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DNA Surprise Retreat Arizona

ABOUT THE DNA SURPRISE RETREAT

September 19-22, 2024 | Phoenix, AZ

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DNA SURPRISE RETREAT

FOR NPES, DONOR-CONCEIVED PEOPLE, & ADOPTEES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DNA SURPRISES

The DNA Surprise Retreat is for adults experiencing the grief and shock that can only be felt following a DNA discovery. 

Join us for four special days in Phoenix, AZ. You will find community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.

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AGENDA

DAY 1

WELCOME!

Thursday, September 19

4PM: Arrivals

6PM: Retreat Welcome

6:30PM: Dinner + Socializing

DAY 2

Friday, September 20

9AM: Breakfast

10AM: Session 1 – Inner Child, Outer Healing: Tapping into your inner child to heal 

12PM: Lunch

1:30PM Session 2 – Secrets & Lies: Processing Betrayal

3:30PM: Session 3 – Movement & Sound: Restorative yoga and sound healing

6PM: Dinner + Fun

DAY 3

Saturday, September 21

9AM: Breakfast

10AM: Session 1 – Just Breathe: Breath work for emotional and trauma healing

12PM: Lunch

1:30PM Session 2 – Healing the Past, Embracing the Present, Shaping the Future: Understanding generational cycles and breaking them to build a healthier life

3:30PM: Session 3 – What’s next?

6PM: Dinner + Fun

DAY 4

FOND FAREWELLS

Sunday, September 22

9AM: Breakfast + Goodbyes

11AM: Checkout

Agenda subject to change.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

 

Register soon to secure Early Bird pricing!

 

PRIVATE CABIN

Registration includes:

  • A private cabin
  • King or Queen bed
  • Private bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1795

PRIVATE ROOM

Registration includes:

  • A private room in a 2-bedroom cabin
  • Queen or King bed 
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1595

SHARED CABIN

Registration includes:

  • Twin or Queen bed 
  • Shared bedroom 
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1295

BUNKBED

Registration includes:

  • Bunkbed (bottom will go first!)
  • Shared room
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1095

ABOUT THE HOSTS

ALEXIS HOURSELT, NPE

Alexis had her DNA surprise in 2021 when she learned the man she’d called “Dad” for 35 years was not her biological father. She also learned that she is not a multi-ethnic Mexican woman, as she was raised, but African American. She swiftly turned her pain into helping others with her podcast, DNA Surprises.

DEBBIE OLSON, ADOPTEE

Debbie was adopted by her stepdad at a young age and was told her biological father didn’t want her. As an adult, she was told her biological father had died. After taking a DNA test she found her biological father alive, as well as two half siblings. Debbie created DNA Surprise Network and is a life coach helping others heal from similar experiences. 

Experiencing my DNA Surprise last year was shocking and the grief was unexpectedly overwhelming. I felt stuck, so I looked for a retreat that would help me process this grief in a healthy way. This retreat gave me a safe place that weekend, and helped me to move forward and not get stuck.

I highly recommend attending the retreat. While I can’t change the past, I now have more tools for processing healing in my body and am no longer feeling stuck. I have new friends who get it and I’m more able to move on from the surprise.
2023 ATTENDEE
The DNA Surprises Retreat was exactly what I needed to finally feel fully seen for the first time in months.

The speakers, crafts and general discussions helped me face and understand feelings I didn't even know I was having, as well as teaching me the skills to process them. I don't always love to share and, here, it was okay to just listen. There was never pressure to participate if it wasn't comfortable but, honestly, being in that environment made it easy.

My soul feels refreshed and the bonds I shared with these amazing women will last forever. We laughed, we cried, and we learned we are not, and will not ever be alone in this journey.
2023 ATTENDEE
It was the most healing experience I have had so far on my DNA Surprise journey .
2023 ATTENDEE
It was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I will never forget the stories, speakers, and support of that weekend.
2023 ATTENDEE
Being a NPE is the loneliest journey I have experienced. Being able to connect with other NPEs was life changing. I am forever grateful for Alexis and Debbie for all their hard work and dedication to this retreat.

They not only had all the logistics well planned but it felt so comfortable and welcoming as an attendee. I would highly recommend this retreat to any other NPEs who are looking to connect with other NPEs and wanting community. You will find healing and love here. I definitely plan on attending again.
2023 ATTENDEE
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ALL ARE WELCOME HERE

The DNA Surprise Retreat welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender expression, or religious or political beliefs. We recognize and embrace the fact that DNA surprises affect people from many intersections across society. We are united by our unique experiences and believe in the power of community and healing. Everyone who shares this belief is welcome here. 

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The DNA Surprise Retreat hosts are not licensed mental health professionals. The DNA Surprise Retreat is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. 

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