This incredible Sound Certification Retreat includes:
In the gorgeous Hill Country, earn your Sound Practitioner certification, build community, and learn from one of Austin’s most popular sound practitioners and trainers, Jessica Cross of Sound for Stress. This retreat will not only include comprehensive sound therapy training, but also Soul Strong Yoga’s signature offerings, including yoga, meditation, and philosophy discussions under the stars. You will also enjoy deeply nourishing, chef-crafted vegetarian meals.
This training is ideal for wellness providers (yoga teachers, therapists, meditation teachers, hospice workers, addiction specialists, massage therapists, estheticians, energy workers, etc.) looking to add an additional healing modality to their offerings. It is also fitting for sound enthusiasts as well, who want to expand their knowledge and avenues of personal healing. You will graduate from this training with the tools to offer sound as a form of healing and wellness in both group settings and in one-to-one spaces.
Sound therapy is a method of relaxation and meditation that utilizes singing bowls, gongs, and other healing instruments to promote stress relief and healing.
Sound is not about performance, but rather using the instruments to move stagnant energy in our environment and bodies. Sound vibrations impact our nervous system, engaging our relaxation reflex and inhibiting the stress and pain responses.
Prepare to be immersed in a supportive community of wellness providers, learn from expert Sound Practitioner Jessica Cross, eat well, nourish your heart and soul, and make lasting memories.
You will find that our retreat offers a balance of in-depth, hands-on learning and time to restore and uplift your whole being.
Jessica Cross has thoughtfully curated the course content based on hundreds of hours of training and years of providing sound therapy. The training group will journey through sound healing foundations, demonstration and practice of the singing bowls in group settings and one-to-one spaces, as well as how to work in collaboration with complimentary providers.
At this retreat, we will do our best to disconnect and honor digital mindfulness. We will ask for your full presence and awareness when exploring the ancient meditative techniques and healing tools that sound therapy provides.
We’ll gather on a 500-acre Texas Hill Country glampground paradise, at the Three Points Ranch, to experience unforgettable sunsets, starry night skies, campfires, vintage Airstreams, swinging beds, wildlife and wildflowers as a community.
This glampground is nestled amongst historic oak trees and provides all the comforts, including a luxury bathhouse with full baths, 2 soaking tubs, and 2 outdoor showers. The Airstreams all have their own personality and are equipped with AC and mini fridge and are just steps away from the bathhouse. The screened-in sleeping porch is beautifully appointed with suspended queen beds that gently rock you to sleep.
From every vantage point, you can see acres of incredible oak trees and wide open spaces, breathe deep breaths and totally relax and rejuvenate. We can’t wait to spend the weekend with you in such a truly magical place.
After the sound training retreat, each participant will need to complete required homework and 10 hours of pro bono Sound Practitioner sessions due September 1, 2023 at the latest. It's also possible to attend the retreat for your own personal learning and not complete the post certification hours.
All participants must bring a yoga mat, a yoga blanket or beach towel, and a cushion to sit on (such as a meditation cushion or bolster).
You may also wish to bring optional props, such as an eye pillow, bolster, and yoga blocks.
In the weeks leading up to the retreat, we will send a “Know Before You Go” email with all the details, including what to pack.
No pets are allowed onsite.
The retreat is open to all. However, if you wish to become certified as a Certified Sound Practitioner and/or receive the YA CEUs, you must fulfill the following:
It is possible to attend the retreat for learning only and not submit the evaluations. You can attend the retreat for personal growth purposes only and not submit the certification requirements. You will not receive the certification, but instead an incredible experience with memories you will hold dear.
Please do NOT schedule your return flight or other travel plans at a time that requires you to leave earlier than the last day and miss ANY of the training. To receive the certificate, please remember you must submit the evaluations AND be present at all hours of the training. NO EXCEPTIONS.
We have suggested reading materials that are not required, but helpful in your journey towards leading sound therapy sessions:
Due to the financial responsibility of both companies (Sound for Stress and Soul Strong Yoga), we will not offer refunds (partial or full) under any circumstances. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your registration and booking fees. Some travel insurance companies offer “cancel for any reason” coverage. You are able to transfer your booking to someone else if you wish. You must reach out to Soul Strong Yoga at management@soulstrongyogatx.com to transfer your booking to another person.
Jessica Cross, ERYT 200/500, YACEP, is a sound practitioner and creator of Sound for Stress, a heart-centered business that helps stressed souls come home to themselves through the power of sound baths, yoga, and meditation.
She first experienced the healing tones of a singing bowl while in savasana and knew sound would be an important part of her personal journey. Little did she know that sound would change her trajectory, her work, and her life.
Jessica regularly offers sound baths, retreats and trainings in the Austin area and nationwide to share the magic of these incredible practices with all. Follow her @soundforstress and at www.soundforstress.com
Julie is a mother, meditation and yoga teacher, entrepreneur, educator, and passionate yogi. Meditation and yoga have been Julie’s life support and allowed her to regain mobility after years of dealing with a rare neuromuscular disease.
Julie is honored to support all people in their exploration of mindful practices, including meditation. Julie’s mindfulness practice and training is based on yogic and Buddhist philosophy. She also has a passion for staying up-to-date on modern scientific research supporting ancient wellness practices. Julie is a 500-hour yoga teacher and trainer (E-RYT 500, YACEP) and owner of Soul Strong Yoga.
Students describe Maddie Pesoli's yoga classes as "joyful," "uplifting," and "exactly what my heart needed." Maddie is the manager of Soul Strong Yoga and a phenomenal yoga teacher. Maddie first started practicing yoga to deal with the stress of college, which is why she became so dedicated to bringing yoga to as many people as possible.
She is a firm believer that everyone can do yoga, so her inclusive classes are designed to help students discover how yoga can benefit them. Maddie creates invigorating flows that evoke confidence, happiness, and so many smiles.
3 Daily vegetarian meals thoughtfully crafted by our holistic personal chef. Light refreshments will be provided throughout your stay
Handcrafted singing bowl, mallet, felt ring, and protective bag
Sound Practitioner Training Guide
Sound Practitioner Certification from Sound for Stress and Soul Strong Yoga and Sound Practitioner electronic badge (for use on email signatures, websites, social media, and more)
Exclusive, limited-edition swag and gifts
Yoga teachers may also earn 30 CEUs (20 Contact and 10 Non-Contact) with Yoga Alliance for this training
Transportation to the retreat venue is the participant's responsibility
Arrive late afternoon* in preparation for a healthy, plant-based dinner and grounding sound bath with Jessica. Settle in and prepare for the weekend ahead.
*Arrive between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Begin your morning with a delicious, light breakfast and optional Vinyasa Yoga Flow with Soul Strong’s Maddie Pesoli. Dive into the foundations of Sound Healing for the remainder of the morning. Enjoy a healthy lunch and downtime with new friends. Additional peaceful practices and activities will be offered.
We’ll reconvene for an afternoon of exploring sound therapy in group settings. In the evening after dinner, enjoy a yoga philosophy chat with Julie under the stars as a community. (Of course, there will be sweet treats and a campfire, too!)
Similar to Saturday’s agenda, we’ll begin the morning with a light breakfast and yoga. Jessica will introduce one-to-one content, where you’ll apply your knowledge of sound healing in more intimate wellness spaces. After lunch, we’ll continue to hone our craft of on-the-body sound healing before closing out our time together and confirming next steps to finalize certifications. Jessica will walk us through remaining requirements to complete your certification as a Sound Practitioner.
Departure is at 5:00 p.m.
