Beyond the Trauma in Divorce Work:

A Retreat to Recover Clarity, Calm, Compassion & Joy

March 15 - 20, 2026

Vieques, Puerto Rico

If you’re a frazzled family mediator, collaborative or affiliated divorce professional who is ready to slow down, tune into yourself, and get free from the traumatic effects of your work, then join us for a retreat where you will come away with clarity, peace of mind and satisfaction, open to a joyful future.

Welcome to our Vieques retreat for divorce professionals…attorneys, mental health, financial & affiliated professionals

Standing at the tranquil water’s edge on the stunning island of Vieques, you take a deep breath and begin to feel open and revitalized. The air is fresh, the sun-drenched sand is warm, the water crystal clear as it laps against your toes, cool and inviting. And now you can exhale.

Sea Glass Beach stretches ahead, not a soul in sight, just you, your companions and nature. Oh, there might be a pelican or two, majestically soaring over the water and then taking a deep dive for their morning catch. Later, on the Casa rooftop, sipping a rich cup of coffee, you take in the breathtaking views of this enchanting island.

As you realize you have escaped the demands of everyday life, relaxation deepens. Anticipation and hope arise in you as you embark on this transformative adventure, where personal growth, professional development, and the beauty of Vieques converge to create an unforgettable experience. You can already see the possibility of peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Embrace Your Inner Wisdom: 

Wouldn’t you feel energized and grounded having a new perspective and new skills?

Absolutely! On this retreat, through practical lessons and role-playing with others of similar interests, you will gain tools and a new way of seeing yourself so you can return home feeling confident and ready to take charge of your life.

Awaken to Your Purpose:

Wouldn’t it be awesome to not feel worn out and discouraged? 

It sure would!  On this retreat, filled with guided meditations, silent walks, quiet reflection, and self-compassion practices, you will recharge and refresh, returning home revitalized and optimistic.

See New Possibilities:

Can you imagine how great it would feel being revitalized by the changes you made in your life?

On this journey, sense memory exercises, experiential role plays, and chair yoga practices foster new awareness for self-care, allows for resetting priorities, and encourages reimagining a new way to be – both at work and at home.

Gifts That Stay Long After the Journey Ends…

Stay Present to Yourself:

Wouldn’t you feel relieved and free if you could attend to your needs before others’?

It would be fantastic! On this retreat, through mindfulness exercises, soulful excursions, and sense memory activities, you will tune in, turn on, drop the automatic habits that have been running your life, and return home relieved and reenergized. 

Be True to Yourself:

Can you imagine the empowerment of being able to set clear boundaries?

That would be a breakthrough! Through inspiring lessons and intimate small group conversations, you will learn to distinguish your priorities and leave with newfound confidence and clarity, so you can naturally release limiting beliefs and embrace a renewed mindset.

This Sounds Amazing!

The Island

There is a laid-back atmosphere in Vieques, a smaller, less developed island than some of its neighbors. It’s a perfect place to escape the busyness of everyday life, relax & finally take the time to be with yourself & like-minded people to look inward.

Isla de Vieques, just off the coast of Puerto Rico, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. These unspoiled beaches have crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and stunning sunsets. As you immerse yourself in the unspoiled beaches, free from distraction, you will be awestruck by the enormous skies and unhampered views, leaving you free to appreciate its vastness and notice your mind opening to opportunities available to you.

The Venue

Casa de Amistad

Your Home Away from Home

Casa de Amistad is an enchanting guesthouse that we chose for its cozy charm and eco-conscious ethos. We know you will feel at peace as you go to sleep to the sounds of the coquis and smile as you wake up to the songs of tropical birds and see the lush flora around you. Here, friendships blossom and memories are created.

Owners Mike and John are transplanted New Yorkers who discovered Casa de Amistad many years ago as guests. It is the place to rest, rejuvenate, and restore yourself.

Peace, Quiet & Tranquility Surround You

Picture yourself in the serenity of a fantastic moonlit evening at Casa de Amistad. As twilight descends, you find yourself unwinding by the shimmering pool, the day's enriching activities and soul-stirring conversations still lingering in your thoughts. The tranquil ambiance of the night soothes your senses. Above, a canopy of stars twinkles.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

You gaze up at the star-filled sky from the rooftop and absorb the energy of the Universe. Sip a piña colada and be mesmerized by the spectacle of light and promise.

Relax Inside …

The inviting, casual guest rooms nestled within the tranquil haven of Casa de Amistad offer an oasis of comfort and relaxation. Each room seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern amenities, ensuring a serene atmosphere.

Stay connected with complimentary WiFi, refreshed with air conditioning, entertained with satellite TV, and enjoy the privacy of your en suite bath. Whether you're unwinding after a day of exploration or preparing for your next adventure, your guest room provides a refuge, the perfect balance of cozy ambiance and contemporary convenience.

Can’t get much higher!

The pool and patio

Playa Negra

Sun Bay Beach

Room 7

The Rooftop

Playa Bastimento

Can’t wait to get there….

Zen Garden

Walkway between rooms at Casa de Amistad

Cuisine … Come Feed Your Soul

Imagine yourself contentedly closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and slowly savoring  new aromas and enticing flavors. 

Our personal Chef Vicente’s expertly crafted Welcome Dinner, lunch, and Farewell Dinner featuring authentic Puerto Rican cuisine will comfort and satisfy you. From wild-caught seafood dishes bursting with freshness to mouthwatering vegetarian options, every meal is a celebration of flavor and creativity that encourages you to slow down and appreciate life’s everyday wonders. 

Amistad’s daily nutritious continental breakfasts provide energy for your day’s activities. Your eyes open wide with delight as you are greeted by an array of coffee, tea, fresh juices, a variety of milks, and fresh fruits - pineapple, mango, papaya, apples, pears, bananas - along with fresh local breads and pastries served with butter and jams, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and granola!

Plus, our neighborhood of Isabel II, is an authentic Puerto Rican pueblo with wonderful local culture, food, and character. You can comfortably stroll through the town center, exploring galleries that feature local artists, choose from an extensive variety of restaurants and bars, or grab a sandwich from one of the local panaderias and enjoy it while sitting in the local plaza.

Be ALIVE

〰️

Be ALIVE 〰️

World-famous La Chiva Beach

During this week of activities, exercises, outings and time for reflection you will BE ALIVE! You will realize a new sense of purpose and:

  • A waken and become aware of the hidden traumas that affect you daily

  • L et go of tension and worries that you carry with you

  • I mmerse yourself in understanding what holds you back and get inspiration for change

  • V ision a new you that honors your own feelings and needs

  • E njoy your newfound clarity and peace of mind

Our Approach

At this retreat we create a safe and comfortable environment where you will learn self-compassion and mindfulness practices to enhance your ability to connect with others without compromising yourself. Passion is reawakened, fueling commitment and dedication.

Focused on fostering trust, connection, and effective teamwork, our thoughtfully designed program ignites a renewed sense of purpose, reminding you of the profound impact your work has on the lives of those facing the challenges of divorce, and inspiring you to find balance in your own life.

Day 1: Be

As you arrive at Casa de Amistad, you begin to embrace the calming effect of island life. The tension leaves your body as you breathe in the clean air and take in your warm surroundings. You smile as the door opens to the peaceful environment that will serve as your sanctuary for the rest of the week.

> You look forward to dining with your companions tonight. As you unpack, you can already see how your body, mind, and soul will be nourished during your well-deserved break.

> Our personal Chef Vicente will prepare a delicious and authentic Welcome Dinner featuring Asopao, a rich traditional stew made with chicken thighs, rice, green olives, adobo seasoning, and homemade sangria that goes down so easily. Decadent cheesecake perfectly concludes our delightful dinner.

> Feel free to gaze at the starlit sky from our rooftop, take a dip in the pool, or stroll through the charming town plaza, soaking in the tranquil ambiance. It’s the perfect way to unwind and eagerly anticipate the enriching experiences that await you throughout the week.

  • Each morning begins in silence (Don’t worry. There will be coffee!) You might take a walk through town to the local beach, or you may prefer to admire the view over the island from the rooftop, or unwind by the pool.

    * Through guided meditation and sense memory work, you will become more directly aware of the hidden trauma within the work we do. Here, free from your focus on others, you will have the time, in a safe and supportive environment, to recognize the impact of the loss and pain you encounter, and how it resonates with your own past.

    * You will be treated to a sumptuouslunch by Chef Vicente. Savor dinner in town with an ocean view at your leisure, then return to Casa to wrap up the evening with our nightly sharing circle. You can already sense the freedom and relief that come from simply focusing on yourself.

  • Following your morning silent reflection, your session will explore the positive effects of the vagus nerve on relieving tension and calming your somatic experience. You will have time to relax, schedule a spa activity, or explore Isabel II before our driver, Angie, takes us across the island in the late afternoon to explore Esperanza and have a bite to eat on your own.

     Your internal exploration takes a surreal turn tonight as you navigate the ethereal realms of a bioluminescent bay whilefloating in a boat. The shimmering surface and the mysteries below resonate with your blossoming recognition of underlying, unacknowledged feelings. The beauty of self-discovery harmonizes with the challenges of divorce, fostering a deeper connection to what truly matters to you and your capacity for compassion, all while taking care of your own needs.

  • During this morning’s immersive session, you will learn how to sustain and expand the work you’ve initiated, empowering you to stay true to yourself and continue experiencing the freedom that arises from what you have learned and encountered this week. You’ll leave the morning feeling grounded, energized, and eager to embark on our symbolic pilgrimage to the ancient Ceiba Tree, a living testament to resilience and hope. 

     As you lean against the Mother Tree, you feel calm, nurtured, and free from the fears that hold you back, safe in her embrace. You are moved by a deeply felt connection to nature, to yourself, and to the humanity we all share. You soak up her wisdom and comfort, feeling inspired and rejuvenated. After spending time with her, you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the aqua-blue ocean and a stunning sunset over the water. Then, you can return for a relaxing dinner on your own until we gather again for sharing later tonight.

  • After this morning’s silent activities and refreshing breakfast, we will head out to one of the island’s magical beaches. With the warm sand beneath your feet, you feel open, curious, and empowered as you play with designing mandalas and explore against the backdrop of crystal-clear blue-green Caribbean waters.

    On this final day together, Angie will drop us in the center of town, where we can have lunch together if you wish. You will have the afternoon to relax, reflect, take care of last-minute shopping and sightseeing, and pack.

    You gather with your newfound friends for the Farewell Dinner, featuring an exquisite meal crafted by Chef Vicente, who will delight us with piña coladas and culinary creations made from fresh local ingredients. We’ll engage in sparkling conversation, exchange funny stories, and reflect on the meaningful insights you've gained throughout the retreat.

  • We will say our goodbyes during our final breakfast together. A brief activity will reinforce what you have learned and experienced about being present in the moment. You will leave feeling clear and confident, with peace of mind, serenity, and balance.

Day 2

Day 4

Day 3

Day 6

Chef Vicente

Playa Media Luna

Local Church

Vicente’s Sangria

Sun Bay Beach

Our driver, Angie

What You Will Walk Away With…

Can you imagine feeling so serene that you are sleeping soundly through the night?

That sounds so good! On this retreat, you will engage in relaxation techniques, sleep meditations, and yoga flows. You will release tension and trauma, return home, sleep through the night, and wake up refreshed.  

Wouldn’t it feel wonderful to be fulfilled again?

That’s my dream! Through journaling and guided imagery with us, you’ll get your creative juices flowing and at home you will pursue your interests and desires, look forward to going to work and enjoy being with your family and friends.

How awesome would it be to be focused, present, and clear?

Very! On this retreat, through internal work and communal sharing, you will reconnect with yourself, so that when you return home you will once again feel satisfied in your work and able to be with the people you love and do the things you enjoy.

Can you imagine the vitality you would feel from a balanced life?

Only in my wildest dreams! On this retreat, through meditation, journaling and reflection, you’ll get clear on what really matters to you and be able to make authentic choices that align with your values and life goals.

Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have peace of mind?

That would be amazing! During this retreat, through relaxation exercises, shedding limiting beliefs, and floating in the Caribbean, you will let go of the fears and concerns that hold you back, and you’ll leave us filled with joy and open to your future.

YOUR BONUSES

  • PRIVATE RETREAT FACEBOOK PAGE: Connect with your fellow travelers, receive the latest trip information, discover tips on how to prepare and make the most of our time together, and keep in touch afterward.

  • A PRE-TRIP ZOOM CALL: Build a deeper connection with everyone. Obtain guidance on setting your intention and begin the retreat process before we leave.

  • A POST-TRIP GROUP CALL: Ease your re-entry home, sustain your momentum and transformation, prevent falling back into old habits, incorporate your new learnings and experiences, and enhance the expression of your authentic self.

  • 50% DISCOUNTS on our workshops.

Sign Me Up…

Integration & Lasting Impact

You emerge from the Vieques retreat, feeling empowered by your ability to navigate challenging interactions with grace and wisdom. 

You are now a focused beacon of light, guiding others toward deeper understanding and connection. As you bid farewell to each other and return to work, you carry with you renewed clarity, enthusiasm, and a sense of community. With every interaction, you inspire others to embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine human connection.  You now breathe new life into your work and your life.

By the end of your time with us, you gain the ability to listen with compassion, allowing you to return to work and life feeling balanced and confident. 

Vieques offers an unspoiled shoreline, crystalline beaches, a vast nature preserve, and free-roaming horses. It is the perfect environment for you to slow down, relax, and reflect. Drawing on the resilience and hope of the Vieques people (which persist even after their history of natural disasters and damages by U.S. military training/exercises), you find the inspiration and strength to make the changes you long for. Your transformation comes easily within the raw beauty and wonder of this island.

Why Vieques?

This is the retreat I’ve been waiting for!

  • You yearn for experiences that are challenging, awe-inspiring, heart-opening, and above all… LIFE-changing.

  • You’re longing to share the stories of your traumatic experiences in a trusted group.

  • You’re eager and happy to learn new skills.

  • You crave freedom and time to recharge and be nurtured.

  • You want to connect with new people to exchange ideas and expand your community.

  • You’re adventurous, courageous and willing to take some risks.

  • You are frustrated, discouraged, or burnt out by your work and need some “me” time.

  • You’re open to taking a look at yourself.

  • You love that you can take a tax-deductible break for yourself in a warm and beautiful place.

  • You’re both excited and curious about this trip!

    If you answered YES to even one of these points, then this retreat is for you.

  • You’re uninterested in exploring what holds you back.

  • You prefer an all-inclusive environment to exploring the local culture.

  • You have trouble walking or climbing up and down flights of stairs.

This Retreat is for you if…

Playa Navio

Image credit: ViequesInsider.com

This Retreat is Probably NOT for You if…

Be ALIVE

〰️

Be ALIVE 〰️

What’s Included

  • Personalized pre-retreat conversation to define your goals

  • 5 nights at Casa de Amistad in Isabel II, Vieques 

  • Four incredible days of soulful experiences and meaningful conversations, including mindfulness and self-compassion coursework

  • Colorful accommodations with comfy beds, a dedicated bath and WiFi

  • Arrival Welcome Dinner with fresh homemade sangria, savory Puerto Rican cuisine and luscious dessert

  • Five tasty breakfasts

  • Two delicious lunches

  • Mouth-watering Farewell Dinner of fresh local fish, flan, piña coladas, and accompaniments

  • Access to a variety of culinary experiences, from food trucks to exquisite tropical cuisine and creative cocktails

  • Access to local beaches and a nature preserve

  • Pool and rooftop for stargazing, exclusively ours

  • Expert program support with group size no more than 10

  • Trip to the ancient Ceiba Tree

  • Boat trip on the Bioluminescent Bay (weather permitting)

  • Transportation to a spectacular beach for an afternoon of relaxation and mandala-making

  • Deepened friendships and expanded community

  • A tax deduction and LOTS of Continuing Education Credits (See FAQ below)

What’s Not Included

  • Your round-trip airfare from home.

  • Transportation to and from San Juan airport - by a Vieques Airlink flight, a CapeAir flight, or ferry. 

  • Taxi service from the Vieques airport (Guesthouse is within walking distance of ferry)

  • Souvenir shopping expenses, spa services, taxis, and laundry.

  • All tips for the drivers, guides, housekeepers, and any massage services.

  • 3 lunches and 4 dinners for the opportunity to try local fare.

  • Daily beverages aside from water and tea and coffee.

  • Personal, medical or travel/trip cancellation insurance.

I’m leaping in!

Louise R. Zito

Your Retreat Team

  • My latest story begins in 2020 when I decided to retire as a full-time attorney mediator and collaborative divorce professional: that’s a mouthful…

    Previous “careers” included theatre, mime, period dance, costuming, boutique wine importing and teaching mime and theatre arts. I moved to Puerto Rico in 2021. I stopped practicing law in 2022 and started to reinvent myself. I continued to train mediators and conduct advance trainings in mediation and collaborative divorce, but something was missing. 

    I found that I was incorporating theatre and movement techniques into my trainings and seeing parallels between mediation, theatre, mime and meditation. I also found that I had more time for reflection about things that bothered me: why does a process fail? Why don’t we talk about the trauma in our work and personal lives? And, things that pleased me: thinking out loud with like-minded people and bringing peace into the world.

    I wanted to expand on these discoveries and during a conversation in 2022 with my friend Beth, one or both of us said, “Let’s hold a retreat for divorce professionals looking for rejuvenation and/or their next life adventure!”

    We agreed that Puerto Rico would be the perfect place: naturally beautiful, peaceful, and perfectly imperfect.

    I look forward to Being ALIVE*, continuing my adventures with Beth, and joining in new adventures with those of you engaging in our Retreats and in our Workshops. Let the fun, sun and living begin…

     *BE: Awake and aware

    Letting go and living in the moment

    Immersive and inspirational

    Visionary and vital

    Enjoying life

Beth M. Karassik

My latest story begins in 2020 when I decided to retire as a full-time attorney mediator and collaborative divorce professional: that’s a mouthful…

I am thrilled to create this retreat and expand Calma Collective!

  • Unlike Louise, I transitioned directly from college to graduate school and then to my career as a psychologist, ultimately specializing in neuropsychology. I grew up and attended college in the Northeast, went to graduate school in the South, and then moved to the West Coast for my internship. I got married, and my two sons were fifth-generation Californians, which is quite unusual. We relocated to Connecticut when they were young to be closer to my family. I am still at the group practice I joined in 1989. I first met Louise when she referred a child to me for an evaluation for lead poisoning.

    After my divorce, I trained in mediation and collaborative divorce in Connecticut to do my part in bringing a bit of peace into the world. That’s where I really got to know Louise, and we became trusted friends. We co-mediated divorces and worked on collaborative teams together. After Louise settled in Puerto Rico for her semi-retirement, we began scouting locations to hold a retreat there so that professionals doing this challenging work could take time to step away and focus on their own well-being.

    Planning was postponed for several years after I experienced a series of deaths in my immediate family. I also turned 65. Both automatically and with conscious thought, I paused to reflect on my life and what remains of it - how I envision the next 20, 30, or 40 years (after all, my grandmother lived until 104). I allowed myself time to grieve and focus on my well-being.

    Now my light is reignited! Calma Collective and designing retreats combine my commitment to making a difference for people with my knowledge and experience as a neuropsychologist, alongside my love of travel!

Please count me in!

Answers to Your (Frequently Asked) Questions

  • The $750 USD deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations made on or before January 9, 2026, will result in the loss of 50% of the funds paid, excluding your deposit. Cancellations on or after January 10, 2026 will result in a 100% loss of payments made. If we determine that the trip is not a good fit for you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, in which case all your payments will be fully refunded. We also reserve the right to cancel the trip if it does not meet the minimum requirement of 8 participants; if that occurs, all payments will be refunded.

  • If you would like to be paired with a roommate, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to match you with someone else who is also looking for a roommate. Then you’ll have the opportunity to meet and get to know all your fellow travelers during our pre-trip online gathering.

    If no one is available to pair you with, your room will be considered a single, and an additional $500 single occupancy supplement will be added to your retreat fee.

  • We will do all we can to accommodate your dietary restrictions. In the materials we send you, please clearly state any allergies and intolerances you have. 

  • Yes, we require travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. Be sure to read the fine print, as policies can vary significantly.

    While you’re at it, be sure to confirm with your travel insurance provider what Covid-19-related issues are covered and to what extent.

  • Once the retreat is over, your family is welcome to join you, and you can stay on for a few extra days together. Please contact Casa de Amistad directly to arrange the additional days, for which they offer a 10% discount. This journey is for you and your business, so we encourage you to come on your own.

  • Expect the temperature in Vieques in March to range from about 72 to 80 degrees, providing very pleasant temperatures throughout the day. Be sure to bring something to cover up for the evenings, which can be breezy, and for air conditioning.  There may be some rain, so light rain gear and/or a hat would serve you well.

  • When you start packing for this incredible adventure, plan to be comfortable, casual and laid back. You won’t need anything formal. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, visors or hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

    Once you decide to join us, we will provide a more detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring.

  • By all means, enjoy this beautiful place for as long as you want! Mike & John at Casa de Amistad offer a 10% discount when you continue your stay. If you plan to stay over, consider reserving now to ensure availability, as it is still high season.

    The retreat officially ends after breakfast on March 20th, but you have all kinds of options and possibilities at your fingertips.

  • Yes, you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones and go online. WiFi is available almost everywhere at Casa de Amistad. That said, the more you can disconnect from your life back home, the better the impact of this experience, so please plan to be “off the grid” as much as possible.

    Cell phones will be left outside during training sessions.

  • To neutralize your carbon footprint, you can buy carbon offsets for your trip. We will provide information once you decide to join us.

  • Your safety and well-being are important to us! We will adhere to all CDC and Puerto Rico Department of Health COVID-19 travel requirements at the time of travel and keep you informed of any updates.

    If you are concerned about rooming with someone who has made a different vaccination choice than you, please let us know your needs in the pre-event forms and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  • We will provide Certificates of Completion including total hours for your records. This is sufficient for financial professionals and attorneys in self-reporting states.

    Continuing education credits through the APA are pending.

Contact Us

Questions?

No more doubt!