EXPLORING THE INNER CRITIC
from a Variety of Creative Perspectives
Bird Tree Studio, Manitoulin Island
July 10-14th, 2025
During last summer’s retreat, I spontaneously announced, “I could make a whole retreat on the Inner Critic!” A resounding ‘Yes’ filled the room. So here it is, next summer’s retreat on the Inner Critic in all its colourful plumage.
We will approach the inner critic with the same curiosity, creativity and playfulness we brought to last summer’s exploration of inner resistance. With respect and gratitude for all its hard work, we invite the inner critic out of the wings and into the spotlight. Using movement, voice, theatre, writing, art and the natural world, we build the space where the inner critic can shine as one of our protectors and defenders. Once the inner critic feels seen, celebrated and safe, we access more profound, more vulnerable parts of the self that the inner critic has been working so hard to protect. These parts may carry fear, anger, loneliness, disappointment, neglect, etc. We can offer the same creative healing space to these deeper, more vulnerable parts just as we did for the inner critic. Richard Schwatrz (IFS) states, ‘There are no bad parts.’ All parts are valid and important to our overall well-being.
We can redefine the role of the inner critic, offering it a well-needed rest and redirecting its energy and focus towards nurturing our freedom and creative flow. We discover a place of inner peace and ease where we don’t have to work so hard any more. A deep, body-centred sigh of relief often accompanies this.
Endorsements from 2024
"I am so grateful to have been part of this soul-nourishing retreat. As a guide, Audrey is joyful, sensitive and resourceful. She creates a space that is safe, loving, fun and filled with beauty. How wonderful it was to spend time with a group of soulful, full-hearted women. Audrey, with her years of experience as both an artist and psychotherapist, inspired us all to be curious, courageous and honest in our explorations and expressions. I felt heard and understood, supported in my sometimes reluctant forays into ‘ickier’ parts of myself, and warmly encouraged to dive a little deeper and find the pleasure in it all. Having it take place on Manitoulin Island, with its profound beauty and sweet summer air, was like an embrace that further awakened the breath and heart."
"Audrey took great care to co-create a safe, unique and personally meaningful healing experience. As a first-time participant, I was very impressed with her skilful responsiveness and presence with each of us on this in-depth journey. I felt held, supported, respected and inspired."
"Adept as she is as a leader in transformational, emotional and soul work, Audrey’s exquisitely honed interpersonal skills give rise to emotional freedom, authentic impulse and a great deal of playful creativity. Her retreats are exhilarating and expansive – and the Manitoulin setting can’t be beat!"
Art group endorsement, 2024
"Audrey, your art just fascinates me. I could study your works for awhile and still not uncover all of the meanings under each one. I see them as messages or journeys about our deepest selves … It’s hard to explain how I feel when I view them. Bottom line is that I, novice artist, aspire to go as deep as you do. Awesome Art!"
Dates: Thursday, July 10th to Monday, July 14th, 2025
Location: Red Lodge, Sheguiandah, Ontario
Costs:
° Workshop: $1000 incl fee for the workshop
A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to reserve your place. The remainder of the cost is due prior to the start of the retreat.
This retreat is limited to 8 participants. Some women will return, and others will be here for the first time. Each retreat stands alone. No prerequisite experience is required.
Accommodation: participants will be required to pay $711.90 to Red Lodge upon arrival on July 10th, 2025.
Meals: Red Lodge will offer participants a breakfast/bag lunch package. (TBA) Dinners are not included, so you may dine at the lodge or elsewhere on the island.
If you need to cancel out of the retreat for unforeseen circumstances and we are not able to rent the room, the participant will be required to cover the cost.
*An initial online interview will be scheduled for first-time participants to ensure this retreat is a fit. Access to psychotherapy prior to and following the retreat is beneficial but not required. For further information or questions, feel free to contact me.
Contact: Audrey Jolly, audreyjollytherapy@gmail.com
Cell: 647 270-1976 www.audreyjollytherapy.com
We are fortunate to be hosted by Red Lodge this summer. It is a 7-minute drive from The Bird Tree Studio and retreat space. It’s situated on Lake Manitou and has one of the best chefs on the island cooking for the guests. It offers excellent swimming and is close to The Cup & Saucer Trail & Bridal Veil Falls for some of the best hiking and sightseeing on the island. Arrival at the lodge is on Thurs, July 10th, after 3 pm. There will be time to settle in, have dinner and gather for introductions and our opening session. Friday to Sunday will include sessions from 9:30 am to 1 pm daily and evening sessions from 7 pm to 9 pm. Afternoons are open to work on suggested creative activities, such as exploring the island or taking a nap. I will send out some questions to reflect on before your arrival. (If you don’t get to these, that’s OK too.) Monday morning will be a brief closure following breakfast before departure.
BIO:
Audrey Jolly RP, MA, OSRP, is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is a clinical member of The Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists. She lives on Manitoulin Island, working online as a psychotherapist with individuals and couples. She hosts summer & fall healing retreats for individuals and groups at her home on the island.
Her psychotherapy training includes 4 years at the Integral Healing Centre, Toronto (client-centred psychotherapy, bioenergetics, & energy healing), 4 years of training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), plus workshops with Richard Schwartz (IFS), Esther Perel and Terry Real to name a few. She has extensive training in body-centred, somatic therapy, which she combines with creativity to augment her client’s healing journey.
She has an MA in psychology & movement from York University, where she taught in the Dance, Theatre & Phys Ed Depts. She has taught interdisciplinary creative studies at colleges and universities across Canada and in Europe at holiday resorts.
She is a working visual artist who exhibits her work throughout the year at Bird Tree Studio on Manitoulin Island, an art space that she opened in 2023. This year, she participated in the juried, LaCloche Art Show in Whitefish Falls and was a part of the Manitoulin Art Tour for the second year in a row. She is a member of the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association and Muskoka Arts and Crafts.
Her book, On the Back of the Wildebeest, published in 2020, explores creativity and the body’s role in psychotherapy and healing. It explores creativity from the perspectives of artist, teacher and psychotherapist. Often the three parts debate specific topics, not always in agreement or even on the same page. She became an award-winning author for her short story, ‘The Ghost House,’ presented by the Muskoka Authors Association in 2019.
She offers workshops and talks on the nature of art, creativity and healing - three of her lifelong passions.