This retreat is a sacred container designed for communities of color to courageously excavate what we carry- not to dwell in pain, but to awaken our connection to power, presence, and purpose. Drawing from the transformative work of The Pain We Carry by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez, LMFT, we will guide participants through practices that help illuminate how pain is held in the body, mind, spirit, and ancestral lineage- and how it can be alchemized with intention, compassion, and community.
At the heart of this retreat is the understanding that our burdens- cultural, intergenerational, personal- have shaped us, but do not define us. Through somatic awareness, internal inquiry, creative expression, and spiritual practice, we will learn to witness our pain with dignity, reclaim our stories with clarity, and renegotiate our relationship to power, belonging, and self.
what the retreat will offer
We will engage in body–mind practices that help us feel into where pain and tension live in the body, learn how trauma impacts our nervous system, and cultivate safety, grounding, and compassion within ourselves- drawing on principles from internal family system, ancestral connection, and spirit medicine.
guided writing & reflection
Using reflective prompts inspired by the book, you’ll explore:
The cultural and personal burdens you carry
How they shape your relationships with yourself and others
And what it would mean to live from your true Self with intention.
Writing becomes a tool of liberation- turning what was hidden into spoken truth and channeling creative expression
We will create intentional ceremonial spaces to honor our ancestors, call in guidance, and be with all present. Through altar work, meditation, rituals, we invite spiritual support into the process of unburdening and empowerment- acknowledging that healing is not just psychological, but sacred and ancestral.
spirit work & ceremony
Healing happens in connection. In circle, we will bear witness to each other’s stories with presence and care to create a field of support, mutual respect, and shared being. This is not only a place to “sit with pain,” but to begin transforming it.
circle sharing & community witnessing
As we enter the Year of the Horse, a time symbolizing clarity, empowerment, forward movement, and authenticity, this retreat invites you to re-root in your truth and step into your power with intention. The energy of this year supports us in cutting through what no longer serves- offering clarity in our identity, strength in our decisions, and courage in our path.
embodied activation
retreat dates and location
July 22 - 26. 2026
Casa Andes, Filandia, Colombia
about the facilitators
is an award-winning mental health practitioner, speaker, executive coach, entrepreneur, podcaster, philanthropist, and author.
Erica is the Executive Director of Siembra Today, a women-run, BIPOC-led nonprofit devoted to providing accessible mental health and wellness support through narrative storytelling, books, workshops, healing circles, conferences, and social media campaigns. Siembra Today’s goal is to destigmatize and promote mental health and wellness for the Latino/a/x/e and BIPOC community, so that they can plant seeds of hope for themselves and future generations.
Erica is also the founder and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation—known as Sandoval CoLab—which provides talk therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and holistic offerings. She is the creator of the book series Latinx/e in Social Work, personal narratives available in both English and Spanish that amplify the voices of Latinx/e social workers.
Erica holds a Post Master’s in Clinical Adolescent Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work. As a proud immigrant from Ecuador, her passion is fueled by supporting her community.
Erica Priscilla Sandoval
Natalie Y. Gutiérrez, LMFT (she/her), is a nationally recognized licensed mental health therapist whose work bridges mental health, cultural healing, and social justice. She dedicates her practice to empowering survivors of complex trauma, especially in communities of color. Drawing from her own roots, she addresses layered traumas: racial injustice, ancestral pain from colonization and displacement, historical wounds like those from colonization, enslavement, natural disasters, multigenerational cycles of grief, and everyday interpersonal betrayals. Her approach champions a “liberation-centered” path that honors cultural specificity and collective freedom.
As an international keynote speaker, Natalie masterfully integrates communal storytelling to decolonize mental health, reclaim power lost to oppression, grief and reclamation spiritual ceremonies, somatic rituals, and ancestral veneration into practice- emphasizing reconnection with la tierra (the earth) as a deep source of healing. Her transformative books, The Pain We Carry (2022) and its companion The Pain We Carry Workbook (2025), have transformed how people of the global majority process inherited trauma. Her voice has amplified marginalized narratives across outlets such as NPR, HipLatina, The Washington Post, LA Times, Latino News Network, Born This Way Foundation, Poderistas, and more. Her work ripples outward, influencing curricula at institutions, inspiring a new generation of therapists of color.
Natalie Y. Gutiérrez, lmft
faq
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The retreat runs from July 22-26th in Casa Andes, in the lush mountains of Filandia, Quindío
Colombia. This is a curated haven for communities of color to reconnect, restore, and rise
together. Exact details and shuttle info shared upon registration.
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Fly into the nearest international airport Pereira, Colombia. From there, our team offers transportation to Filandia. Expect 45 minutes travel time and beautiful scenery, easing you into the embrace of the retreat space.
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Your investment covers cozy accommodations, nourishing meals, daily healing circles (ceremonies, workshops), and ground transportation. Flights, travel insurance, and personal joys/expenses are yours to bring and not included.
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Essentials: comfortable shoes, lightweight rain jacket/poncho, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, journal, items that ground you (photos, crystals, oils), and layers for brisk evenings. We’ll provide a full packing guide post-registration.
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Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free. Check your requirements via your government websites. From some countries, COVID vaccination may be required. Stay updated via CDC/WHO; share any needs with us for compassionate support.
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TBA
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The retreat involves light hiking at altitude (bring altitude meds if sensitive). Please share dietary restrictions, allergies, or access needs at signup. We try our best to adapt with care and creativity to hold you fully.
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Full refund minus $100 fee if canceled 60+ days before start. 50% refund 30-60 days out; no refunds within 30 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Assist 365 is one commonly used travel insurance.
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This intimate gathering is for registered attendees from communities of color, creating the deepest safety and focus.
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Reach us at erica@sandovalcolab.com, and info@natalieygutierrez.com or message 347-903-5063. We’re here to help - responses within 24-48 hours.