The Aliveness Retreat

Portugal • New Year's Edition • 29.12.-02.1.

When was the last time you felt completely alive?

Not productive, busy or "doing the work"… but truly alive.

The kind of alive that makes you laugh until your stomach hurts. Dance without thinking. Cry because your heart has finally softened. Jump into the ocean. Feel deeply connected to yourself and the people around you.

The Aliveness Retreat is a five-day New Year's journey in the Portuguese countryside that combines deep inner exploration with joy, creativity and play. Together, we'll slow down, reconnect with ourselves, share beautiful meals, move our bodies, explore what has been holding us back, laugh around the fire, dance barefoot, jump into the ocean, rest and welcome the new year with intention.

With only 9 participants, this retreat is intentionally intimate, creating a space where everyone can be seen and supported during the journey.

The most important thing I've learned is that the goal isn't to arrive somewhere. As long as we're alive, we'll always be on a journey. The question isn't, "How do I finally become the person I want to be?" but rather, "How can I feel more alive while I'm here?"

Somewhere along the way, many of us become disconnected from that feeling. We get caught in our minds, overthink our decisions, carry old stories and spend so much time trying to improve ourselves that we forget to enjoy being ourselves.

The Aliveness Retreat is a space to pause - not to escape your life, but to reconnect with it.

Apply now


A glimpse into our days

Please note: this is an example schedule to give you a sense of the rhythm of our time together. While we have a carefully held structure, we also leave space for rest, spontaneity, connection and the natural flow of the group.

Day 1 — Arrival & Opening | 29.12.

14:00 Arrival, welcome mocktail & snacks
14:30 Opening circle & warming up to each-other
15:30 Creative workshop: The Masks We Wear
17:30 Break
18:30 Welcome dinner & connection
20:30 Good Night Sound bath & evening integration

Day 2 — Exploration & Reconnection | 30.12.

08:30 Optional morning practice: stretch, breath & journaling
09:00 Nourishing Breakfast
10:00 Workshop: meeting your protectors & limiting patterns
12:30 Lunch Break
14:30 Inner Child Workshop: reconnecting with your joy, needs & aliveness
16:30 Gaga-inspired dance workshop
18:00 Sunset Beach Dinner & ocean dips
20:30 Good Night Sound bath & evening integration

Day 3 — Aliveness & New Beginnings | 31.12.

08:30 Optional morning practice
09:00 Nourishing Breakfast
10:00 Workshop: Your Aliveness Blueprint: exploring your gifts, values, passions & desires
12:30 Lunch Break
15:00 Sauna, cold plunge & integration time
17:00 Rest, prepare & connect
20:00 New Year's Eve dinner & celebration
00:00 Fire ritual: releasing the old & making space for the new

Day 4 — Integration & Embodiment | 01.01.

Slow morning / optional beach time
11:30 Nourishing Brunch
14:00 Integration Workshop: bringing more aliveness into everyday life
16:00 Free time for rest, nature, creativity & connection
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Live music & relaxed evening

Day 5 — Closing & Carrying It Forward | 02.01.

08:30 Optional morning practice
09:00 Nourishing Breakfast
10:00 Closing circle & integration
12:00 Farewell & departure

GOING INWARD - The First Half of the Training
(Months 1-3)

The first 3 months are reserved for your personal and professional development. As we begin the program and you pick out your first instruments, you’ll be starting your self-practice which can have a profound impact on your own well-being and personal growth.

I teach an embodied approach. This means it’s important to practice, observe and experience the impact of your own tools before applying them to clients. When you know your craft well, you can let go of the mind and follow your intuition by reading what the person or the group needs. That’s where the magic happens.

In those 3 months we have weekly pre-recorded lessons on various modules, alongside a bi-weekly 1.5-2hrs interactive group class where we discuss topics in depth, answer questions and go through group practices that help you connect to your essence and unravel any perceived fears or limitations.

This is important to know: Everyone can learn how to play a singing bowl or a drum, but nobody can be you.

Therefore this training’s main focus is for you to discover your unique way of accessing your intuition, gifts and qualities, ways of listening, holding space, communicating, and of course selecting and playing instruments. The energy you bring to the spaces and people you’ll be serving is everything. So reading, processing, releasing and integrating energy will be a big part of this training.

GOING OUTWARD - The Second Half of the Training
(Months 4-6)

In the second half of the training you’re moving from taking in and growing on the inside to finding your voice and creating on the outside. During these 3 months you begin to give sessions, get creative and experiment to find your very own way that feels natural and true to you. In this apprenticeship period, you’ll exchange sessions with your class mates, you’ll share a session with the group and you practice with friends and strangers in-person or online. You’ll also get to explore what kind of offering and pricing feel authentic to you and how to communicate your vision through the brand you begin to build for yourself. This is often the part most well-being practitioners feel lost with after the training ends - but we will make this a fun and easeful discovery process. I invited a group of my favourite experts to provide you with additional knowledge and wisdom in the fields of finance, and branding. My goal is to empower you on every level to step into this new chapter of your life with grounded confidence and excitement to express your unique gifts, while also getting paid for being you.

  • In this module we will take inventory of where you are right now, your history and how you want to feel in the future. You’ll get to connect to your needs and dreams and create a supportive roadmap for your next chapter.

    If there are any areas of your life that need integration, this module gives you an opportunity to reflect and process.

    This approach will also be useful in conversation with your clients to determine their needs, desires and the progress you make together.

    By going though this reflection yourself, you’ll also practice and learn to support others with it in exchange with your peers in the training.

  • In this module we discuss and practice how to handle feedback. Asking for it, media to collect it and how to handle negative feedback.

    During this time your apprenticeship period starts, which is a great opportunity to learn how to check in with your clients, collect feedback and discern between what to take on or let go.

  • As you’re learning a new profession and opening up to a new chapter of your life, it’s now time to review your values - personal and professional.

    You get to explore what is important for you as a practitioner, how to utilize your values as a tool for decision making and how to build your business based on this solid foundation you’ll define for yourself.

    Defining your values and saying yes to your way also means learning how to say no to what’s not for you. Therefore we’ll also talk about boundaries and discernment here.

  • A personal business is only impactful and fulfilling when you allow yourself to let your true light shine through.

    In this module we get playful and explore how you truly envision your ideal work routine, your dream clients, as well as how your brand looks and feels like. And then define a supportive roadmap to take step by step action to materialize your vision, mindfully.

    We also talk about energy types and how knowing yours can support a more easeful unfolding of your vision.

  • Communication is a big part of your work. With clients and potential clients, with colleagues and collaborators, or even social media, press and interviewers.

    In this module you get to reflect on everything you’ve learned on this journey so far and practice communicating who you are now and what intention you bring to life through your work.

    If you encounter any fears of being seen or expressing yourself, we’ll practice how to release and integrate these parts of you so you can embrace your gifts and inner voice with a deeper sense of safety and trust.

    We will explore a beautiful chakra voice toning practice here.

  • In this module we’ll dive into a little more technicality but don’t worry it’s all straight forward, simple and fun.

    You’ll create your first offering and pricing, as well as your first website.
    All based on the values, dreams and preferences we’ve explored in the previous modules. Now we’re starting to materialize and use the momentum to take practical action.

    Tanita will give you an expansive masterclass on personal branding, so you can share your unique voice through text, imagery and colour.

    You’ll be supported at every step of the way. If this part is not for you and you want to keep it for later, that’s ok too - but just know it’s going to be an adventurous, fun and creative journey for your inner child.


  • In this last module we talk about patience, trust and purpose.

    Starting a new profession can feel exciting and overwhelming, therefore it’s important to accept that growth is a process. An important tool is learning to stay present with where you’re at and take small incremental steps to grow.

    We’ll talk about sustainable business practices and mental health - yes they also matter as a sound therapy practitioner. We gotta practice what we preach. :)

    To support your soulful business growth, Jamila will teach you in her masterclass how to carve out your aligned path to financial success, based on your values and core needs.
    She will also give you practical advice on pricing, budgeting and tracking your finances.

If you’re curious to see if this program is a good fit for you, book a 20 min discovery call with me to connect personally, where I can answer any questions you may have.

Book a Discovery Call

What’s Included

Every week we dive a little deeper and step by step you’ll integrate what you learn about yourself, your chosen instruments and your practitioner journey.

My intention is for you to walk away inspired, well resourced, clear and empowered. Equipped with tools & techniques that support you on your path as a Sound Therapy Practitioner.

  • 12x 1.5-2hr live online group teaching calls

  • Bite sized self-paced video modules in our online portal

  • 3x 1hr 1:1 guidance sessions with Vanessa

  • A community group to connect, exchange and support

  • A detailed and effective workbook
    including journaling exercises & practices for each module

  • All modules & tools included are wisdom for life and
    support you at every stage of your personal and practitioner journey

    • Instrument teachings - learn how to play metal & crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, tuning forks, chimes & using your own voice

    • Sacred geometry teachings - understand the metaphysical power of sound, frequencies and geometric patterns

    • Psychological teachings - introduction to nervous-system regulation for yourself and clients

    • Tech setup teachings - learn how to record and set up online sessions professionally

    • Energetic teachings - holding space for 1:1 and groups in various ways, energy hygiene, alignment to your natural frequency and central channel, reading and balancing energy

    • Authentic business practices - Offering, Branding, Finances

  • My list of trusted instrument vendors

  • My reading list

  • Incredibleguest teachings from experts in various fields

  • Integration Sessions - monthly check-in Q&A session after the training concludes to support you in integrating all you’ve learned

Beyond the obvious, you’ll receive new perspectives, a stronger sense of self-trust, a whole new supportive community, a new profession and vision for the next chapter of your life.

TENTATIVE: GRADUATION RETREAT
(4 days)

This part is optional and not included in the tuition fee.
If a minimum of 6 participants decide to join the graduation retreat, we will organize it in person. Otherwise we will have an online graduation ceremony.
(To be determined upon program start.)

If this sparks excitement, come join us on this incredible journey of self-expression and creative expansion.

YES, SIGN ME UP!

In case you have questions, email me here
Or book a 20 min discovery call here

is this for you?

This training is a wholesome growth journey and no quick rundown. It’s an investment in your personal, spiritual & professional growth.

My approach consists of practical and grounded teachings that include knowledge from science and psychology but also wisdom from eastern medicine and esoteric concepts. The combination of both has massively enriched my own life and the lives of my clients alike. 

All you need to take part in this training is a curious mind and an open heart. All are welcome.

This training is for you if any of The following apply

  • You’re seeking new direction
    You feel called to move beyond a corporate job or find a more meaningful, purpose-driven path.

  • You have a passion for sound
    You’re fascinated by sound and curious to go further and study sound therapy to uplift and support others.

  • You want to expand your existing practice
    You’re a wellness professional, therapist or healer looking to enhance your toolset with sound therapy.

  • You crave deep personal and spiritual growth
    You want to expand your self-awareness and deepen
    your connection to yourself and beyond.

If this sparks excitement, come join us on this incredible journey of self-expression and creative expansion.

YES, SIGN ME UP!

In case you have questions, email me here
Or book a 20 min discovery call here

Meet our Wonderful
guest teachers

Jamila O’Gilvie

Financial Expert

Jamila will teach you how to take charge of your finances to carve out your personal path to financial freedom.

  • Jamila is a Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and the founder of the Beryl Company.  She has worked with money for almost twenty years, from starting her career on Wall Street to now helping small companies and entrepreneurs manage their money - she’s had the opportunity to see many sides of the money spectrum.

    Over the last few years of doing this work, she has come to learn that a huge part of what prohibits people from achieving the financial success they desire is their relationship with money. She believes that until we acknowledge the importance of this connection, we can never fully step into the abundance that is already present in our lives!

    And this was how the Currency Project was born and she became a Chief Freedom Officer, for those curious to explore and transform their relationship with money from the inside out.

Tanita Schneider

Brand Strategist

Tanita will help you connect to your personal brand voice and aligned way of sharing your offering most naturally.

  • Tanita is a brand strategist and designer – somewhere between a creative free spirit and a structured process person, between a dreamer and a visionary. Her drive is to awaken emotions and light up the world – through her daily actions, but also through her creative work. With the combination of her classic branding background and her sensitive way of aesthetically focussing on essentials, she gives companies a unique identity through strategic corporate design. Tanita is convinced that good design helps to make the world a little more sustainable, meaningful and functional – which is why she has made it her mission to make relevant topics visible. Since starting her own business at the end of 2019, Tanita has focussed on working with purpose-driven companies. She passes on her inspiration to follow the own intuition and creativity in workshops, her podcast and branding mentoring programme of the same name, ‘roo:ts to fruits’.

Testimonials from
Previous programmes

“Thank you so much for your guidance and helping me move forward on my healing journey. The knowledge and skills you imparted on me are invaluable. I have felt and continue to experience a huge shift in myself, the ways in which I communicate and most importantly allowing myself to feel my emotions as they arise and question why they are coming up.”

— JOHANNA LORDAN, UK
ARTIST & ENTREPRENEUR

“I’m really happy I challenged my self to start do this program. It overcame my expectations. The entire program was really well documented and had much more added value than I expected, definitely good value for money. To top this up, the weekly sessions with Vanessa were perfect to retain all I had processed on each week’s topic, and to make a compromise with my self to always save the time. It was my sacred moment. The breath and sound work she did on me, even online, really opened up my mind about the power and importance of working towards finding our balance and taking better care of ourselves. The program really helped to be more aware of my needs.”

— VERA MARQUES DA SILVA, LISBON
ENTREPRENEUR

“Enrolling was a complete act of faith, that was richly rewarded. It exceeded my expectations, greatly. Her program was concise, easy to understand and integrate. it was one of the most effective programs i have ever done. it is easy to return to, and dive deeper into ourselves, time and time again. I have revisited different parts of her program since our time together came to a close. I feel so much gratitude. It feels so rich and beyond the words that i have to express. Merci beaucoup, muito obrigada, THANK YOU, Vanessa!”

— MICHELLE POZON, LISBON
FASHION DESIGNER & STYLIST

Your investment

If you feel the call, come join us on this incredible journey of becoming a sound therapy practitioner. You can expect an innovative approach at the intersection of science, art and energetics, coupled with my heartfelt desire to forward to you all that I’ve learned about the nourishing power of sound and working with people. I created this training for you to discover and express your unique contribution through the transformative healing power of sound. I can’t wait to dive in together.

Payment Options


Pay in Full

1699€
1499€

Early Bird Price


Pay in 5 instalments

5× 340€
5x 300€

Early Bird Price

YES, SIGN ME UP!

Payment options are selectable on the payment page.

Once you’re in, we will start with an intro call where we can get to know each other and I can learn a bit about you, where you’re at and what you’re hoping to get out of the training. This way we can make sure to personalize your journey to your needs.

In case you’d like to have a chat before signing up to see if this program is a good fit for you, book a 20 min discovery call with me to connect personally, where I can answer any questions you may have.

Book a discovery call

FAQs

Got a different question?
Reach out and ask me.

  • Yes, you can pay in full or pay in 2 or 3 installments.

  • You will have access to the online course portal for at least 12 months. In case the portal will close after this time, you will be notified 1 month in advance.

  • Yes, there are a total of 6 live calls of 90 minutes each. They happen every Wednesday. There will be a replay available but I urge you to participate live as this will create the most impact for you.

  • All purchases are final. If you go all in and truly receive the teachings, you will not be disappointed.

  • Yes, you can book 1:1 sessions to go deeper on your journey.

  • This course is delivered online with weekly live group calls and self-paced resources to support you along the way. And don’t worry, it works online just as well as in person. Tested and proven. :)

    There is the additional option to take part in an in-person graduation retreat that will take place if a minimum of 6 participants decide to join.