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Resilience Immersion Training for First Responders and Other Trauma-Facing Professionals

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Resilience Immersion Training for First Responders and Other Trauma-Facing Professionals

September 10 - 12, 2025

Scottsdale, AZ, United States

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Hosted By

Richard Goerling

648 followers

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2 nights, 3 days

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22 person retreat

Highlights

  • A mindfulness-based skills intensive for first responders and other trauma-facing professionals.

  • Practical and pliable mindfulness skills + adaptive mindset education.

  • Built for first responders and other mission critical professionals.

  • A decade-long, evidence-based program proven around North America.

  • Science-plus-experience pedagogy anchored in the warrior–humanitarian ethos.

  • Take-home performance kit + ongoing digital support.

Details

Sharpen your mind. Strengthen your resilience. Reconnect with what sustains you. Join us this fall in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a three-day Resilience Immersion Training—a practical, experiential retreat grounded in science, service, and the strength of the Sonoran Desert. Hosted in partnership with the Mesa Police Department, Police Spirit, and the Franciscan Renewal Center, this immersive program offers tools to navigate stress, cultivate emotional regulation, and foster cognitive clarity. Whether you lead a team, support a community, or show up for others in high-stress environments, this training provides the mindset and methods to meet challenge with skill—not strain. Now in its 10th year and taught across North America, this evidence-informed experience has supported public safety professionals, veterans, athletes, and frontline leaders in building durable, trainable resilience—without the fluff. What You’ll Gain: - Mindfulness practices to train attention, presence, and recovery - Mindful Movement to build somatic awareness, equanimity, and grounded performance - Interactive Learning that weaves neuroscience, cognitive fitness, and adaptive mindset strategies into your personal and professional life Set in the calming, expansive beauty of the Arizona desert, this retreat is not about escape—it’s about engagement. Come ready to train. Leave ready to lead with strength and steadiness.

Location

Scottsdale, AZ, United States

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and thriving arts scene. Often referred to as "The West's Most Western Town," Scottsdale seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern amenities, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. The city's historic Old Town is a lively hub of activity, featuring art galleries, boutiques, and a wide array of dining options that showcase both local and international cuisine. Scottsdale is also famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities, with the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve providing miles of hiking and biking trails amidst stunning desert landscapes. Additionally, the city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and upscale living, Scottsdale is a premier destination in the American Southwest.

Venue

The Casa (Franciscan Renewal Center)

4.7 ★ 122 Reviews

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The Franciscan Renewal Center was founded as a Catholic retreat, called Casa de Paz y Bien, by the Order of Friars Minor in 1951. Still affectionately referred to as the Casa, the Franciscan Renewal Center remains an active religious community that seeks to follow in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Casa works cooperatively with the Diocese of Phoenix.

Pool

Pool

Garden

Garden

Spa

Spa

Towels

Towels

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Restaurant

Restaurant

Shower

Shower

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Lodging

Private room for 2

$1,140 USD / person

Lodging

Private room for 1

$1,425 USD total

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Overnight stays include single or double occupancy rooms with private bath, pool/spa, putting green, on-site dining, numerous outdoor amenities, including a desert walk and healing garden, and a variety of places to pause and reflect in a peaceful environment.

Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Diabetic Friendly

The Casa team has created menus to accommodate many common food allergies such as Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Nut Allergy. They will work with retreat participants to ensure your nutrition needs and restrictions are met.

Schedule

The training schedule is set from morning until evening, concluding no later than 10:30 PM. There are designated times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the training. Please see below for a more detailed daily schedule.

Testimonials

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Grounding ourselves and developing active presence is crucial for performing at the highest level in our profession. These training methodologies could unlock entirely new development areas for first responders if they gained wider acceptance within our professional cultures.

Phillip, USA

This training provides me with the gift of reflection and stability. The importance of this work cannot be stressed enough. It allows me to dig deep and uncover areas of my life that need attention. Very powerful.

Susan, USA

There were many instructive moments (discussions around AGENCY, periodic consistency, RAIN meditation.. . too many to mention here) and the engagement by the staff and participants was very genuine and unique. It is not easily achieved. I'm very grateful for the dedication of the instructors.

Tim, USA

I wish every cop, firefighter, and dispatcher had access to this training. I wish I learned much earlier in my career to sit with the feelings and emotions that come with bearing witness to human suffering in the way first responders do.

Dave, USA

First Responders experiencing the benefits of mindfulness and compassion practice serve to humanize us, to encourage humanity amongst us, and to take a real look at how this job can affect us. It's invaluable training.

Sarah, USA

This was a wonderful training that has impacted my wife and I in a very positive way. Thank you for bringing this awesome experience for first responders!

Nick, USA

This is an amazing opportunity for first responders. This is the third retreat like this. Richard is an amazing instructor and I learned something new every time. I have also implemented it into my practice as a law-enforcement officer where it has worked amazingly well. And it has saved citizens lives and made a positive impact in mine. Incredible.

Justin, USA

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Host

avatar

Richard Goerling

Portland, OR, USA

Richard guides those who choose to step into intensity and adversity with purpose—public safety professionals, military veterans, trauma responders, healthcare providers, athletes, educators, and othe...

1 language

English

Teaching for 9 years

Joined Insight Timer in Dec 2016

What's Included

Instruction

2 Nights Lodging

6 Meals + coffee, tea and water service 24/7

Training kit: sit cushion, yoga mat, journal

Online resources to support ongoing learning and skill development

Not Included

Other activities on site

Transportation costs

Additional meals or nights of lodging prior or post retreat

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • First responder

  • First responder spouse/partner

  • Other trauma professional (nurse, doctor, teacher, etc.)

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 30 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 30 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 30 days before the retreat begins.

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