COUNSELLOR CONNECT: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES & SELF-CARE

Alaska Cruise round trip from Vancouver, BC

May 05 - May 10, 2025

Our guests embarked on an enriching 5-day, 5-night Alaska cruise aboard the Princess Cruise Line with Retreat Season — a specialized experience for Counsellors and Therapists seeking adventure and professional development.

We were passionate about providing an immersive experience while allowing ample time to rest, recharge, and explore Alaska in Sitka and Ketchikan. Our workshops were carefully crafted to develop clinical resilience, reduce burnout, and foster sustainable private practices. It was a bucket list adventure — experiencing the stunning landscapes of Alaska alongside fellow Counsellors and guests of their choice, enjoying a luxury-inclusive journey filled with adventures, connections, and self-care.

 Ticket Included: 
* 5 nights accommodation aboard the Princess (double occupancy)
* Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses
* Multicourse dining, buffet, snacks, pastries and desserts
* Limited Non-Alcoholic Beverages (water, lemonade and iced tea)
* Complementary Bottle of wine and Onboard Credit of $25 USD per room
* Access to on board activities, entertainment, fresh water pools & hot tubs
* Private welcome reception for our Group & networking opportunities
* 4 x 2 hour facilitated Workshops & Marketing sessions

Explore

The Ship & Route

Guests discovered the Caribbean Princess, a vessel of unparalleled excellence, featuring an abundance of activities, captivating onboard entertainment, and a culinary experience that included multi-course meals, a world-fresh buffet with regional fare, chef specialty stations, and delectable sweet treats.

The journey took our group to the destinations of Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska, allowing for exploration and relaxation amidst breathtaking scenery. In May, Alaska was transitioning into spring, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C. In between workshops and networking sessions, guests unwound on the deck, watched for whales, took dips in saltwater hot tub, indulged in the cruise ship's diverse entertainment facilities—or simply did nothing at all and basked in the tranquility.

Whether attending with a partner, friend, work colleague, or the whole family (kid-friendly!), participants enjoyed a fantastic experience. They learned, connected, and returned recharged, making unforgettable memories along the way.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, May 5th (depart)

• 930am - 2pm - Arrive and board Ship 

• 4pm - Depart Vancouver Port

• 6pm - Networking & Welcome Reception

• 730pm - Welcome Dinner

Tuesday, May 6th (at sea)

• 9:30am -11:30am - Workshop: Clinical Resilience P1

• 1:30 - 3:30pm - Workshop: Sustainable Practice P1

Wednesday, May 7th (Sitka, AK)

• 8am - 10am - Workshop: Clinical Resilience P2

• 11am - Sitka port day (on own)

Thursday, May 8th (Ketchikan, AK)

• 10am - Ketchikan port day

• 11am - Wildlife and native culture 3-hour private guided tour

• 8pm - All Things Marketing & Networking 

Friday, May 9th (at sea)

• 9:30am – 11:30am - Sustainable Practice P2

• 5pm - Group Dinner & Recap

Saturday, May 10th (arrival)

• 7:30am - Arrive to Vancouver port 

Schedule may be subject to change, final schedule will be provided to participants in advance of arrival.

Facilitators & Hosts

Facilitators are selected to compliment the overall experience and theme of each Retreat.

Sustainable Business Practice with Lisa: Lisa guided participants through essential aspects of running a sustainable practice over two workshops. This included discussions for business owners on effective time management, identifying ideal clients, creating efficient intake and after-session care systems, and measuring client retention and care metrics. 

Clinical Resilience with Becky: Becky led two workshops focused on enhancing self-care practices specifically tailored for solo practitioners and health professionals. Topics included strategies for preventing burnout, building emotional resilience, maintaining healthy boundaries, recognizing signs of compassion fatigue, and fostering peer support and collaboration within the healthcare community. 

Marketing Best Practices with Chantelle: Our marketing sessions covered a comprehensive review and discussion of content related to best practices for marketing services effectively. Participants explored enhancing community relationships and referral partners, refine their branding for their audience, and much more providing valuable insights to help attract clients. 

Group Practice Owner Q&A with Nicole: Nicole hosted an evening Q&A session with Group Practice Owners, sharing stories, learnings, and everything that comes with running and growing a group practice. It was an open and engaging conversation that brought valuable peer connection and perspective.