Arctic Circle Therapists Retreat:

Tromsø, Norway

February 7th – 12th, 2024

This retreat has passed. 2025 coming soon!

For the Caring, Curious, and Committed Therapist

You’re an out-of-the-box therapist making waves in mental health healing — Are you ready for your surroundings to match the vast, limitless bounds of your mind? Ever wanted your environment to match the vibes you bring to your practice? This is for you!

This is an opportunity to learn more about assessing and diagnosing autism and ADHD in adults, enhance your neuro-affirming business practices, and boost your revenue potential, all while networking under the mesmerizing Northern Lights!

Equity Rate: 10% off total price of this retreat. This option is for participants with historical/institutional barriers to access. Please utilize this coupon code only if you are a member of one or more historically marginalized communities.
Enter coupon code “Equity10” at checkout.

Why This Retreat is a Must-Do

Learning Meets Experience

Learn from experienced practice owners and industry experts on neurodivergence while traveling to the arctic circle. If you want to learn more, help more people, and earn more, come join us. It’s a mix of learning and fun adventures. Ever seen the sky light up? Or felt a cold wind while you’re warm in a hot tub? That’s Norway for you. It’s a place to think, learn, grow, and have fun. Experience the culture of the Sami at Sami Week in the city, where we will hear, smell, touch, taste and see a vibrant culture different from our own.

Save Money, Make Money

This retreat is tax deductible, and at the end, you’ll know how to help your practice earn more by providing neuro-affirming assessments for your adult clients, and streamlining your business practices to align with your needs and those of your neurodivergent clients. This kind of learning can cost a lot – this training alone comes with a price tag of $5000 when given locally. But here, you receive this training, amazing coaching sessions AND travel, for less.

Improving Access to Care

Our goal is to make Autism and ADHD assessments more available to the communities who need them. We want to minimize the barriers to receiving a proper diagnosis by training clinicians to provide these assessments to their clients with confidence. By expanding our knowledge in neuro-affirming business practices, assessments, and general care, we are able to improve the quality of life of our employees, clients, and also ourselves.

Learn and Grow Under the Northern Lights

Many neurodivergent clients face barriers to receiving the proper diagnosis: without pursuing the highest levels of licensure, we weren’t provided this education in graduate school! Imagine being able to provide answers for your adult clients without having to refer them out to months-long waitlists. Imagine being able to connect with them like never before, after hearing from expert trainers with lived experience!

Have you ever felt unsure about a diagnosis and it seemed all other resources were full or unavailable? Maybe this client needed accommodations and there was a year-long waitlist for a psychological battery. We are here to help bridge that gap, and help you help your clients.

Connect and Learn From Industry Experts on Neurodivergence

Receive tips, tricks, and valuable information from practice owners of lived experience, podcast hosts, and educators. Learn and connect on different ways to support your private or group practice policies, processes, and workflows to get shit done when you need to. Hear their stories and share your own (not required – only if you want to!)

Have you ever felt the sting of suspecting a client is ADHD or autistic and being unable to do anything about it? Our retreat focuses on Neurodivergent Affirmative Care, where you’ll gain insights and applicable skills to attract and maintain [neuro-spicy] clients.

You will leave with the tools to implement neuro-affirming assessments in your practice. Together, we’ll lower barriers to proper treatment and increase avenues of income.

Grab Your Exclusive Ticket and Dive Into the Mesmerizing Beauty of Norway

 

The first half of our retreat is a serene cocoon of learning and relaxation, where you will stay in ocean-front modern cabins, listening to the soft lull of the icy ocean waves. The latter half of this experience will be spent in the city center, surrounded by life and activity. Here you will have plenty of free time to wander the city and enjoy the celebrations of Sami Week.

What better way to learn, connect, and rest, than to travel to a country that is consistently rated as Top 10 in the world for safety, access to healthcare (which is free), Top 5 in the World for education (which is also free for residents AND NONRESIDENTS), and the capital of Oslo was one of the first cities in the world to embrace “Universal Design” AKA large-scale wheelchair accessibility. Being travelers with mobility concerns, it is important to us that all of our events are accessible via wheelchair.

A Note From Leah

I am a LCMHC in NC, and I remember being told in graduate school that I could not diagnose ADHD or Autism, and these diagnoses needed to come from MD or Psychologist. Imagine my surprise when the board and the ACA confirmed otherwise.

So many clients I referred out to long waitlists to receive a diagnosis we both knew would be coming, if the clients had the energy at the time to make the appointment. Many clients didn’t. Until I received this training from Lindley and then had my team trained with her, I thought my master’s degree wasn’t enough. I am happy to say that I was wrong, and also happy to say that this training has helped many of my clients receive accommodations at school, work, with disability support services, and beyond. My team can also usually get clients on the calendar within a week for new assessments. Talk about removing barriers to care!

Celebrate the Local Sami Culture

Authenticity at its Best:
Our retreat dates were chosen with the upmost intention. After gazing at the Northern Lights from your ocean-front porch, we head to the city center and join the locals in honoring Sami Week!

During Sami Week, we celebrate, try local recipes that date back generations, explore the winter market, and enjoy a cultural experience different from our own. Think: Lasso competition, reindeer racing, language lessons, pop-up shops!

Mobility-Accessible Experiences

The summit beckons! Ascend Storsteinen mountain in a wheelchair accessible cable car and savor a vantage point like never before.

Every element of our retreat was planned with wheelchair accessibility in mind. We strive for inclusivity and hope every attendee feels welcome and valued. Adventures and insights should know no bounds, right?

Meet Your Hosts & Speakers

Leah Riddell (she/her)

  • MS, LCMHC, LCAS
  • Co-Owner of Therapist Learning Center, LLC
  • Therapist | Group Practice Owner and Coach | International Speaker | Retreat Host | Entrepreneur | Gamer

Leah speaks on millennial business ownership, pivoting and the gifts of failure, supporting anti-oppressive and profitable internship programs for therapy students, travel, and navigating the ever-shrinking balance between work and life.

Leah is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, is neurotypical, but is surrounded by queer and neurodivergent people in most of her loved ones. Leah has a visual impairment that must be maintained by medication in order to not lose her sight earlier than desired, and also has an injury in her ankle that causes mobility concerns.

Lindley Cherry (she/her)

  • MS, LCMHC, QS, LCAS, CCS, NCC
  • Co-Owner of Therapist Learning Center, LLC
  • Therapist | Group Practice Owner and Coach | Speaker | Retreat Host | Entrepreneur | Supervisor | Instructor

Lindley is dedicated to embracing neurodiversity and promoting inclusivity. She specializes in adult ADHD and autism and enjoys training other practitioners on neuro-affirming care.

She is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Qualified Supervisor (QS), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Lindley has taught multiple courses for counselor education programs across NC. She is the president/owner of C&C Betterworks, PA, providing various services as a clinical counselor, coach, and supervisor.

She is a part of the queer community, is super neuro-spicy with the ADHD, and is currently obsessed with trying to propagate “non-beginner” indoor plants.

Patrick Casale (he/him)

  • MA LCMHC LCAS
  • Owner of All Things Private Practice LLC
  • Entrepreneur | Therapist | Podcast Host | Private Practice Coach | Group Practice Owner | Retreat Host | Speaker

Patrick Casale is an Autistic ADHD Strategic Business Coach leading retreats in the U.S. and internationally, helping entrepreneurs work through impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism.

He is the founder of All Things Private Practice LLC, and the host of the “All Things Private Practice Podcast.” Patrick also owns a group psychotherapy practice in Asheville, NC. With experience in both the clinical mental health world and the business world, he has helped hundreds of therapists around the United States leave their agencies behind and create their ideal private practices. 

He loves to travel and excels at bringing people together and helping to get the best out of them.

 

Berit-Maria Eikjok Mikkelsen (she/her)

  • Bicultural Local Guide, Norwegian Event Manager

Berit was born and raised in Tromsø in a bicultural family, both Sami and Norwegian. Berit’s family have been prominent activists in the political fight for rights for the indigenous Sami people in Norway, her mother being the driving factor in the founding of the first Sami kindergarten in Tromsø, and her aunt’s part in the hunger strikes of the 1980’s for civil rights. Berit speaks on Norwegian history, growing up as a 80’s/90’s kid in Tromsø, past and current political climate for the Sami, and current conflicts with the Norwegian government. Berit also shares her knowledge of reindeer and her community in northern Norway.

 

Dr. Marta Gorecka (she/her)

 
  • Clinical Neuropsychologist, Clinical Associate Professor, Private Practice Owner, Tromsø local

Dr. Gorecka is currently a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. Dr. Gorecka also owns a private practice in Norway, focusing on ADHD in women. Dr. Gorecka will discuss cultural norms and taboo around therapy in Norway, her research on ADHD in women, neuropsychological profiles of ADHD in adult women, co-occuring conditions, societal impacts, and more. Participants will gain an in-depth look into current scientific research in Norway investigating the relationship between mental health and neuropsychological functioning in adult women with ADHD.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the retreat locations and excursions wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the retreat locations and excursions are fully wheelchair accessible, and we have taken great care to ensure that all activities and facilities are designed to be easily traversed. Your comfort and inclusion are our priorities.

What is not included in the cost?

There are a few things not included in the cost of the retreat:

 – Airfare

 – Meals outside of the ones specifically listed as provided by the retreat. We provide a majority of the meals, but you will be responsible for meals during your free time/exploring days! 

 – Tips and Gratuities

 – Travel Insurance (We HIGHLY recommend you purchase travel insurance!)

 – Additional outings and activities outside of the included group tours/experiences 

 

Do I need to know the Norwegian language?

It’s always a kind gesture and a good idea to know a few common words and phrases, but most Norwegians speak some English. 

Do I need a passport? Do I need a Visa?

Yes – to both (maybe – keep reading).

You will need a passport that is valid until at least August 2024. If you do currently have a passport, we recommend apply immediately. Current wait times vary and can often take several months to arrive. 

You will likely need a Visa due to Europe’s new ETIAS Visa program which launches sometime in 2024. It costs 7 Euros, or about $8 USD, and is valid for 3 years. More information can be read about the ETIAS Visa on their official website. 

We will be keeping an eye on the ETIAS program and will update all participants with more information. At this time, the ETIAS application is not yet available, and there is a possibility that it won’t launch at all prior to our retreat. If that is the case, then you would not need a Visa. We will keep you posted!

Will you sing songs from the hit Disney animated film Frozen (2013) which is set in Norway and whose composer is Sami?

To be determined 😉 

Just kidding. 

What is the weather like in Norway in February?

In northern Norway temperatures usually range from 20 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. There will be snow and Tromsø is enchanting in the snow! There is sunlight from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM and twilight for a few hours on either side of sunrise and sunset, as the polar night ends late January. 

What airport do I need to fly in/out of?

We will meet Tromsø Langnes Airport on February 7th in the afternoon to all travel together to our accommodation. We will be staying in the city center of Tromsø on February 12th, so you can fly out at anytime on February 12th if not staying more days in Norway after the retreat ends. 

We recommend that folks come a day early if they can to help fight jet lag. Remember that flights from the United States to Europe are overnight flights, so if flying in directly to the retreat, you will need to book your departure for February 6th to land in Norway on February 7th.

Please land in Tromsø prior to 2PM if at all possible, as we have a welcome dinner planned for all attendees. We recommend the 10:30 AM or 11:20 AM flight intro Tromsø from Oslo or other areas. Please reach out to Leah with any flight questions and she will be happy to assist!

Can I bring my littles and my family?

This experience is amazing and we totally get wanting to bring your family along for the journey! Due to transportation and liability concerns, you will need to leave the littles with a loved one. You are welcome to purchase a plus one ticket for your partner/friend/loved one if you book a private room.  

that doesn’t mean that you all can’t meet up in Tromsø on the 12th or prior to the retreat’s beginning to take in the sights and the Aurora together! Check with your tax professional to see how many additional days are tax deductible before/after our retreat, and you can make a decision that works best for your needs 🙂 

Is this retreat suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Our retreat encourages both individual growth and the formation of connections within the therapist community.

I am LGBTQIA+. is Norway safe for me?

YES! Norway consistently ranks in the top countries in the world for safety for the LGBQIA+ and trans/gender expansive communities. Join us!

Itinerary

 

Wednesday, February 7th

Attendees arrive Tromso airport *Prior to 2:00 PM if at all possible*. Disregard this if you arrive in Norway/Tromso earlier than February 7th.
Group transportation will be provided for folks in the afternoon from the airport to our lodging in Sommaroy
Welcome dinner is provided at the resort and freetime to explore and maybe see the Northern Lights

Thursday, February 8th

Breakfast (provided)
Group activity/Free Time (you choose)
Lunch (provided)
Free Time
Late afternoon/evening training
Dinner (provided)
Free time and Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting)

Friday, February 9th

Breakfast (provided)
Group activity/Free Time (you choose)
Lunch (provided)
Free Time
Late afternoon/evening training
Dinner (provided)
Free time and Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting)

Saturday, February 10th

Grab coffee/tea/snacks at resort and hop on transportation to the city
Take funicular/cable car up to the top of Storsteinen Mountain
Brunch (provided)
Free Time to explore Tromso city on your own during Sami Week Festival
Dinner (on your own)

Sunday, February 11th

Breakfast (provided)
Morning training
Lunch (on your own)
Free Time to explore Tromso city on your own during Sami Week Festival
Send off Dinner (provided)
Recap and Group goodbye in the city
Free Time

Monday, February 12th

Attendees leave on their flights.