2025 Norway Therapist Retreat

 

Thrive Together: Building Inclusive Practices for Adult Neurodivergent Care

 

Sommarøy & Tromsø, Norway
February 5th – 10th, 2025

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For the Caring, Curious, and Committed Therapist

Our goal is to make Autism and ADHD assessments more available to the communities who need them!

You’re an out-of-the-box therapist making waves in mental health healing — Ever wanted your environment to match the vibes you bring to your practice? This is for you!

Embark on an unparalleled journey of professional growth and personal rejuvenation at our exclusive therapist retreat in norther Norway.

Imagine gaining invaluable insights into inclusive practices, work/life balance, and Neurodivergent Affirmative Care while being enveloped by the serene beauty of the Arctic Circle.

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Presentation Descriptions & Learning Objectives

Thrive Together: Building Inclusive Practices for Neurodivergent Care

Testimonial

Laurie Smith, LMSW (Michigan)

“Shout out to Therapist Learning Center for providing a Once in a lifetime Arctic experience - complete with learning more about Neurodivergence and assessing for.

Thank you Leah Riddell and Lindley Cherry for an incredibly robust experience! 😍 Meeting incredible peer providers, amidst the indescribable landscape and learning about the unique culture of the People of the Sapmi land was priceless.

The group of peers I've met will remain top-notch friends and referral networks."

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2025 Norway Therapist Retreat:

An Experience Like No Other

Mobility-Accessible Experiences

Our retreat is meticulously planned for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.

Venues feature accessible rooms, restrooms, and communal areas for comfort and ease of movement.

All activities, including the Northern Lights Chase Tour, are fully accessible, allowing everyone to partake without limitations.

Celebrate Local Sami Culture

Our retreat dates coincide with Sami Week, a unique cultural celebration.

On our last day, we will join locals in the city center to honor Sami heritage, featuring Sami culture, companies, and sports.

This celebration perfectly encapsulates our spirit of learning and connection.

Create Lasting Connections

Our retreat focuses on forging lasting connections with fellow therapists.

Engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and work together in a supportive atmosphere, fostering deep bonds that extend beyond the retreat.

Recharge, connect with like-minded professionals, and experience Norway's natural wonders under the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Adventure

Experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights Chase Tour, included for all attendees.

Join seasoned guides on a thrilling chase to the best viewing spots, capturing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.

Create lifelong memories and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions while enjoying the pristine Arctic landscape.

 

Connect and Learn From Industry Experts

Expand your knowledge in neuro-affirming business practices, diagnosis, and care to improve the quality of life for employees, clients, and yourself.

You will leave this retreat knowing how to help your practice earn more by providing neuro-affirming assessments for your adult clients, and streamlining your business practices to align with your needs and those of your neurodivergent clients. This kind of income diversity can cost a lot – this training alone typically comes with a price tag of $5000 when given locally.

At the 2025 Norway Therapist Retreat you will receive this training, coaching sessions, AND once-in-a-lifetime travel!

Learning Meets Experience

Ever seen the sky dance or felt a cold wind while in a hot tub? That's Norway—a place to relax, learn, grow, and have fun!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Sami Week, engaging all your senses.

In Sommarøy, try reindeer, seal, whale, and moose. Known for its white sand beaches and stunning scenery, this island, 22 miles west of Tromsø, is a seafood lover's paradise.

During winter, the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel sits beneath the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.

Experience classroom learning and Arctic nature in this curated, supportive environment, focusing on thriving practices and neurodivergent care.

Continuing Education

Therapist Learning Center, LLC is an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7422).

Programs not eligible for NBCC credit are clearly marked. We are solely responsible for all program aspects.

Thrive Together: Building Inclusive Practices for Adult Neurodivergent Care offers 18 NBCC CE's.

Our program focuses on connection, inclusivity, and supportive practices for neurodivergent clients. Gain insights and skills to attract and support [neuro-spicy] clients.

Our goal is to enhance ADHD and autism care for adults, training clinicians to confidently support clients and reduce care barriers.

Address barriers neurodivergent clients face in getting proper diagnoses, providing timely answers without lengthy waitlists.

Dive Into the Mesmerizing Beauty of Norway

Stay in the heart of the city center, enjoying lively surroundings and private, quiet accommodation.

Explore the city at your own pace, soak in the Sami Week celebrations, and retreat to your cozy haven for relaxation.

Norway, a top-rated country for safety and healthcare, also excels in education and universal design, offering large-scale wheelchair accessibility.

Enjoy this unique blend of learning, connection, and rest in one of the world's most inclusive and welcoming destinations.

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View the Itinerary

Testimonial

Angela Mendiola, LMHC (Hawaii)

“It was a pleasure participating in the 2024 Norway retreat with Leah, Lindley and the participants with whom I truly enjoyed networking and bonding with.

The conference agenda felt seamless and included topics that covered areas related to Practice growth and cultural sensitivity.

I would recommend this trip to mental health professionals who want to invest in their professional development, build their network and cultivate friendships with folks across the United States 😊"

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Meet Your Hosts

Leah Riddell (she/her)

Leah speaks on millennial business ownership, pivoting and the gifts of failure, supporting anti-oppressive and profitable internship programs for therapy students, travel, and navigating the ever-shrinking balance between work and life.

Leah is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, is neurotypical, but is surrounded by queer and neurodivergent people in most of her loved ones.

Leah has a visual impairment that must be maintained by medication in order to not lose her sight earlier than desired, and mobility concerns.

Lindley Cherry (she/her)

  • MS, LCMHC, QS, LCAS, NCC
  • Co-Owner of Therapist Learning Center, LLC
  • Owner of C&C Betterworks, PA
  • Therapist | Group Practice Owner and Coach | Speaker | Retreat Host | Entrepreneur | Supervisor | Instructor

Lindley is dedicated to embracing neurodiversity and promoting inclusivity. She specializes in adult ADHD and autism and enjoys training other practitioners on neuro-affirming care. She has taught multiple courses for counselor education programs across NC.

Lindley is the president/owner of C&C Betterworks, PA, providing various services as a clinical counselor, coach, and supervisor.

She is a part of the queer community, is super neuro-spicy with the ADHD, and is currently obsessed with trying to propagate “non-beginner” indoor plants.

Meet Your Guest Speakers

Berit-Maria Eikjok Mikkelsen (she/her)

Berit was born and raised in Tromsø in a bicultural family, both Sami and Norwegian.

Berit’s family have been prominent activists in the political fight for rights for the indigenous Sami people in Norway, her mother being the driving factor in the founding of the first Sami kindergarten in Tromsø, and her aunt’s part in the hunger strikes of the 1980’s for civil rights.

Berit speaks on Norwegian history, growing up as a 80’s/90’s kid in Tromsø, past and current political climate for the Sami, and current conflicts with the Norwegian government.

Berit also shares her knowledge of reindeer and her community in northern Norway.

Paul Allen Jr. (he/him)

Paul Allen Jr. is a distinguished Licensed Marriage Therapist (LMFT), a public speaker, a business owner, and a community leader, dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness within diverse communities.

As the founder and CEO of Hue of Mental Health Inc., Paul leads a team of professionals committed to providing culturally competent therapy services.

Paul's passion for education is evident in his role being a clinical supervisor to interns and associates.

His dedication to shaping future therapists and counselors is matched by his commitment to community education.

He frequently conducts workshops and seminars aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting wellness.

Dr. Marta Gorecka (she/her)

Dr. Gorecka is currently a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø.

Dr. Gorecka also owns a private practice in Norway, focusing on ADHD in women.

Dr. Gorecka will discuss cultural norms and taboo around therapy in Norway, her research on ADHD in women, neuropsychological profiles of ADHD in adult women, co-occuring conditions, societal impacts, and more.

Participants will gain an in-depth look into current scientific research in Norway investigating the relationship between mental health and neuropsychological functioning in adult women with ADHD.

Martin Lobert (he/him)

Martin is the founder of Tromsø Accessible Tours and has dedicated the past several years to the tourism industry in Tromsø. He is passionate about sharing the joy and wonder of first-time experiences with visitors, delighting in moments that are often unexpected and magical.

The Arctic Circle offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but also presents significant accessibility challenges. Recognizing this, Martin committed himself to ensuring that people of all abilities, including those with permanent or temporary disabilities, seniors, and families with children and babies, can safely and comfortably enjoy the natural beauty of Tromsø.

Martin's mission is to provide an inclusive arctic experience for everyone, allowing all visitors to explore and appreciate the wonders of Norway.

Testimonial

Adina Arden Cooper, LCMHC (North Carolina)

“I'm so glad I took the leap and joined the Norway 2024 retreat with Therapist Learning Center!

My first thought when I saw the opportunity was, "oh my goodness that looks amazing!"

Then that thought was quickly followed by "but I don't think I can afford it."

However, I decided not to let scarcity fears prevent me from living my life. A manageable payment plan made it totally doable and I can honestly say it was worth every penny!

Leah and Lindley tended to every detail, creating a stress-free and fun travel experience.

They also offered valuable learning that has enriched my practice and provided real value to my clients.

As a solo traveler, I was nervous that I didn't know anyone but before I even boarded my final flight from Oslo to Tromso I'd made a friend who was also attending the retreat!

I felt like I was amongst friends the entire time.

It was an unexpected blessing to create meaningful and inspiring connections with other professionals, whom I sincerely respect and admire.

As someone who generally prefers to travel to sunny beach destinations, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the weather.

I quickly learned that "there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing."

Thankfully, Leah and Lindley informed us about all of the proper gear we'd need so I was well prepared!

Norway is absolutely breathtaking and the people are so kind.

Of course, I can't speak of this trip without mentioning the unbelievable, awe-inspiring experience of seeing the northern lights dance across the sky!

Absolutely mind-blowing.

Honestly, words can't express how grateful I am for this retreat. I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life!”

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Equity Rate: This option is for participants with historical/institutional barriers to access.

Please utilize this coupon code only if you are a member of one or more historically marginalized communities.

Enter coupon code “Equity2025” at checkout and receive $450 off.

 

Oceanfront Sea Houses

Nestled right on the ocean, our Sea Houses offer luxurious accommodations perfect for your getaway.

Each home provides the ideal blend of comfort and style, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Accommodations

  • 3 beautifully furnished bedrooms
  • 2 well-appointed bathrooms

Enjoy a relaxing stay with the added flexibility of up to six-month payment plans available.

Shared Room
($4500)

Experience community and adventure in our 2-person shared rooms.

Each shared room includes one roommate and a shared bathroom.

Book Shared Room

Private Room
($5500)

Escape to serenity in our Retreat Private Rooms. Recharge and refresh in your own slice of paradise.

Rooms are for individual use and may include a shared restroom.

Book Private Room

Private Room with a Plus One ($5500 + $1500)

Enjoy a private room for you and your guest.

Your Plus One can join group excursions or explore the city independently.

Book Private Room +1

Wheelchair Accessible Room & Plus One ($5500 + $1500)

Enjoy a wheelchair accessible private room, designed for comfort and convenience with wider doorways, grab bars, and roll-in showers. Contact us for info on accessible rooms without a Plus One.

Book Accessible Room +1

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2025 Retreat Itinerary

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions