The Neuroscience of Play Therapy Retreat

CONNECTED MINDS, CONNECTED HEARTS

The Neuroscience of Relationships, Resilience, and the Power of Play

May 2027 • Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

What if one of the most powerful tools for healing is something we were born to do?

PLAY.

Play is where connection begins.

Play is where trust grows.

Play is where resilience is built.

Play is where relationships heal.

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Connected Minds, Connected Hearts invites you to a one-of-a-kind gathering that blends cutting-edge neuroscience, attachment, play therapy, EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, expressive arts, and relationship-based healing into an unforgettable retreat.

Together, we will explore how relationships shape the developing brain, how connection regulates the nervous system, and how play creates pathways for healing, growth, resilience, and transformation across the lifespan.

MEET OUR PRESENTERS

Learn, connect, and grow alongside an inspiring lineup of leaders in neuroscience, attachment, trauma, and play therapy:

Dr. Paris Goodyear-Brown

Dr. Rachel Altvater

Dr. Julia Knach

Haruna Nail

Alyssa Meyer

Dora Henderson

Plus, several exciting new voices and innovative thinkers will be joining us this year to broaden our perspectives, challenge our thinking, and strengthen our community of connected minds and hearts.

WHERE NEUROSCIENCE MEETS PLAY

Throughout the retreat, we will discover how neuroscience and play therapy beautifully intersect.

Together, we will explore:

• The neuroscience of attachment and belonging

• Polyvagal Theory and nervous system regulation

• Play as a pathway to connection and healing

• EMDR and adaptive processing through relationship

• Resilience-building through co-regulation and safety

• Sand tray, expressive arts, creativity, and imagination

• The healing power of presence, playfulness, and connection

• Practical interventions you can immediately use with children, adolescents, adults, and families

Walk away with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and practical tools you can bring directly into your work.

BUT THIS RETREAT IS MORE THAN LEARNING.

It is an opportunity to experience the very principles we teach.

Imagine...

Starting your day overlooking a peaceful mountain lake.

Learning from leaders in neuroscience, attachment, and play therapy.

Laughing with colleagues who quickly become friends.

Exploring creative experiences that awaken curiosity and joy.

Walking among the mountains and reflecting on the work that matters most.

Experiencing music, wellness activities, Reiki, nature, and restorative moments designed to nourish your nervous system.

Sharing stories around tables filled with people who understand both the challenges and beauty of helping others heal.

BECAUSE RESILIENCE IS NOT BUILT ALONE.

It is built through safe relationships.

Through play.

Through connection.

Through community.

As therapists and helping professionals, we spend our lives creating spaces where others feel seen, safe, and understood.

This retreat is an invitation to step into that experience yourself.

Come reconnect with your passion.

Come reconnect with your purpose.

Come reconnect with your own playful spirit.

Join us in the mountains as we discover how connected minds foster growth, connected hearts create healing, and play opens the door to transformation.

Because healing happens in a relationship.

And sometimes the shortest path to the heart is through play.

YOUR STAY AT LAKE JUNALUSKA

We will be staying at the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

Please use the reservation link below to reserve your room and meal plan for the retreat.

RESERVE YOUR ROOM & MEAL PLAN:

HOTEL RESERVATION LINK - CLICK HERE

Lake Junaluska Retreat Center

91 N. Lakeshore Drive

Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

Phone: 828.454.6743

Website: