced program facilitator, educator, researcher and Live Blood Analyst. Ania deeply understands the healing process and specializes in individual program planning, and Program Directors’ training and support.
Laura Hosein, Herbalist
Medial Herbalist & Program Director
EXPERIENCE: 9 years
Laura is a Medical Herbalist and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She was an instructor at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine for 5 years, as well as taught at the Canadian Schools of Natural Nutrition in Vancouver and Victoria.
Kristi Birnie, BAA
Intuitive Energy Healer
EXPERIENCE: 15 years
Kristi teaches Meditation at Fresh Start. She also offers CranioSacral Therapy, Jikiden Reiki and a sweet and deep fusion of the two modalities woven together. Kristi enjoys dancing, as well as growing her own herbs and flowers.
Shannon Flaherty
Somatic Therapist
EXPERIENCE: 11 years
Shannon brings a grounded, wholehearted atmosphere to her sessions, and believes strongly in the power of judgment-free connection– with self. Naturally curious, she continues to develop her understanding and practice through books and workshops.
Laurie Williams
Bodyworker
EXPERIENCE: 21 years
Laurie teaches Fresh Start yoga classes and is a multidisciplinary bodyworker with incredibly strong hands who specializes in Thai Yoga, Deep Tissue massage and Reflexology. She has extensively travelled throughout Asia when getting her advanced training in Thai.
Sandie Sparrow
Colonics
EXPERIENCE: 11 years
Sandie is a knowledgeable professional and a very compassionate person. She is a certified colon hydrotherapist and Fresh Start Program Director. Sandie is a life coach. She studied psychology at the University of Waterloo, and Somatic Experiencing™ with P. Levine.
Janine Calder
Walks & Activities
EXPERIENCE: 45 years
Janine is an experienced walk guide and a person of various interests, from snorkelling to gardening. With her, you’ll learn a lot of interesting facts about the local area and nature. Janine works as a Youth Counsellor with Princess Cruise Lines.
Vasili Kastashchuk
Co-Founder & Program Consultant
EXPERIENCE: 20 years
Vasili is a co-founder of Fresh Start, a visionary, who inspires the entire team behind the scenes. Vasili has been called a clairvoyant because he often sees what is in the very depth of one’s heart. His words changed many destinies.
Allison Barlow, B Com
Program Consultant
EXPERIENCE: 27 years
Allison is an experienced and compassionate soul with a genuine interest in helping others in their pursuit of quality of life. She is a certified Health Coach with knowledge of Regenerative Detoxification and a solid understanding of the effect of stress on physical health.
Guest Experience
Guests at the Fresh Start Emotional Wellness Retreat can expect a structured yet gentle healing experience that blends mind, body, and soul care in a supportive environment.
Atmosphere
Natural light in the rooms, ocean views, cozy spaces with wood and textiles, adds to a feeling of being “held.” Guests come to do the work, to rest, exhale, and feel human again.
Rest & Relaxation
Safe container where guests can slow down, detach from daily stressors, and experience peace without distractions. Guests are encouraged to connect with nature and solitude, like sitting by the ocean, walking in the forest, or spending time in their rooms with teas and calming rituals.
Quality Organic Nutrition
All meals are organic, vegan, and detoxifying: green smoothies, probiotic-rich foods, soups, teas, and beautifully plated dishes that feel gourmet while supporting healing.
Nature Immersion
Beyond structured walks, there’s time to wander coastal trails, sit on driftwood, or journal by the water. The retreat’s Vancouver Island location means ocean breezes, forest scents, and natural stillness are always part of the backdrop.
Community
Whether it’s laughter during a group stretch, casual chats on a forest walk, or swapping stories over dinner, these lighthearted touches balance the emotional intensity of the deeper healing work.
Evenings by the fire
Guests often gather around an outdoor bonfire with blankets, sharing gentle conversation, quiet laughter, or simply soaking up the ocean air under the stars. It creates a sense of community without pressure to “perform” or share deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from therapy or a spa retreat?
Fresh Start is a comprehensive healing program that combines evidence-based emotional wellness counselling, naturopathic support, energy work, and physical therapies. You’ll have structured daily routines, organic plant-based meals, and one-on-one sessions that target root causes.
Who leads the program?
Your care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team: nurse psychotherapists, trauma-informed counsellors, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, energy practitioners, and wellness coaches. Each has years of professional experience. The program has been running successfully for over 20 years and has served more than 2,500 guests.
What issues can this program help with?
- Persistent low moods, excessive worrying, trauma, effects of past traumatic experiences, grief, caregiver burnout.
- Emotional eating, substance reliance (social alcohol, vaping, smoking, marijuana).
- Stress, insomnia, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalance.
- Physical issues linked to emotional stress: digestive problems, blood pressure, nervous system regulation.
Guests often arrive with multiple concerns, and the program prioritises what can be worked on safely during your stay.
What if I have multiple health issues?
That’s common. The program focuses first on stabilising your emotional wellness and nervous system. Once those are improved, secondary goals like weight loss or medication management can be addressed in future visits. Trying to tackle everything at once can overwhelm the body, so the retreat uses a prioritised, phased approach.
How personalised is the experience?
Every guest receives a personalised Individual Healing Path™ in addition to the Core Program. This may include 1-on-1 counselling, body therapies, detox treatments, acupuncture, or energy balancing chosen specifically for you. Over 40 therapies and 30 organ-specific protocols are available.
Is this covered by insurance?
Most guests invest privately, as insurance rarely covers holistic retreats. Some extended plans may reimburse specific services (such as counselling or naturopathic sessions). Many participants view this as an investment in health and quality of life, offsetting years of ongoing medical and therapy costs.
What if I can’t afford it?
Fresh Start believes everyone deserves healing, so we offer 0% interest payment plans and work with MediCard financing up to $40,000.
Will I be forced to share in large groups?
No. Unlike some rehabilitation and treatment centers, Fresh Start does not use circles. All emotional wellness appointments and therapies are conducted one-on-one. We do conduct a group ice-breaker on arrival as guests get to know each other. At Fresh Start we always respect your privacy.
What happens after the retreat?
You will leave with an end-of-stay assessment and continuation plan. There is also optional post-program support where guests opt to continue working with their Emotional Wellness Specialist on an as-needed basis.
Don’t Wait for Things to Get Worse
Trying to juggle multiple issues on your own often leads to more burnout, lower moods and worsening health.
The longer you ignore underlying imbalances, the harder they are to reverse.
Fresh Start offers a proven path out of the cycle of pain, fear and exhaustion.
Instead of masking symptoms, you’ll heal from the inside out; physically, emotionally and energetically.
You’ll leave with renewed vitality, practical tools, and a plan for continuing growth.
You can start your healing journey today.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Arrived a hot mess, teetering on burnout. In 7 days my mood drasticaly changed, sleep returned, brain fog lifted, gut calmed.
I left calm, clear, and carrying a plan that still works at home. "
- Karan, ON, Canada
Secure Your Mental Health Retreat Spot Today
Spaces are extremely limited, and upcoming dates are filling rapidly.
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Disclaimer: Results vary by individual. Fresh Start does not guarantee specific outcomes but has a 20‑year track record of helping guests achieve remarkable transformations.