Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19, 2026
Additional Day (optional): April 15, 2026
(Wednesday dinner to Thursday afternoon check-in)
Essex Woods Meeting & Retreat Center, Essex, MA
https://essexwoods.com
In this time of intense and often anxiety-provoking divisiveness in our culture, increasing our personal groundedness and capacity for empathetic connection with others becomes all the more important. Connecting authentically – both within ourselves and with others – includes the ability to express our assertiveness clearly and to cultivate our tenderness. We need to both give voice to our personal values, beliefs, and feelings, and also know how and when to contain our expression. At this gathering we aim to strengthen grounding— first within ourselves and then with each other. In supportive community we will deepen personal connections and expand our capacity for making healthy choices in relating to one another.
We extend a special invitation to individuals new to bioenergetic therapy.
A significant portion of the time during the conference will be in small “process groups” where participants will have opportunities to discuss the talks and experience bioenergetic therapy sessions. We plan for the process groups to be organized as follows:
Louise Fréchette, M.Ps, is a psychologist, a certified bioenergetic therapist, and an IIBA faculty member. She has been in private practice in Montreal since 1980. From 1987 until today, she has been teaching bioenergetic analysis in various countries: Canada, the United States, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand. She is the author of several articles; a blog called A Body Psychotherapist’s Journal; and a book for therapists, Helping Mothers, Helping Babies: Somatic Perinatal Psychotherapy.
Leslie Ann Costello, PhD, L Psych, CBT, is a licensed psychologist, certified bioenergetic therapist, and local trainer for the Atlantic Canada Society for Bioenergetic Analysis. She has training in Circle of Security parenting, EMDR, perinatal mental health, and perinatal bereavement. She is the author of several articles and a blog. A Body Psychotherapist’s Journal, and Helping Mothers, Helping Babies: Somatic Perinatal Psychotherapy, a book for therapists.
The conference fees include three overnights, nine full meals (starting with Thursday dinner and ending with Sunday lunch), use of facilities (hot tub, sauna, fire circle) and full program. If paid in full by March 22, 2026, the cost of the conference is:
| Double: | $1,050 |
| Triple: | $950 |
| Single: | $1,250 |
| Non-residential: | $875 |
The fee for continuing education credits, if requested, is $50.00.
Conference fees without the early registration discount or any enrollment after March 22 are as follows:
| Double: | $1,150 |
| Triple: | $1,050 |
| Single: | $1,350 |
| Non-residential: | $975 |
We invite you to join us on Wednesday evening to enjoy the conference with a smaller group and spend extra time on the beautiful grounds of Essex Woods. This additional registration includes dinner and lodging on Wednesday, breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Program on Thursday includes bioenergetic exercise class, and experiential workshop led by Louise Fréchette. Participants may also enjoy a quiet day on the beautiful grounds. The additional cost is:
| Double: | $325 |
| Single: | $375 |
Some financial assistance is available. Please send an email stating your financial needs to Susan Kanor at susankanor@gmail.com.
Please complete the registration form below and send your check payable to MSBA to:
MSBA
Post Office Box 79026
Waverley MA 02479
Please note the town change in the above address. The post office prefers we use “Waverley MA” instead of “Belmont MA”.
We prefer payment by check to avoid processing fees associated with other forms of payment; however, payments by Venmo (@mass-bioenergetics) or credit card via PayPal (msba@massbioenergetics.org) will also be accepted.
Cancellations prior to March 22, 2026, are refunded minus a $100 processing fee. Cancellations between March 23 to March 29, 2026, are refunded minus a $200 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after March 29.
TOTAL DUE: $
