Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Collier.
Hi Anne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into this work really started with my focus on trauma therapy—helping people navigate some of the toughest moments of their lives. Even before COVID, I had this idea: what if there were spaces outside the therapy room where women, especially the helpers and caregivers, could truly pause, rest, and reconnect with themselves? Retreats, workshops, community… I just didn’t know exactly how to make it happen yet.
Then 2020 hit, and suddenly that idea became crystal clear. I noticed not just the trauma my clients were carrying, but also the quiet burnout of my colleagues—the caregivers, the helpers, the professionals running on empty. I felt it too. It made me realize we needed more than therapy sessions; we needed real spaces to breathe, reflect, and feel supported.
That’s when I fully leaned into private practice and started turning those retreats and seminars into reality. Today, my work blends trauma-informed therapy with restorative, community-centered experiences—because healing isn’t just about processing pain; it’s about pausing, connecting, and coming back to ourselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, creating these spaces hasn’t always been easy. One of the biggest challenges has been gaining trust and convincing professionals—people who spend their lives caring for others—to actually take time for themselves. So many of them feel guilty for stepping away, or hesitant to invest in something just for themselves. Finding the time in their packed schedules is another hurdle.
But over time, I’ve learned that when they do take that leap, the transformation is profound. Women leave the retreats feeling seen, rested, and reminded that taking care of themselves isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. That’s what keeps me going: creating spaces where self-care is normalized, celebrated, and deeply restorative.
As you know, we’re big fans of Retreat Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Retreat Wellness is about creating intentional spaces for people who give so much of themselves to others, often at the expense of their own well-being. It’s a place to retreat from the stress and demands of daily life and restore your energy, focus, and sense of self.
At Retreat Wellness, individual therapy sessions are personalized to meet you where you are in a supportive, nonjudgmental space. I use a person-centered approach and specialize in EMDR and hypnotherapy to help you process trauma, navigate stressful experiences, and work through stuck points. The goal is to help you create meaningful, lasting change, build tools for resilience, and leave each session feeling seen, supported, and empowered.
Our retreats and seminars are all about helping people slow down and have fun. They’re a chance to laugh, relax, and reconnect with that playful, joyful side of yourself that often gets lost when burnout and compassion fatigue take over. It’s not just about taking a break—it’s about finding joy again, feeling supported, and connecting with others who truly understand what it’s like to give so much to everyone else and while often forgetting to take care of yourself.
At its core, Retreat Wellness is about helping people pause, reconnect, and come back to their work and their lives feeling restored, seen, and truly cared for.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
You know, the mental health and wellness industry is really evolving, and I think the next 5 to 10 years are going to be fascinating. We’re seeing a real shift toward holistic, preventive approaches—people aren’t just looking for therapy when they’re in crisis anymore. They want tools and experiences that support overall well-being, from mental and emotional health to physical wellness. That’s part of why retreats, seminars, and in-person community experiences are becoming so popular again. People crave real connection, not just screen time.
At the same time, technology—especially AI—is making its mark. On one hand, it’s incredible for expanding access, providing support in underserved areas, and even personalizing care. But there are real concerns, too. AI can’t replicate human empathy, intuition, or the subtle understanding a therapist brings to a session, and there’s a risk of giving advice that isn’t safe or clinically sound. Many experts worry about people becoming overly dependent on AI for emotional support. A few states have even started putting restrictions on AI in mental health care because of these risks.
So, I think what we’re headed toward is a hybrid model: embracing technology where it can help, but still keeping human connection at the center. Tools can support and enhance care, but the therapeutic relationship—the trust, empathy, and ethical guidance a human brings—remains irreplaceable. The challenge for the industry will be balancing innovation with safety and compassion, making sure we use these tools wisely while keeping people at the heart of care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://RetreatWellness.org
