Authentic Presence Immersion Retreat

Pacific Northwest // May 17-May 24th, 2025

Immerse yourself in the contemplative approach to end-of-life care during this residential retreat for healthcare professionals and volunteers in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

The Authentic Presence Immersion Retreat is an experiential training in the contemplative approach to end-of-life care that offers you the space and the opportunity to cultivate your inner balance and enhance your skills in serving the dying and their loved ones.

Led by a faculty of veteran palliative care and hospice professionals and educators, this retreat is far more than an academic training. Its truly unique approach explores the deeper dimension of living, dying and caregiving by bringing together the practical knowledge of today’s palliative care environments with the contemplative methods of mindfulness, compassion and awareness taught in the Buddhist tradition.

The Authentic Presence Immersion Retreat employs a variety of learning modalities, including individual, group and interactive work, as well as presentations and guided practices. No prior experience in mindfulness or meditation is required.

Topics

 

Training in contemplative listening and communication

  • Extensive training in the model of ‘Contemplative Listening and Communication’ and its practical applications

  • ‘Council’ - a listening model for family and bereavement support and team meetings

Assessing and responding to the needs of the dying

  • Identify and address practical, psychosocial and spiritual needs

  • Manage complex care situations

  • Methods for healing relationships and resolving unfinished business

  • Recognize and address spiritual pain

Bereavement

  • Understand the contemplative approach to grief

  • Address the spiritual dimension of bereavement

Contemplative practice & contemplative care

  • Introduction to the contemplative care model

  • Self-care and self-compassion during challenging times: contemplative resources for building resilience and connecting with our sources of joy and purpose 

  • The integration of contemplative methodologies to sustain a compassionate attitude and cultivate authentic presence in therapeutic relationships

  • Facing and embracing mortality, grief and woundedness in ourselves and others

  • Learning to create a peaceful environment in different settings

  • Caregiving as a spiritual and contemplative practice

Faculty

Dr. Ann Allegre

Authentic Presence Senior Educator, retired hospice and palliative medicine specialist

Ann took the Authentic Presence training in 2003-2004 and became a member of the faculty in 2006. She teaches the Authentic Presence online modules as well as workshops and courses.  She worked in hospice and palliative care for over 25 years and received regional and national awards for her community leadership and clinical work.

 

Annie Eichenholz, RN

Authentic Presence Senior Educator, former hospice nurse, hospice volunteer trainer, meditation teacher

Annie helped develop the Authentic Presence training program in contemplative end-of-life care and has taught the contemplative approach to care for over 20 years, as well as providing spiritual support to dying persons and their families.

 

Youske Eto, LCSW

Authentic Presence Educator, meditation teacher, author 


Youske worked as a hospice social worker for over 20 years, and currently has a private practice specializing in treating those suffering from grief and trauma. Youske authored the booklet A Companion on the Journey: Heart Advice for Loved Ones of Hospice Patients. Prior to receiving his MSW degree in 2000, Youske served in the Peace Corps in West Africa, volunteered for the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and worked as an outreach counselor for those who were unhoused in New York City.

 

Mary Peterson, M-Div

Lutheran Pastor, Hospice Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Courage & Renewal Facilitator, and Integral Coach

Mary worked for seventeen years as a hospice chaplain and continues to do end-of-life care with churches. Mary is currently serving as pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Tillamook, Oregon as well as working with spiritual direction and coaching clients. She has facilitated the practice of Holy Listening, a spiritual direction group that has been meeting monthly for sixteen years. Mary also co-leads a Graduate Circle on the third Saturday of each month for Authentic Presence.

 

Certification and Continuing Education

This course can be taken individually, and is a part of our Certificate in Contemplative End-of-Life Care Program.

Continuing Education credits are certified for nurses and social workers through the California Board of Registered Nursing and for chaplains through American Death Education Council. Total number of hours: 35

Location and Accommodations

The training will be held at a private retreat center near Portland, Oregon. Ideal for the immersive experience of this retreat, the forest setting offers the healing power of nature and the pervasive atmosphere of deep peace and tranquility, while being only 30 minutes from the Portland International Airport.

Room and Board:

Your registration fee includes lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Standard Pricing includes lodging in a double room.

A private room can be secured for an additional cost, and a triple room comes with a reduced cost.

Meals:
All food is prepared daily by the on-site chef. Meals include ethically sourced animal protein, along with with vegan and vegetarian options. All food served is gluten and dairy free, or gluten/dairy free options are included at each meal.

Pricing and Registration

Your registration fee includes lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 

Standard Double Room Pricing: $2750

Triple Room Pricing: $2550

Single Room Pricing: $2950

Limited Scholarships also available upon additional application. Deadline for scholarship apps is April 1st.