JESSE NGU, PSY.D., LCSW
ARIANNA GONZALEZ, LMFT
MAYTTE HERNANDEZ
About
Is This Retreat Right for You?
Recharge in just one day.
If life has you feeling anxious, exhausted, or stretched too thin, our One Day Retreat at Mountain Shadows in Forest Hill, CA offers the reset you need.
Spend a peaceful day in nature releasing stress through guided meditation, gentle yoga, and sound healing—while learning practical techniques to calm your mind and restore balance. Led by experienced licensed clinicians, this supportive group experience will help you leave feeling lighter, clearer, and refreshed.
“The retreat holds a special memory for me, and it was a beautiful experience”-Anonymous, 2022 retreat attendee
Meet The Team
Maytte Hernandez
I am a Certified Holistic Healing Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals release, realign, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through sound medicine, intentional rhythm, and guided energetic work, I support clients in moving stagnant emotions, clearing old patterns, and opening space for transformation.
My approach blends intuitive wisdom,trauma-sensitive practices, and grounding techniques to help people feel safe, supported, and deeply seen. I have experience working with individuals navigating stress, emotional heaviness, spiritual challenges, and life transitions.
My style is nurturing, honest, gentle, and empowering. Healing happens when we create room for truth, expression, and embodiment.
Jesse Ngu, PSY.D., LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping clients understand their challenges and feel empowered to create meaningful change. Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, I focus on the connection between thoughts and emotions to support healing and growth. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. My style is supportive, empathic, direct, and transparent, offering a safe and open space to explore your goals. In our work together, we’ll maintain honest communication, track your progress, and address barriers with a deep sense of understanding and care, making you feel truly supported.
Arianna Gonzalez,
LMFT
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I bring over 15 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, culturally affirming, and deeply collaborative, I draw from Attachment Theory, CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Informed Care to provide therapy that is both compassionate and practical. As a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist, my journey into mental health was shaped by a commitment to increasing access for communities often overlooked in traditional care. I strive to create a safe, grounding space where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change.
Crystal Dunn
Nourishment for the retreat is thoughtfully prepared by Crystal Dunn of Cooking Dunn Right, who brings over 15 years of experience in the food industry and a deep understanding of how food impacts the nervous system, energy regulation, and overall well-being. Crystal’s approach is informed by early lessons in food sourcing, hands-on farm experience, and years of personal research shaped by family health needs and life transitions
One-Day Retreat Itinerary
The retreat is designed to have an open flow experience. Guests are welcome to participate in as many or as few offerings as they choose. You may move between group experiences, relaxation amenities and reflection space through the day. Participation is highly suggested buy not mandatory.
9:00 AM | Welcome & Check-In
What you’ll gain:
• A calm, supportive start
• Feeling welcomed and held
• Clear intentions for your day
10:00 AM | Group Connection Activity
Benefits include:
• Reduced stress and mental fatigue
• Increased grounding and calm
• A deeper sense of connection to nature and self
• Emotional grounding and comfort
• A sense of safety and community
• Reflection and integration of the day’s experiences
11:00 AM | Morning Yoga Flow
What you'll gain:
• Release physical tension
• Improve body awareness
• Increase energy without overwhelmed.
12:00 PM | Lunch Break
Explorer Forest Hills restaurants and beautiful views.
1:00 PM | Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Workshop
You’ll learn how to:
• Recognize stress responses
• Calm your nervous system
• Build emotional resilience
2:00 PM | Sound Bowl Meditation
What you'll gain:
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Deep relaxation
• Improved emotional regulation
|Break
3:00 PM | Stress Management Workshop
What you’ll leave with:
• Practical coping skills
• Increased emotional awareness
• Tools you can use at home or work
-
Releasing overwhelm and cultivating balance
3:45 | Journaling & Self-Reflection Session
What you'll gain:
• Emotional clarity
• Deeper self-connection
• Insight into personal goals and needs
4:30 PM | Cacao Ceremony & Closing Circle
Benefits include:
-
Increased love and compassion
-
Deeper connection to self and others
-
-
Please Note: *itinerary subject to change*
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are these group sessions about?
Our guided group sessions are designed to help you discover growth and connection in a safe, supportive environment. Each gathering focuses on stress relief, building resilience, and nurturing inner peace.
2. Who leads the sessions?
All sessions are guided by Licensed Therapists and Certified Practitioners, ensuring you receive professional and compassionate support.
3. What can I expect during the retreat?
Your registration includes:
-
The entire itinerary
-
Structured group experiences and guided activities
-
A safe space for reflection and connection
-
Snacks and light refreshments
-
Materials for group sessions
4. Is this a safe and supportive environment?
Yes. Each group is intentionally structured to provide a welcoming, confidential, and non-judgmental space where participants can release stress and focus on personal well-being.
5. How much does it cost?
-
Direct Pay: $150 for the full-day retreat
-
If using insurance, applicable co-payments apply
6. What insurance plans do you accept?
We currently accept:
-
Aetna
-
Blue Cross California
-
Blue Shield of California
(Co-payments may apply depending on your plan.)
7. How do I reserve my spot?
You can reserve your spot by registering in advance. Spaces may be limited to maintain a quality group experience.
8. Who is this retreat for?
These sessions are ideal for adults seeking tools to manage anxiety, trauma and stress relief, emotional support, personal growth, and meaningful connection in a professionally guided setting.
9. Why should I join?
Participating in a guided group experience can help you:
-
Strengthen coping skills
-
Feel less isolated
-
Increase emotional resilience
-
Take an empowering step toward your well-being
10. What is your cancellation policy for a group session?
We ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a scheduled group session. This helps us keep the group experience smooth and fair for all participants.
11. How do I cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to:
therapygonzalez@gmail.com
Please address your email to Arianna.
12. What happens if I cancel less than 48 hours before the session?
If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, we are unable to offer a refund or credit.
13. What is the refund policy if I withdraw before the group begins?
-
Seven or more days before the first session:
Full refund minus a $25 administrative fee -
Within seven days of the start date:
50% refund
14. Are refunds available after the group has started?
Once the group has begun, no refunds are available, except in emergency situations. Emergencies may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
15. What if I miss a session?
Because group spots are limited:
-
Missed sessions cannot be refunded
-
Sessions cannot be rescheduled
However, you may request a brief check-in with the facilitator, if availability allows.
16. What happens if the group is canceled by the facilitator or agency?
If the group is canceled by us, you will receive:
-
A full refund, or
-
The option to transfer your payment to a future retreat
17. Why is this policy in place?
This policy ensures fairness, transparency, and a supportive experience for all participants while protecting the integrity and structure of the group.
April 7, 2026