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The Root Intensive
An intensive personal therapy retreat for the individual still carrying the weight of unresolved trauma—who’s finally ready to heal it.
Make 6 to 12 months of therapy progress in just THREE days.
A private EMDR therapy and coaching retreat designed to quiet racing thoughts, stop emotional triggers in their tracks, and help you move forward feeling calm, clear, and free—without spending years in therapy.
Does this sound like you?
You’re successful on the outside—driven,
high-achieving, always showing up for others.
But inside, it’s a different story.
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You feel like you have to be perfect all the time… but under the surface, there’s anxiety, overwhelm, and self-doubt that just won’t quit.
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The smallest things set you off, and you know they shouldn’t. But the frustration, mood swings, or anxiety still come… and then comes the guilt.
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You’ve tried so many things—talk therapy, self-help books, meditation apps—but nothing’s made the shift you’re looking for.
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Old experiences keep showing up in the present—you’ve stuffed them down, tried to move on… but they’re still affecting how you feel, how you react, and how you show up.
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You know you’re being triggered, but you can’t always explain why—or how to stop it once it starts.
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You’re incredibly attuned to everyone else’s needs… but when it comes to your own, they either feel like “too much” or “not valid.”
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Maybe you’re in therapy now, but it feels like treading water. You leave drained or raw, and it takes a day or two just to feel okay again. OR you feel like you have plateaued in your progress.
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You’ve done your best to “suck it up and move on.”
You’ve powered through for years. Built a life that looks good on paper. But if you're being honest, something still doesn’t feel right.
You’re done just coping. You’re ready for real healing.
What if real healing didn’t have to take years?
What if, in just a few days, you could actually feel lighter?
Imagine walking away from a private retreat feeling…
Like the constant mental noise finally quieted down—so you can focus, breathe, and be present with the people you love.
Free from the old stories and trauma that made you feel like you were never enough—finally knowing you’re okay, just as you are.
Like you don’t have to shrink, fix, or filter yourself just to feel accepted—because you’re done wondering if you’re “too much.
”Clear and steady when you make decisions—instead of spinning out in overthinking, second-guessing, or people-pleasing.
Able to rest without guilt or shame—because taking care of yourself doesn’t feel selfish anymore.
In charge of your emotions instead of being hijacked by them—so you can remember without re-living the pain.
Like you’re finally in your life—not just getting through the day, but actually showing up with strength and clarity.
This kind of change is possible.
And it’s exactly what happens during a Root Intensive therapy retreat.
Why traditional therapy might not be working for you:
Let’s imagine for a moment that you’re trying to explore the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History—all 325,000 square feet of it.
But you can only go once a week, during your lunch break.
Each time you show up, you have to remember where you left off, figure out where to go next, and try to take it all in.
Just when you start to really get into it, it’s time to head back to work.
That’s what weekly therapy can feel like.
Most sessions are 50 to 60 minutes—but only a fraction of that is spent doing deep work because you’re…
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Catching up on the week
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Reopening what you didn’t get to finish last time
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Trying to “land the plane” before you leave so you’re not emotionally raw heading back into your day
That means maybe 30 minutes, if that, of real processing.
No wonder it can feel like you’re talking in circles or not making real progress.
With an intensive retreat, we don’t lose time starting and stopping.
We go deep—and stay there.
That’s how real breakthroughs happen. In days, not months.
The kind of therapy that helps you stop powering through—and finally feel peace.
Hi, I’m Leah.
I’m a licensed professional counselor, trauma-informed coach, and the person people come to when they’ve done everything right—but still feel like something’s not quite right.
If you’ve ever thought:
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“Why am I still so triggered by this?"
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“I’ve done the work—so why doesn’t it feel better yet?”
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“I just want to stop replaying this in my head…”
You’re not alone.
Most of my clients show up feeling weighed down—like they’ve been carrying a heavy backpack filled with emotional “rocks” from the past. They’ve tried talk therapy, self-help, even medication. But the same patterns still come back. The same thoughts. The same reactions.
That’s where this work is different.
Instead of just adjusting the straps, we unpack that backpack—together.
We go to the root. We get curious. We stop powering through and start actually healing.
You bring your strengths, your story, and your goals. I bring years of experience, practical tools, and a space that’s fully focused on you.
This retreat isn’t about just feeling better for a moment.
It’s about giving you lasting peace—and a plan for what comes next.
I can’t wait to support you.
Warmly,
Leah
Introducing...
The Root Intensive
A 3-day, private therapy retreat designed to help you make 6 to 12 months of progress—without spending years in weekly sessions.
This is a personalized, high-touch experience where we focus fully on you—your patterns, your pain points, and the root causes that are still holding you back.
Together, we’ll set clear goals, get to the root of what’s been keeping you stuck, and create a step-by-step plan to help you move forward with confidence.
You’ll experience deep, uninterrupted therapy using a custom mix of EMDR, client-centered talk therapy, and experiential tools like art and play therapy techniques.
When you sign up for the Root Intensive, you’ll get:
A Pre-Intensive Planning Session
We’ll get clear on your biggest triggers, goals, and patterns—so every minute of our time together is purposeful and focused.
15 Hours of Deep-Dive Therapy
Three powerful sessions using a personalized blend of EMDR, talk therapy, and experiential tools to help you process, heal, and move forward.
Post-Retreat Integration Plan
You’ll leave with reflection exercises and a simple, personalized roadmap to support your healing long after the retreat ends.
A Safe, Private Space—Fully Focused on You
No “shoulds,” no judgment—just room to finally process what’s been holding you back.
Refreshment for your body and your soul
Each extended session includes snacks to help maintain your mental focus and stamina.
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Dr. Shea Tinsley, therapist, author, mental health expert
“Leah provided gentle, timely assistance to take life-changing steps during my sessions. I went from my world crumbling to my world expanding and met all of my goals that I established in my intensive at a healthy pace.”
Kea Dupree, CEO, lead photographer
"I struggled to have confidence in all areas - not wanting to bother people and not feeling like I could trust the positive feedback. I feel like the pendulum has swung. My attitude has changed. I can rest guilt-free. Work smarter not harder. I feel like I can say what is on my mind. Confidence all around in my career, family."
Kea's experience with the Root Intensive
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I feel like a completely different person. Coming from a background of abuse and trauma I lost my voice. My ability to process my emotions and the decisions I made in life were stunted and haunted by the past. I am loving who I am today and know that there is always hope for healing.
Here’s how we’ll get you from just holding it together… to finally feeling free.
The ROOT Method is a focused, 4-step proven process I guide you through during your private intensive.
It’s designed to help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, release what’s been keeping you stuck, and walk away with the tools and clarity to move forward feeling calm, steady, and in control.
This kind of work requires space, presence, and uninterrupted support— and that’s exactly what the Root Intensive gives you.
Reflect & Reveal
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You’ll complete a guided assessment, and we’ll meet for a 90-minute planning session.
We’ll identify what’s been weighing you down, where you feel stuck, and what you want to shift—so our time together is focused and intentional.
Organize & Rewire
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Using a combination of EMDR, talk therapy, and experiential tools, we revisit and reprocess key memories safely.
You’ll learn how to replace old, limiting beliefs with truths you can actually feel—so your nervous system and your thoughts are working with you, not against you.
Observe the Origin
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During the retreat sessions, we’ll uncover what’s behind the patterns, triggers, and emotional responses that keep showing up.
We’ll connect the present to the past—so you can understand where it started and begin to release it.
Take it Forward
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We walk through future scenarios and help you apply everything you’ve learned—so you don’t just feel relief during the retreat, but long after.
You’ll leave with practical tools and a clear plan to keep moving forward with calm, confidence, and clarity
This level of healing doesn't happen in traditional therapy sessions—not because you’ve failed, but because the format isn’t built for it.
The Root Intensive is. And this is your formal invitation.
Is The Root Intensive right for you?
This is for you if…
You feel like you’re always “on”—high-functioning, high-capacity—but underneath it all, you're tired, anxious, irritable, or just not okay.
You’re quick to react or shut down, even when you know it’s not about what’s happening in the moment—and you’re tired of apologizing for it later.
You’ve been told you’re strong (and you are), but you're exhausted from holding it all together and not having space to fall apart—even for a minute.
You catch yourself people-pleasing, second-guessing, or overthinking—even when you know better.
You’re aware there’s trauma or pain in your past, and you thought you moved on—but it keeps showing up in your relationships, your body, and your inner dialogue.
You’re ready to stop powering through and finally do the kind of healing that gives you relief now and freedom later.
You’re willing to invest the time, energy, and focus into this process—because you know you’re ready for more than just coping.
This isn't for you if...
You’re looking for a quick fix, but aren’t open to deep, emotional work.
You’re hoping someone else will do the work for you.
You’re in crisis or currently needing inpatient or emergency mental health support.
You’re looking for long-term weekly therapy (this is an intensive experience with a clear beginning, middle, and end—but we can help you find ongoing support if needed).
This can be a big step, so naturally, you may still have some questions!
Here are some of the most common questions I get asked.
What if I already have a therapist/counselor? Can I still use an intensive? Absolutely! This is actually the way to gain the greatest benefit from an intensive retreat. Just like having primary care providers and specialists, having a relationship with a primary therapist allows you to have support before and after your intensive retreat. Therapy before your retreat allows a prior understanding of the therapeutic process and afterward allows you to have additional support and stability to further process your experience and to integrate your learning. Additionally, I am happy to connect with your primary therapist with your written permission to provide additional support and information.
What is EMDR? How is it used in this retreat? EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized treatment for treating numerous mental health challenges. It is especially helpful for processing trauma and loss in a manner that empowers clients by eliminating limiting beliefs and negative internal responses. EMDR is not just for trauma; it is also used for performance enhancement to excel in areas such as athletics, business, and relationships. In your retreat, we’ll use EMDR as one of the tools to safely revisit experiences and rewire the thoughts and emotional responses connected to them—so you can move forward feeling calm, safe, and in control.
What is trauma? Could it be affecting me? Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or overwhelming situation. Sometimes, we can heal from it on our own. Other times, we need help, like how our bodies heal from a physical injury. A scratch will heal on its own if it is kept clean, but a compound fracture needs professional help. There is also a need for professional help if that same scratch becomes infected. Trauma isn’t always about a single event—it’s about how your body and mind respond to overwhelming experiences. Even if you’ve coped well on the outside, trauma can show up as anxiety, emotional numbness, people-pleasing, anger, or feeling stuck. This work helps you move from reliving to simply remembering so your past doesn’t keep running the show.
Are the retreats in person only? Yes. Because of licensing, all therapy retreats take place in beautiful Fredericksburg, Virginia. For out-of-town clients, Fredericksburg is a beautiful area of the state 50 miles south of Washington, DC, and 50 miles north of Richmond, Virginia. There are several lodging options to meet any preference. If you are interested in the retreat, my team can help plan your stay. *Pre and post-retreat consultation appointments are available both in-person or virtually.*
How does the retreat schedule work? Do I have to do it in three days? Most clients complete their intensive over three days, with 12 total hours of therapy split into three focused, 4-hour sessions. This pacing allows us to stay in the deep work, build momentum, and make powerful progress without the stop-and-start of traditional therapy. That said—the schedule is flexible based on your needs. Some clients prefer a slower pace with rest days between sessions (like a 5-day format), while others may need to complete their retreat in 2 longer days due to travel or logistics. We’ll work together to create a schedule that supports both your goals and your capacity. No matter the format, this immersive structure is what allows us to go deeper, faster—and get through everything we need to without losing traction. You'll also receive a two 90-minute pre-retreat planning session and a 90-minute post-retreat integration session to support you before and after the intensive itself.
Why do retreats schedule intensive appointments so close together? This allows you to not have to compartmentalize your therapeutic work the way that you need to have a week or two of everyday life between appointments, which allows for a quick reentry into the deep-dive work and faster completion of your goals.
Can I add extra sessions to my retreat? Yes. If you'd like additional 4-hour sessions during or after your retreat, we can customize your package. A pre-intensive consult will help us target your goals and plan accordingly.
I’m a person of faith—can my beliefs be included in our work? Yes. Many of my clients find that integrating their faith into therapy creates deeper peace and faster healing. I have years of experience incorporating Christian faith into the therapy process, and I’ll always honor your beliefs and preferences.
Will one retreat really “fix” everything? A retreat isn’t meant to replace all therapy forever—it’s a powerful starting point. Think of it like seeing a specialist for a focused need. Many clients continue with their local therapist afterward, using what they’ve uncovered here to go even deeper. It’s a launchpad for lasting change.
How much does a retreat cost? And, what payment methods to you accept? The 15-hour Root Intensive Retreat package cost $3,750. A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking. I accept payment through cards (including HSA cards), check, Zelle, Venmo, and Stripe and also participate with Care Credit to allow you to make interest-free or low-interest payments.
Do you accept insurance? Can I use it to help cover the retreat? Yes—while I’m considered an out-of-network provider, many clients use their insurance to get partial reimbursement. You’ll pay upfront, and I’ll provide a Superbill to submit to your insurance company. I recommend checking your out-of-network benefits ahead of time to understand your coverage and reimbursement rates.
Do you offer sliding scale options? Yes—a small number of sliding-scale spots are available each year for clients with specific treatment goals who may not be able to afford the full fee. Because of the depth and personalized nature of this work, each intensive requires an application and planning process. This ensures the retreat is a good fit and that you're fully supported from start to finish. If you're interested in a sliding-scale rate, please note that on your application. I’ll review it with care, and we can discuss options based on availability.
Can I sponsor someone else? Absolutely. If you’re in a place to give and want to sponsor a retreat for someone in need, reach out. I’d love to talk with you about how to make that happen.
I still have questions.
Where should I go?
I’d love to connect with you. The best next step is to book a free consultation call where we can talk through your questions, explore whether this retreat is the right fit, and make sure you feel supported in making your decision.
If you have a quick question in the meantime, feel free to reach out directly at leah@leahlittlebrown.com.
You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here when you’re ready.
And if you’re still here… I want to say this.
I know how much energy it takes to hold everything together.
To show up for everyone else.
To keep functioning on the outside, even when you’re unraveling a little on the inside.
If that’s where you are right now, just know I see you.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people. I just didn’t know it would look like this. Many years ago, in the middle of some big life changes—navigating divorce, shifting careers, and supporting five kids—I found myself asking: What would it look like to help people in a way that truly makes a lasting difference…and still be present for my own family?
That’s what led me to pursue my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since then, I’ve worked in homeless shelters, schools, residential treatment centers, and private practice. I’ve walked alongside people through grief, trauma, heartbreak, and healing. And I’ve seen how powerful therapy can be when we create the right space for it.
What I also saw was how hard it is to go deep when you're forced to stop just as you're starting to get somewhere. Those 60-minute sessions were helpful—but they weren't enough.
So, I started offering longer sessions. And then retreats. And that changed everything.
The Root Intensive was born out of that realization—that healing needs room to breathe. It gives you the space to slow down, go deep, and finally work through the things that keep showing up in your relationships, your mind, and your body.
It’s the kind of support that meets you where you are and walks with you toward where you want to go.
I’ve seen this process bring peace, freedom, and strength back to people who thought they'd tried everything.
If you're still reading this, I don’t think it’s by accident.
Whenever you're ready, I'm here.
Whenever you're ready, I'm here.
