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Counselling Services
Shades of Jade
Suicide Prevention Retreat
In collaboration with, and funded by the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention
2025 Dates Coming Soon!
Contact us today to be placed on the list for the next retreat, coming early Summer 2025.
You Are Not Alone
You’ve come to a place where healing and hope take root. Shades of Jade was created to provide a safe, compassionate space for those navigating the weight of suicidal thoughts. Here, you are invited to let go of that burden and embrace the possibility of renewal and transformation. Surrounded by the calming beauty of nature and a supportive community, you will be gently guided by expert facilitators through a journey of rest, reflection and restoration.
Included in Your Experience
This retreat is funded by the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention making it completely free to attend. Over the course of two days, we will engage in supportive self-exploration through meaningful group discussions to gain a deeper understanding of emotions and cultivate a sense of empowerment. Additionally, we explore art therapy as a way to express yourself in a safe and creative way and a guided meditation session to help bring calm and clarity to our minds. Last, but not least, daily Equine-Assisted Therapy sessions are offered where you have the unique opportunity to experience healing through connection with the gentle horses. (No prior horse experience necessary)
You will also be provided with snacks, coffee, tea, water and lunches each day.
Prioritize your wellbeing. Join our Healing Sanctuary.
The Inspiration Behind the Shades of Jade Retreat
Kaitlyn Armstrong
My name is Kaitlyn, and this sanctuary holds a deeply personal meaning for me. It is named after my sister, Jade, who was 23 years old, whose light was tragically lost to suicide. Her memory lives on through this retreat, and through it, I hope to offer the healing and support that I so wished she could have received. Shades of Jade represents not only her name but the many layers of healing. Just as jade, the stone, symbolizes protection, balance, and peace. It is my deepest wish that this retreat becomes a space where you can find the strength to reclaim your own balance and peace.
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This retreat is more than a place.It is a tribute to those we’ve lost, a safe haven for those who are struggling, and a powerful reminder that your story is still unfolding. You are important, you are loved, and you have the courage to continue.
Meet Your Facilitators
Jellie Borger
Jellie was born in the Netherlands, but moved to Canada when she was 12. It was her father’s passion that drew her into horses, and a horse's ability that kept her hooked. In the last 20 years, horses have been a very important part of her life. From training, teaching riding lessons, competitions, and facilitating equine assisted interventions, Jellie has found that in life, connecting with animals and the land is very important for all of us. Having a passion for helping people, and helping them find their way in life, led her to complete training in Calgary & California under the EGALA umbrella to be able to offer Equine assisted education. Jellie provides a variety of services from one on one sessions, team building exercises, couple's interventions, and school groups. From a very young age, she has been amazed at the horse's ability to heal trauma and help us find ways to move through pain, big or small. Horses know what we need in order to move forward from anything that has been holding us back. The way the horse can immediately get to the root of an issue, and show us in a nonverbal way, the steps we can take, is why Jellie loves working with horses.
Casey strives every day to turn the tragedy of loosing her daughter Morgan to suicide in 2012 into hope and awareness for others. Her vulnerable, honest and gentle approach are just a few of Casey's amazing strengths she brings to her helping interactions with anyone struggling with suicidal ideation. In 2013, Casey and her family created the non-profit organization Always Find a Reason to Smile to educate and reduce stigma around suicide. In 2023 Casey was instrumental in bringing the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention - North Branch to Grimshaw.
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“I will not let my daughter’s legacy die, nor will I allow her death to be for naught. We will save lives. Through her and with her I gather strength, and I will never give up this fight." - Casey Szmata
Casey Szmata
Charis Nepinak
Charis is the owner and operator of Choosing Change Counselling Services. As a commercial pilot for twenty-six years, Charis has wide range of lived experiences that she brings to her current career as a Clinical Counsellor. With a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, Charis works with couples, families, and individuals. Charis believes in being a facilitator of discovery for each individual as they unearth their unique strengths and then helping to build resiliency specific to the individual and their life's path.
Growing up in rural Alberta, horses have always been an important part of her life. Combining her passion to help others with her awe and appreciation for horses, she has completed the fourth level of Integration training towards certification with Pro EFW Canada for Equine-Facilitated Therapy. Charis is pleased to be able to offer Equine-Assisted Therapy with her amazing horse partners.
The Horses!
Enjoy the peace and comfort felt in the company of our gentle and kind horses. There are several horses that are involved in the equine portion of the retreat all with unique personalities bringing different experiences to each participant in each moment.
Are you a little bit nervous about being around the horses? That's ok, and very normal. Rest assured all of our horses are safe and your facilitators are highly trained to honour your wellbeing along with the horses. You may also find it encouraging to know that the horses are always given the choice to come work with us each day and only those that want to join us will be present for our sessions. The horses are never 'forced' or coerced into the amazing moments of connection and awareness that come from being in their presence.
"Once you choose hope, anything is possible"
~ Christopher Reeve
Pricing
FREE!
Cancellation Policy
In order for your facilitators to organize meals and facilities, we will send out confirmation of attendance one week before the retreat.
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Testimonials
I’ve learned a lot about myself that I don’t know much about myself, and it’s okay to be selfish and take up space in the world and that what you’re feeling you’re not alone in. I’ve met alot of people there that I really resonated with. These amazing women created the ultimate safe space for people to talk about their darkest times and feelings of all sorts. I am truly grateful to live in a day in age where more people from all ages are talking about what they are feeling and becoming more vulnerable and educated on emotions and how it has impacted their day to day lives. Thank you so much for bringing this opportunity together
“This was my first retreat of any sort, and I have to say it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in quite some time… the retreat has provided me with many tools to help me live a more positive and effective life.”
"I would 10 out of 10 recommend this retreat"
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Accommodation Options
Not from the Peace River area and need a place to stay? There are several beautiful options within minutes of the retreat location including local hotels, the historical third mission suites in Peace River, and several vacation rental properties.
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Or! Choose to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a stay in a cabin or even a TeePee along the mighty Peace River! Check out the options below to book your stay now!
