Retreat Alumni Weekend | The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt

Retreat Alumni Weekend

November 14, 2008 —

The first Retreat Alumni Weekend was held June 21-22, 2008 and was a great opportunity for staff members and alumni to catch up and reconnect. There were 24 attendees, about half of whom brought a family member or significant other. It was a joy for both alumni and staff to celebrate the alumni’s achievements and triumphs since their stays at the Retreat. A tour and presentations gave the alumni updates of the progress and renovations of the facilities and research being done by doctors and therapists.

Saturday, June 21 was a full day starting with registration and a full breakfast at the Conference Center. After a welcome from Dr. Donald Ross and Dr. Thomas Franklin, the morning was filled with a mural facilitated by the Retreat art therapists, Christy Bergland and Allison Stroh; yoga techniques and Tai Chi skills led by movement therapists Deborah Quirk and Bob Levine; and a talk about Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy at The Retreat by social worker, Craig Boas. The morning was followed by a hot buffet lunch.

The afternoon included the keynote address by Dr. Donald Ross and art therapist, Christy Bergland about the use of tree drawings in diagnostics at the Retreat. This was followed by time for reflection and discussion, which deepened the experience for many participants as they shared some of their experiences since “graduating” from the Retreat and putting into perspective what their work here had meant to them. Afterwards Terry Priest and Melissa Thompson led the group in an experiential therapy inspired team building exercise. This was followed by a tour of the Retreat, which involved some people from the early years seeing the expanded facilities for the first time. The Gibson museum, now open, on the first floor of the original hospital building was also available for tours, which many alumni enjoyed. The afternoon led seamlessly to a delicious, relaxed dinner at Café Troia.

Sunday, June 22 was a half day of informative presentations including an update by Dr. Scott Aaronson on the latest somatic treatments for depression. This was followed by more work on a group mural by the art therapists, which led to a discussion and reflection about the weekend. Some discussion ensued about starting an Alumni Association, and Dr. Thomas Franklin took leadership responsibility to look into this possibility. (This is still being explored.)

After lunch the reunion ended with both alumni and staff excited about the prospects for the alumni and the Retreat in the future. The staff really appreciated the feedback from alumni. The following is a letter from one of the Retreat alumni after the weekend.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the entire staff associated with the planning, execution and seminar participation at the First Annual Retreat Reunion. Just as was the case during my recent stay, every detail was first-class in every respect, and my wife and I made the long trip home better educated, entertained and well fed. As I shared with the group during my remarks, you have a team comprised of a winning combination of chemistry, compatibility, experiences and positive attitudes that is sure to be unmatched in your field. Thank you again for the delightful weekend, and please don’t hesitate to call on me if I can assist in the development of an alumni association or assist in spreading the word in any way.”

The success of the first Retreat Alumni Weekend has led to the hopes of making the Retreat Alumni Weekend a regular event.

Allison Stroh, ATR