Carrie Haynes returns from her first fall retreat with reflections on the unseen work that made the experience so beautiful and easeful.

In this episode of The Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle, Carrie explores the relational preparation that begins long before a retreat — conversations with first-time participants, attunement to returning ones, and quiet listening for what each circle is ready to become.

You'll hear:

• Why most retreat leaders skip pre-screening — and what's lost when they do

• How early connection shapes safety, depth, and group cohesion

• Ways to prepare both new and returning participants

• Options for pre-retreat preparation when 1:1 calls aren't feasible

• Why this process supports the facilitator's own nervous system

• How pre-retreat tending lets the magic of retreat truly unfold

For facilitators wanting to learn Carrie's full pre-retreat process — including her structure, questions, and mentorship on applying it in your own work — visit carriehayneslpc.com/mentorship.

🎧 Listen now and begin preparing your next retreat from the inside out.

Direction: Carrie Haynes

Production: Hayley Lewis

Music:

Song: Embrace

Composer: Sappheiros

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com