Write Your Healing Story
Do you have a story living inside you but you’re unsure of how to start or where to go next?
WRITE YOUR HEALING STORY
Saturday, September 12, 2026 from (9:30am arrival) 10:00am - 6:00pm. Location: Carvoeiro
A one-day memoir writing retreat in the Algarve
There are stories we tell.
And then there are the stories that live beneath them.
The ones we haven’t fully shaped.
The ones we’re not sure how to begin.
The ones that ask something of us.
This one-day retreat is an invitation to step away from your daily life and into a quieter space—where you can begin to listen more closely to your own story.
Through guided reflection, conversation, writing, and time in nature, you will begin to uncover the deeper thread of your memoir—and how to bring it into form. Held in the serene beauty of the Algarve, this retreat offers time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your vision, far from daily distractions.
Who is this retreat for?
Writers and aspiring authors needing time, rest, connection and clarity for their stories
Those struggling with self-doubt or feeling overwhelmed by the writing of a personal story
Anyone with an idea that they can't quite shape into a coherent outline
Writers who’ve started a memoir but need a reset, feedback, or new perspective
People who crave a supportive, non-judgmental writing community
Open to men and women
NO WRITING EXPERIENCE NEEDED. IF YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH WRITING FOR YOURSELF OR TO PUBLISH THIS IS FOR YOU.
What People Are Saying
“I spent a day with Alicia and like-minded writers in a beautiful, peaceful setting (complete with sweet dog Sophie and cat Merlin) with wonderful food and treats throughout the day.
I arrived with only a vague notion of a writing project ("memoir-ish") that I had been contemplating -- and putting off! -- for decades. I left with not just a clear vision of the project, but specific steps and strategies to get it started and keep it going.
Most importantly, I had renewed energy and excitement about the work at hand and could feel and understand the joy and healing that this work could engender in me.
Alicia excels at creating an environment that provides safety and support while simultaneously challenging each person to identify, face, and clear away any obstacles in their path.
And then -- she listens with deep care and respect, gently holds each project up to the light, dusts it off, turns it in a new direction, and says, "Did you notice this gorgeous little gem hiding just over here? And this one? And over here?" And...we do! I did. And my 20-year old dream took root and its first steps that day.
Alicia is magic.”
— Kadi L.
“Attending Alicia Rodriguez’s retreat "Write Your Healing Story” was a watershed event in my writing journey.
Finishing my book had become very stressful. I had lost the joy of the story. Unconsciously, I had become so focused on “getting it right” that I could not hear my own voice.
Through a series of in depth conversations, reflections and writing sessions, Alicia showed me how to uncover my authentic voice and regain the joy of writing. It was a beautiful day in a lovely setting. Alicia truly cares about her clients.”
Thank you, Alicia.
—Louise Sander
“I attended Alicia‘s workshop because I have been curious about writing for a long time, but I’ve never stopped to do it consistently.
What surprised me is in spite of being a beginner in this area, I feel like I’ve covered a lot of ground over this one day conversation. I am calling it a conversation because that’s really how it felt. Intimate. Flow. Easy.
What shifted for me is that I now feel confident and motivated to engage in this activity of writing, but at a pace that suits my current life.
I have also identified the key life theme for me to explore which is a massive find!
What’s next for me is that I will start writing for a short period of time but consistently. And I will have the support of the other participants with whom I have developed such a strong connection in such a short time.
I recommend this workshop for anybody who is either simply curious about writing or someone who is perhaps stuck and is looking for support to continue moving forward.
— Marie-Claude L.
What to expect
This retreat focuses on creating the container, the quiet and space to hear your story speak to you. While resources for craft and structure will be available, our emphasis is on helping you overcome internal barriers to writing a story that is authentic and still resonates with readers.
Memoir is our focus. You’ll…
Gain clarity on what your story is really about
Discover the thread that runs through your narrative, focusing you when you drift
Understand how and where in your memoir to begin
Learn how to structure and outline for flow
Take the first steps toward writing your healing story
Create the conditions for your story to emerge
Group Conversations: Supportive discussions with Alicia and fellow writers to explore new approaches, to laugh together, to break bread and rediscover your creative expression
Creative Space for Inspiration: Our location will be chosen for its intimacy and ability to enhance the creative process. Think garden, terrace, comfy seating not a meeting room.
Time for Stillness: Quiet time for deep reflection and writing
Practical and Inspirational: A combination of moving inward and outward.
Your day at a glance
Arrival and Welcome: Come in. Coffee, tea, something good to eat. A gentle opening exercise to leave the noise of the road behind and arrive in your full self.
Enter the space: After a grounding meditation, we begin by sharing our stories, what brought you to this point, what questions you may have and the why behind your memoir. You will surely see similarities with others who are also on this journey.
The Conversation: I’ll introduce you to some practices, we’ll do a few exercises together to get under the story and you’ll begin to understand what it is truly about.
Lunch: Good food, more conversation, a walk in the garden, no agenda just connection.
Practice: You’ll craft the structure of your story and begin to write your first chapter. No “constructive criticism” is allowed but feedback is welcome.
Close: A clear intention, a commitment and shared support ending with a poem and a short meditation.
Celebrate: You are invited to share a glass of wine and nibbles.
Investment
Fee per person: EARLY BIRD AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST 15, 2026 $299 USD includes guidance, coffee, snacks, lunch and a workbook.
On or after August 15 Fee per person is $349 USD.
Cancel without penalty before 30 days in advance. No refunds within 30 days as space is limited.
After registering, I will contact you for a brief conversation about your goals.
The exact location will be shared upon registering. It will be in Carvoeiro.
Lodging, meals, and transportation are not included. I will make recommendations for these.
Limited to 5 participants (minimum of 2 required). The limited attendance allows for intimate conversations, without any hurry, and creates a safe environment where you can have transformational conversations and mindshifts. You receive one/one attention as you engage the process and you are supported by the other writers in the group.
Inspired by Beauty
INTERESTED IN JOINING BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO BE IN A GROUP?
I can customize this group experience specifically for you.
Or you might consider private mentoring options.
For questions, schedule an interview below.
GET IN TOUCH!
Please reach out and ask me about group experiences.