Christian IFS Retreat

 

April 29-May 2, 2027 | Willowood Ranch 3803 Ward Neal Rd, Bells, TX 75414

Registration Opens October  5, 2026

 Please add your e-mail to our retreat interest list to be notified when registration is open. After viewing this webpage, if you have any additional questions about the retreat, please e-mail us at texasretreat27@gmail.com

Retreat Experience 

Join us, Vanessa Crisp, and Ann-Marie Bowen, along with a group of women, at the beautiful Willowood Ranch for a weekend set apart for your well-being. Together, we will create space to gently tend to the parts of yourself that need care, guided by us—certified IFS therapists who specialize in integrating clinical expertise with Christian faith. Here, we will offer a space for you to rest, attune to inner healing, enjoy laughter and connection, share meals and deep conversations, and step into rich contemplative practices rooted in ancient Christianity. As certified IFS clinicians, we curate IFS exercises throughout the retreat that provide you with opportunities to engage in your own parts work in trauma-informed ways, focusing on safety, embodiment, and soul care.

This retreat is designed to be a soft landing place. Ann-Marie and I have walked our own deep paths of emotional healing and spiritual growth, and we understand that the human experience is complex.

Because of that, we have no expectations of where you “should” be spiritually. We recognize that everyone has a different history with Christianity. Whether you are arriving with a heart that feels distant or frustrated with God, feel deeply connected to God, or are ready to dive deeper into your faith, you are welcome here. We are committed to respecting your boundaries, preventing overwhelm, and providing a supportive group experience where you can participate at your own pace.

 Want to attend?

We would love to host you! Because this is an intimate, contemplative retreat designed for deep, experiential parts work, we want to make sure it is the right fit and timing for your healing journey.

To ensure this retreat is a good fit for your needs, we ask our guests to consider the following before registering:

  • A foundational familiarity with IFS: You have a basic understanding of core Internal Family Systems concepts or have engaged with IFS literature, such as No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, Boundaries for Your Soul by Dr. Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller, or Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma.
  • Curiosity about your inner world:  You are aware of some of your “parts” which could include parts in a more protective role or parts that are more vulnerable.  You are open to invitations to get to know different parts of you and to connect to them in deeper ways. 
  • Readiness for group space and process:  You feel open and curious about the possibility of growing deeper alongside a community of other women on a similar journey. 
  • Respectful integration with the Christian faith: You identify as Christian and are open to including Christian spirituality in your healing journey.  In this retreat, you are welcome exactly where you are in your journey of faith. You may feel deeply connected to God, or you may feel hurt by God, questioning your faith, or simply distant. Your faith will be honored with respect. 

    How do I Register?

    Registration opens October 5, 2026! Please sign up to our retreat interest list to be notified via e-mail when registration is live.

Learn more about the retreat leaders below.

Retreat Duration

Arrival time for the retreat is 12:30-2:00 PM on Thursday, April 29th, and our first group gathering will be at 3:00 PM at the serene Willowood Ranch, and we will conclude our time together on Sunday, May 2nd at 10:30 AM.  Please make every effort to arrive during the arrival window to allow time to get settled before our first group session. Light snacks will be available as you get settled, and we recommend you have lunch before you arrive.

Nestled in the quiet, rolling landscape of North Texas, this beautiful 350-acre ranch offers a truly restful space to step away, reflect, connect, and re-center. Whether you want to take a scenic walk, simply rest in the stillness, or go horseback riding (available at an additional cost), there are endless opportunities for all comfort levels to soak in the natural surroundings.

We chose this special place just for you, and we can’t wait to share this space together. To learn more about Willowood Ranch, please visit the ministry’s website. 

 Amenities & Food

Lodging & Accommodations

  • Location: Willowood Ranch is a peaceful 350 + acre ranch with a large ranch house and cabins to provide group meeting space and lodging. The ranch is a quiet escape from the busyness of the city.
  • Room Choice: Select from single or double occupancy rooms. Single rooms will have private bathrooms, while shared rooms will share bathrooms. 
  • Shared Spaces: Enjoy access to comfortable living areas, kitchen space, and multiple outdoor seating areas.  The large ranch house and all cabins have living areas, porches, and a kitchen. 
  • Contemplative Spaces: Guests will have access to a beautiful, idyllic chapel, perfect for journaling, silence, and prayer time.

    Meals & Dietary Needs

    • All-Inclusive Meals: Eight delicious meals are included with your stay. Lunch and dinner are catered by a private chef and a light, continental breakfast is also provided each morning. 
    • A Note on Dietary Needs & Kitchens We want you to feel completely at home during your stay. Our caterer is fully prepared to accommodate most food allergies. We will be providing a lighter continental breakfast. Because each living space features a fully equipped kitchen (including a refrigerator, stove, and oven), please feel free to bring along any additional breakfast items, favorite meals, or snacks that will make your visit extra comfortable!

      Grounds & Facilities

        • A Sacred Atmosphere: As a dedicated faith-based ranch, Willowood is designed to offer a quiet, prayerful environment to encounter God’s presence.

           

        • Room to Breathe: 350+ acres of open countryside and tranquil landscape away from the hustle of the city.

           

        • Space to Explore: Activities tailored for all fitness levels, including scenic spaces to walk, horseback riding (for a small additional cost), and designated spaces for quiet reflection.

      Retreat Leaders

      Vanessa Crisp, LCSW and Ann-Marie Bowen LPC are the retreat leaders and are excited to host guest into 4 days of restoration.

      vanessa crisp

      Vanessa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience as a therapist. As a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist who has completed all three levels of training, she has focused her clinical practice over the last decade on the intersection of Christianity, IFS, and complex trauma. She walks alongside clients as they heal from past trauma and restore their relationship with both God and Self.

      Vanessa is deeply honored to welcome you to this retreat, designed to create sacred opportunities for connecting with God and your inner world. By offering a trauma-informed and rhythmic approach, she helps cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and inner peace. She is truly passionate about creating experiences where retreat guests feel entirely at home in their bodies, with others, and within themselves. Her greatest desire is for you to experience a deep sense of joy and peace, and she is privileged that you are considering joining her and Ann-Marie in Texas.

      You can learn more about Vanessa by clicking the button below.

      more about vanessa

      ann-marie bowen

      Ann-Marie Bowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and has been a therapist for 26 years. She is a certified IFS therapist and has completed all 3 levels of IFS training. In addition, she is an IFS-approved clinical consultant. She serves as an assistant in IFS trainings on a regular basis and enjoys leading workshops and speaking on the model. Ann-Marie is passionate about the integration of IFS and the Christian faith.  

      Ann-Marie loves leading women in opportunities for exploration, growth, and healing in community.  Ann-Marie is excited and expectant to lead this retreat and believes the retreat will be a place where participants can grow deeper in connection and love with parts of themselves while being invited into a deeper connection to God’s loving presence.  Her desire is to create a safe space where paths towards restoration and transformation are possible in a place of peace and beauty. 

       You can learn more about Ann-Marie by clicking the button below.

      more about ann-maire

      Cost of Retreat

      • $1895 private room/bath (6 available)
      • $1495 shared room/bath 2 guests per room (10 available)
      • All guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, living room, & comfortable beds.
      • A $750 non refundable and non-transferable deposit is due at the time of registration to reserve your place at the retreat. The deposit is included in the total retreat prices listed above and will be applied to your final balance.

      Your investment includes retreat materials and therapeutic activities, 8 meals you don’t have to cook or clean up, healthy snacks, and beverages. You are encouraged to bring any additional food you would like to enjoy during your stay. This is an alcohol free event, so we kindly ask that you do not bring mind-altering substances or alcohol.

      Your Retreat Leaders: Your investment includes guidance from certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapists who bring a wealth of diverse wisdom to this weekend. Vanessa and Ann-Marie have learned from an array of mentors across the helping professions—including pastors, priests, spiritual directors, and pioneering psychotherapists. Their extensive experience reaches far beyond the classroom, offering you a unique opportunity to deepen your faith while fostering emotional and relational healing.

      Deeply devoted to their faith, Vanessa and Ann-Marie are committed to seeking truth in Scripture, church history, and the collective human experience. They have aligned their professions with their faith in spirit, mind, and body, providing a high-quality therapeutic experience that is firmly grounded in Christian grace and peace.

      As trauma-informed specialists who focus on childhood trauma recovery, they are passionately committed to creating a safe, respectful environment that honors your story while actively preventing re-traumatization. Under their skilled care, you can step into a protected space designed for deep, safe, and lasting healing.

      payment policy

      Pay in Full: You may pay the entire retreat cost at the time of registration.

      Installment Plan: You may pay in two installments.

      First Installment: $750 due within 3 business days of submitting your registration form. This payment officially secures your spot and includes the $750 non-refundable deposit.
      Final Installment: The remaining balance is due on or before January, 11 2027.

      cancellation policy

      While participation at this retreat is non-refundable, we understand that plans can change. If you need to withdraw your spot, we will gladly issue a refund if we are able to fill it with a new participant, minus a $250 service fee.

      travel arrangements

      Nearby Airports:

      • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – ~75 miles (Approx. 1 hour 20 min drive)
      • McKinney National Airport (TKI) – ~40 miles (Approx. 45 min drive)—-i would skip this airport bc is a small regional one that doenst really fly anywhere. But i guess its okay to have there. Also include
      • Dallas Love Field Airport 75 miles (1 hour 20 min) 

      To book additional days before or after the retreat, you can check directly with Willowood Ranch.

      Join Us! Space is Limited.

      Registration opens October 5, 2026! Please join the interest list to be notified via e-mail when registration is open. Potential participants will receive instructions on how to register on October 5th.  If we have more women interested in attending than we have space for, we will enter all potential participants into a lottery. We require a pre-retreat discovery call to ensure this retreat is a good fit before we register guests.

      Scholarships Available!

      Three $1,000 scholarships are currently available. While registering, you will be able to indicate if you need financial assistance to join us.

      until we meet, we offer you a blessing with the words of john o’donahue from his work, to bless the space between us : a book of blessings.

      “Blessed be the longing that brought you here

      And quickens your soul with wonder.

      May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire

      That disturbs you when you have settled for something safe.

      May you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease

      To discover the new direction your longing wants you to take.”