🏝️ Catalina Island TogetherStorying Retreat
3-Day Immersive Training in Transformative
Coaching
Learn Directly from Dr. David Boje & Dr. Grace
Ann Rosile
Avalon, Catalina
Island, California
✨ Every Dollar You Invest Provides
FREE Coaching to Veterans & First Responders ✨
Our Mission: Training Leaders to Serve Those Who Served
This isn't just a retreat. It's a
mission-driven training experience where your investment
directly funds free services for veterans, active
military, first responders, and their families.
While traditional therapy keeps people stuck
analyzing their past—with 36-60% dropping out before
completion—TogetherStorying coaching helps people climb out
of the rabbit hole and create a new story of potential and
serenity.
100%
Of Proceeds Fund Free Services
35+
Years of Published Research
7
Steps to Transformation
3
Immersive Days of Training
Our Vision: A World Where Transformation Replaces
Treatment
We envision a future where:
- Veterans and first responders receive coaching that
creates actual change—not just endless processing of the
past
- Donors and supporters become trained coaches themselves,
multiplying our impact
- Evidence-based restorying methodology is accessible to
everyone who needs it
- People stop living in the rabbit hole and start creating
new stories of possibility
Why Catalina Island?
Transformation happens when we step
away from daily distractions and immerse ourselves in a
space designed for deep learning and connection.
Catalina Island offers the ideal sanctuary for this intensive
training experience:
🌊 Natural Beauty That Inspires Change
Just a short boat ride from Southern California, Catalina
Island provides spectacular natural surroundings that
support the contemplative, embodied work of learning
TogetherStorying coaching. The island's unique location
allows you to fully disconnect from the office and be
present for transformation.
🏡 Comfortable Accommodations for Deep Work
With nearly 200 properties available through Catalina
Island Vacation Rentals—from luxurious estates to convenient
condos and quaint cottages—you'll find the perfect setting
for your retreat experience. Event space accommodates groups
from intimate cohorts to several dozen participants.
🤝 Community & Connection
Unlike online training, this in-person retreat creates deep
bonds among participants. You'll practice TogetherStorying
coaching with peers, receive direct feedback from Dr. Boje
and Dr. Rosile, and leave with a community of practitioners
committed to the same mission.
Who Should Attend This Retreat?
This intensive training is designed
for two distinct audiences, united by a shared commitment
to serving those who served:
1. Donors & Philanthropists Who Want to Make a Deeper
Impact
Are you someone who:
- ✅ Already supports veteran and first responder causes
through donations
- ✅ Wants to go beyond writing checks and learn how to
create transformation yourself
- ✅ Believes people can create new stories, not just
process old ones
- ✅ Is willing to invest in training that directly funds
the mission you care about
- ✅ Has time to volunteer as a coach for our free
veteran/first responder programs
Your retreat investment
provides you with professional-level training while
funding free services for military families. It's
philanthropy that transforms both giver and receiver.
2. Coaches, Counselors & Helping Professionals Seeking
Better Methods
Are you someone who:
- ✅ Is frustrated watching clients drop out of traditional
therapy (36-60% do)
- ✅ Wants methodology grounded in 35+ years of published
research
- ✅ Believes transformation comes from creating new
patterns, not analyzing old ones
- ✅ Is called to serve veterans, first responders, or
trauma survivors
- ✅ Values embodied, experiential methods over traditional
talk therapy
Your retreat investment
advances your professional development while supporting a
mission-driven organization serving those who served.
"I came to Catalina as a donor who wanted to
understand what my money was supporting. I left as a trained
TogetherStorying coach, now volunteering monthly to serve
veteran families. This retreat didn't just teach me a
methodology—it gave me a mission." — Retreat Participant &
Monthly Volunteer Coach
Comprehensive 3-Day Training Program
This retreat provides intensive, hands-on
training in the complete Seven Steps of TogetherStorying
methodology. You'll learn the theory, practice the
techniques, and leave equipped to serve.
Day One: Foundations & Orientation
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Welcome &
Theoretical Framework
- Opening Circle: Introductions, retreat
intentions, and community building
- Why TogetherStorying Matters: The
problem with exposure therapy (36-60% dropout) and why
coaching works
- Research Foundation: 35+ years of
published work on antenarrative theory, restorying, and
narrative transformation
- The Seven Steps Overview: Introduction
to the complete methodology
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Steps 1-3 with
Practice
- Step 1 - Characterize You at Your Best:
Identify strengths, not deficits
- Step 2 - Externalize It: Name trauma
without being defined by it
- Step 3 - Sympathize with Payoff:
Understand what keeps stories stuck
- Hands-On Practice: Work in pairs to
practice each step
- Introduction to Sandtray: Using
sandtray as a coaching tool
Evening (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Integration &
Reflection
- Group processing of Day One learning
- Q&A with Dr. Boje and Dr. Rosile
- Preparation for Day Two practice sessions
Day Two: Deep Practice & Mastery
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Steps 4-7 Training
- Step 4 - Revise by Facing Consequences:
Help clients see the cost of staying stuck vs.
possibilities of change
- Step 5 - Strategize with 'Little Wow Moments':
Find times when resilience, not trauma, took center stage
- Step 6 - Rehistoricize: Rewrite the
past with empowerment and agency
- Step 7 - Publicize: Build support
communities for sustainable change
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Intensive Peer
Practice
- Full Coaching Sessions: Work in triads
(coach, client, observer)
- Complete Seven Steps: Each participant
conducts a full TogetherStorying session
- Sandtray Integration: Use sandtray
techniques throughout sessions
- Live Supervision: Dr. Boje and Dr.
Rosile observe and provide real-time guidance
- Feedback Circles: Structured feedback
on coaching presence, technique, and impact
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Special Topics &
Ethics
- Working with veterans and first responders: special
considerations
- Trauma-informed coaching practices
- Ethics: boundaries, scope of practice, when to refer to
therapy
- Building a volunteer coaching practice
Day Three: Assessment, Integration & Next Steps
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Live Assessments
- Individual Assessment Sessions: Each
participant conducts a coached session with Dr. Boje or
Dr. Rosile as "client"
- Demonstration of Mastery: Show
competency in all Seven Steps
- Personalized Feedback: Receive detailed
coaching on your strengths and growth areas
- Sandtray Demonstration: Show facility
with sandtray as coaching tool
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Integration &
Your Coaching Path
- Assessment Results & Next Steps:
Understand your readiness to volunteer as a
TogetherStorying coach
- Volunteering Opportunities: How to
serve in our monthly Zoom sessions or New Mexico ranch
retreats
- Building Your Practice: Applying
TogetherStorying in your professional or volunteer work
- Community Connection: Join our ongoing
graduate coaching community
Closing (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Celebration &
Commitment
- Completion certificates for all participants
- Commitment ceremony: How will you serve?
- Closing circle and group reflection
Your Investment: Supporting the Mission While Learning to
Serve
Retreat Investment: $2,500
What's Included:
- ✅ 3 full days of intensive training (approximately 24
contact hours)
- ✅ Direct instruction from Dr. David Boje and Dr. Grace
Ann Rosile
- ✅ Complete Seven Steps of TogetherStorying methodology
- ✅ Hands-on practice with peer coaching and live
supervision
- ✅ Individual assessment session with personalized
feedback
- ✅ Sandtray coaching techniques and materials guidance
- ✅ Training manual and resources
- ✅ Completion certificate
- ✅ Access to ongoing graduate coaching community
- ✅ Opportunity to volunteer as coach for veteran/first
responder programs
100% of proceeds support FREE coaching services for
veterans, active military, first responders, and their
families
All
payments are tax-deductible donations to PerView Inc., a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You'll receive a
donation receipt for your records.
What You'll Need to Arrange (Not Included):
- Transportation: Ferry or helicopter to
Catalina Island (approximately $75-150 round trip from
Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point)
- Accommodations: Hotel, vacation rental,
or cottage for 3 nights (wide range of options from
$100-400+ per night)
- Meals: Restaurants and cafes throughout
Avalon (budget $40-80 per day)
- Sandtray Kit: If you plan to use
TogetherStorying in your practice, you'll eventually want
your own kit (we'll provide vendor recommendations;
typically $200-400)
Total estimated
additional costs: $600-1,500 depending on
accommodation choices
Lodging Recommendations:
We recommend booking early through Catalina Island Vacation Rentals or
local hotels. Popular options include:
- Hotel Atwater: Boutique hotel in the
heart of Avalon
- Pavilion Hotel: Waterfront location with
modern amenities
- Vacation Rentals: Cottages and condos for
those wanting kitchen access
How Your Investment Creates Impact
When you invest $2,500 in this
retreat, here's the direct impact you create:
The Ripple Effect of Your Investment
| Your Investment Creates |
Direct Impact |
| Your Own Training |
You gain professional-level coaching skills to serve
in our volunteer programs |
| FREE Coaching for 10-12 Veterans/Families |
Your $2,500 funds approximately 10-12 free monthly
Zoom coaching sessions |
| Ranch Retreat Scholarships |
Helps subsidize equine-assisted coaching weekends
for military families |
| Training Materials |
Supports development of resources for coaches
serving veterans |
| Research & Dissemination |
Funds ongoing research to prove and improve our
methodology |
PerView Inc. - Our Nonprofit Foundation
All retreat proceeds support PerView Inc., a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free
TogetherStorying coaching to veterans, active military,
first responders, and their families.
Our Commitment:
- 100% of retreat fees fund direct services—no
administrative overhead from your investment
- Monthly Zoom coaching sessions offered FREE to military
families
- Ranch-based equine coaching weekends offered FREE to
veterans and first responders
- All services delivered by trained TogetherStorying
coaches (like you will become!)
Learn more: https://perview.org
"I've donated to veteran causes for years,
but this retreat showed me a new way to give. I invested
$2,500 to learn TogetherStorying, and now I volunteer 4 hours
a month coaching military families on Zoom. My dollars AND my
time are creating transformation." — Donor & Volunteer
Coach
Why This Methodology Works: The Research Foundation
TogetherStorying isn't feel-good theory. It's
grounded in decades of rigorous academic research published
in top peer-reviewed journals.
The Evidence Base
- 35+ years of research by Dr. David Boje
on organizational storytelling, narrative methods, and
transformation
- 150+ peer-reviewed publications in
leading academic journals
- 35+ books on storytelling,
antenarrative theory, and restorying methodologies
- Published veteran family research:
Empirical studies on embodied restorying for
post-deployment family reintegration (Journal of
Veterans Studies, 2016)
- Evidence on therapy limitations:
Meta-analyses showing 36-60% dropout from traditional
exposure-based treatments
Key Research Publications:
Flora, J., Boje, D., Rosile, G. A., & Hacker, K. (2016). A
Theoretical and Applied Review of Embodied Restorying for
Post-Deployment Family Reintegration. Journal of Veterans
Studies, 1(1), 129-162.
Boje, D. M. (2001). Narrative Methods for Organizational
& Communication Research. London: Sage.
Boje, D. M., & Rosile, G. A. (2018). Releasing Story
Filters: The Seven Steps of Embodied Restorying Process.
Boje, D. M., & Rosile, G. A. (2020). How to Use
Conversational Storytelling Interviews for Your Dissertation.
Edward Elgar Publishing.
View
complete research bibliography →
Meet Your Retreat Leaders
Dr. David M. Boje
Professor Emeritus, New Mexico State University
Invited Visiting Professor, Fisk University
- Pioneer in organizational storytelling and antenarrative
theory—cited in thousands of academic publications
worldwide
- Author of 35+ books including the foundational Narrative
Methods for Organizational & Communication Research
- 150+ peer-reviewed articles in top journals
- Vietnam War veteran (1969-70) who personally experienced
the transformative power of restorying
- Co-founder of PerView Inc. (501c3) and the True
Storytelling Institute
- Developer of the Seven Steps of TogetherStorying
methodology specifically for veteran families
Dr. Grace Ann Rosile
Professor, New Mexico State University
- Co-developer of TogetherStorying and embodied restorying
methodologies
- Extensive publications on Indigenous leadership,
narrative transformation, and organizational change
- Expert in somatic, embodied approaches to coaching and
transformation
- Western Dressage practitioner bringing equine wisdom to
coaching (for ranch programs)
- Co-founder of PerView Inc. dedicated to serving military
families
- Specialist in ethics and trauma-informed coaching
practices
"Learning from Dr. Boje and Dr. Rosile
wasn't just about techniques—it was about understanding the
deep theoretical foundation AND the practical application.
They've spent decades researching transformation, and in 3
days they distilled it into something I could actually use to
help people." — Retreat Participant, Licensed Therapist
Is This Retreat Right for You?
Before you invest, let's be honest
about whether this intensive training is the right fit.
This Retreat is PERFECT for you if:
- ✅ You want to support veterans/first responders AND
learn how to serve them yourself
- ✅ You believe transformation comes from creating new
patterns, not endlessly analyzing old ones
- ✅ You can commit to 3 full days of intensive,
experiential learning
- ✅ You're open to using embodied methods like sandtray
(no horses at this retreat, but sandtray work is central)
- ✅ You value research-backed methodology with 35+ years
of published work
- ✅ You're willing to be coached yourself as part of the
learning process
- ✅ You can volunteer time after training to serve in our
programs (even 2-4 hours/month makes a difference)
- ✅ Your $2,500 investment is both training for you AND
donation to the mission
This Retreat May NOT be right for you if:
- ❌ You believe healing requires people to relive and
process every traumatic detail
- ❌ You're only interested in traditional talk therapy
approaches
- ❌ You can't commit to 3 full days (Friday evening
through Sunday afternoon)
- ❌ You're looking for a quick weekend certification to
add to your credentials without any volunteer commitment
- ❌ You're not comfortable with experiential, hands-on
learning methods
- ❌ You can't cover your own travel, lodging, and meals to
Catalina Island
Upcoming Retreat Dates & Registration
Next Retreat Dates: Coming Soon
We're currently finalizing dates
for our next Catalina Island TogetherStorying Retreat.
Retreats are typically scheduled quarterly (4 times per
year) to accommodate different schedules.
To be notified when dates are announced:
Questions Before You Register?
We're happy to answer any questions about the retreat, the
methodology, or how your investment supports our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not a therapist or coach. Can I still attend?
Absolutely! Many of our most effective volunteer coaches are
donors and supporters who had no prior coaching background. If
you're committed to the mission and willing to learn, we'll
teach you everything you need to know.
What's the difference between this retreat and the
12-session certification program?
The certification program is a comprehensive 8-10 month
training including monthly Zoom sessions, assessments, and two
ranch practicum weekends. This 3-day retreat is an intensive
introduction that prepares you to volunteer in our programs.
Some retreat graduates go on to pursue full certification.
Will I be certified to practice TogetherStorying coaching
after the retreat?
You'll receive a completion certificate and be equipped to
volunteer as a coach in our supervised programs (monthly Zoom
sessions, ranch events). To practice independently or use
TogetherStorying professionally, you'd need to complete the
full 12-session certification.
Is the retreat investment tax-deductible?
Yes! Your $2,500 payment is a tax-deductible donation to
PerView Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You'll
receive a donation receipt for your records. Consult your tax
advisor for specifics.
What if I can't volunteer after the training?
While we hope retreat participants will become volunteer
coaches, there's no binding obligation. However, we ask that
you come with the intention to serve—even 2-4 hours a month
makes a significant difference to military families.
Do I need to bring my own sandtray to the retreat?
No, we'll have sandtray materials available for the retreat.
If you decide to continue with TogetherStorying in your own
practice, we'll provide vendor recommendations for purchasing
your own kit (typically $200-400).
What's the cancellation policy?
Because retreat fees directly fund free services for veterans
and first responders, we have a 30-day cancellation policy.
Cancellations more than 30 days before the retreat receive a
full refund minus a $250 processing fee. Cancellations within
30 days are non-refundable but can be transferred to a future
retreat.
Can I bring a guest or partner to the island?
Absolutely! While only registered participants can attend the
training sessions, you're welcome to bring family or friends
who can enjoy Catalina Island while you're in training. They
can join you for evening meals and exploring the island.
Ready to Learn, Serve, and Transform?
Join us on Catalina Island for 3 days
that will change how you understand transformation—and
give you the tools to create it in the lives of those who
served.
Your Next Steps:
- Register your interest to be notified
when dates are announced
- Book your travel and accommodations
once dates are confirmed
- Make your $2,500 donation via Zeffy to
secure your spot
- Prepare to learn from Dr. Boje and Dr.
Rosile in a transformative island setting
- Begin volunteering to serve veterans
and first responders with your new skills
"The Catalina retreat was the most
meaningful investment I've made in years. I came as a donor
wanting to understand the cause. I left as a trained coach
committed to serving military families every month. My $2,500
didn't just fund the mission—it transformed my relationship to
giving." — Retreat Participant & Monthly Volunteer
Your
MIND-BODY-SOUL will recognize this conversation
immediately.
With
love and high quantum vibration,
If
this
year is about telling a NEW STORY, this is the place to
start.
with
love
and high quantum vibration,
David Michael Boje
CEO and Founder, TogetherStorying Intelligent
Pragmatism 2026 PerView Inc. |
Certified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | EIN:
33-4129438