Dimensions Retreat Homepage

Immersive Experiences That Heal.

ELEVATE for EMS is a four-month program conducted by Dimensions, an Ontario based interdisciplinary clinic provider. The program, designated and approved by Veterans Affairs Canada, is aimed at restoring self-regulation, and resolving the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression and substance use.​ The EMS program begins with individual and group therapy, followed by a 10-day inpatient stay held in nature at Dimensions Algonquin Highland’s 40-acre lakeside property, and is supported by twelve weeks of online group therapy (aftercare).

At Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, healing modalities will include psychotherapy and for those with medical cannabis prescriptions, we provide an opportunity to integrate your own medical cannabis into your retreat program, as desired, learning techniques on how to use cannabis mindfully and with intention.

Intentional cannabis-use in a therapeutic context will put you into a relaxed state, and promotes uncensored, natural thoughts without inhibitions. Working through these thoughts with a skilled therapist is where healing begins. 

The ten-day inpatient retreat will offer a chance for transformation through a combination of community, psychotherapy, and mind-body practices in nature.

Some of the key elements of this immersive program include mind-body practices to overcome trauma and the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use through psychotherapy, and Somatic Release Practices. Somatic psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health issues. Somatic psychotherapy focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body, facilitating a deeper and often more immediate path to healing than cognitive-only methods.

Embark on your healing journey in the breathtaking Algonquin Highlands of Ontario.  Each program offers you the opportunity to be surrounded by your peers in a supportive community experience. 

What

A cannabis tolerant, dog-friendly in-patient retreat centre offering a holistic suite of wellness treatments, informed by neuroscience, and led by experienced and licensed psychotherapists and clinicians.

Where

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands
1218 Canopy Lane,
Algonquin Highlands,
Ontario, Canada
888-884-4222, ext. 1306

When

Five pre-retreat preparation sessions
10day inpatient retreat program
Twelve weeks of post-retreat after-care sessions

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MENU Plans

Our Chef caters to each Guest’s specific needs and preferences. Nourishing food is a key element in our program and supports the healing process.

SERVICES

Psychotherapy

  • Group Therapy (online, pre + post retreat)
  • Individual Somatic Therapy
  • Group Somatic Therapy
  • Biosound® Chair (Biofeedback)
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Sound Therapy

Somatic Release

  • Acupuncture
  • Breathwork
  • Float Tank
  • Light Therapy
  • Registered Massage Therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Reflexology
  • QiGong
  • Yoga

Metaphysical

  • Guided Meditation  

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR APPROVAL PROCESS

 

First Responders Brief PDF (583Kb)

ENQUIRE HERE

 

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Why Choose Dimensions?

 

Dimensions’ evidence-based programs for EMS draws on timeless wisdom of traditional healing practices combined with neuroscience to inspire an evolution of mind, body, and spirit.

 

A Dimensions Retreat is a place to reconnect with yourself and heal from within. Facilitated by evidence-based therapies. Dimensions offers a holistic approach to resilience and self-growth all taking place amongst the lush Ontario woodlands of the Algonquin Highlands.

ELEVATE FOR EMS

Your Experience

Your path to healing actually begins well before you arrive at your retreat.

Our team at Dimensions will get you prepared in the time leading up to your journey. They will be there with you on the ground, during the retreat and will continue to help through the integration process following your time at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands.

ELEVATE

Discovery

Guided collaborative therapy which will allow Dimensions to tailor an experience specific to your individual needs and intentions.

Elevate

Preparation

Preparation begins two weeks prior to your arrival. In order to optimize your time throughout this process, Dimensions offers self-directed access to meditations, breathwork and other exercises to help you build the skills needed to get the most out of your journey.

Elevate

Retreat

It is time to connect with others. This retreat begins with a variety of mindfulness-based practices that will allow you to reflect inwards and access hard to reach parts of yourself in a serene and supportive setting. You will also be encouraged to connect outwards with nature and other community members throughout your journey.

PROGRAM DETAILS

What to Expect

Programmed activities, throughout the 10 day retreat, are dependent on treatment schedules
and individual needs:

  • One Intake Assessment to determine suitability
  • Two individual psychotherapy sessions
  • Two group psychotherapy sessions

Mornings:

  • Morning movement, meditation (yoga, Qigong, meditation) or exercise
  • Community breakfast with psychotherapists
  • Group therapy (check-in, goal settling for the day)
  • Group Therapy

Afternoons:

  • Community lunch with psychotherapists
  • Registered Massage Therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Free time seasonal outdoor activities, exercising/journaling etc.

Evenings:

  • Community dinner with psychotherapists
  • Evening Group Session
  • Free time

These therapeutic methods may be used in combination during a retreat both in individual and group settings so as a result, the number of hours provided will vary based on the individual and indication.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Up to 3 hours
  • Reistered Ma­ssage Therapy – 4 hours
  • Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback – 4 hours
  • Somatic Experiencing – Up to 3 hours
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Up to 3 hours
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy – Up to 3 hours
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Up to 9 hours in group
  • Group Somatic Psychotherapy – Up to 15 hours
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – Up to 15 hours
  • Somatic Experiencing – Up to 9 hours
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Up to 9 hours
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy – Up to 9 hours
  • 12 weeks of guided post-retreat aftercare

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands
is located at:

1218 Canopy Lane,
Maple Lake,
Stanhope Township,
Ontario.

Getting there

Map + Location

45° 06′ 22.48″ N, 78° 39′ 29.55″ W

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands can be reached from Toronto by car in under 3 hours. Driving from Toronto via Highway 400 North with a connection to Highway 11N and then a right turn to 118 West brings guests to our door in approximately three hours. From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport, flight time to the nearby Stanhope Municipal Airport (CND4) is one hour. The Retreat spans nearly 16 hectares of woodlands, and is located in Stanhope Township along the shores of Maple Lake, at 1218 Canopy Lane. This forest access road leads south from the Township’s Airport Road, just 6 kilometres from the nearest community of Carnarvon and 20 kilometres from the larger town of Minden, Ontario.

“Northern Ontario's picturesque landscape, with its lakeside setting, robust hills, and expansive forest trails, provides an unparalleled environment for recovery and healing. Studies indicate that spending time in nature significantly aids in the treatment of mental health conditions including PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. By reducing stress levels, increasing mood, and improving sleep, nature can significantly contribute to mental well-being.”

— Donald Currie, RP,
Clinical Director at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands

Elevate

Accomodation

Reset in comfort from any one of our 17 private cabins. Our serene accommodations and thoughtful amenities allow for complete relaxation.

Dotting the edge of a forest or overlooking the water, our cabin suites each have a footprint of about 450 square feet. The cabins feel modern and forward-thinking while remaining rooted in their context and a sense of wholesomeness. Each interior is simple, luxurious and light-filled, with a window seat and private deck that encourage you to immerse yourself in nature, quiet your mind and rest your body.

Menu

From the Kitchen

“We nourish your mind and body with nutritious meals that are also prepared to improve gut health, bringing you to a rest and digest state.”

Cabins

Forest View

Tucked under the boughs of majestic poplar, maple and oak trees, our 12 forest view cabins feel like hidden havens. Their traditional forms echo local architectural vernacular but are rendered absolutely modern through their cedar cladding, porches and minimalist detailing. Skylights and large picture windows fill each cabin with natural light and open them to late-night stargazing. At once minimal and sumptuous, our forest view cabins bring contemporary comfort to the doorstep of nature.

Cabins

Lake View

Watch the sun rise and set from our four south-facing lake view cabins nestled along the shoreline of Maple Lake. Designed to sit discreetly within the landscape, each cedar-clad cabin has a gently sloped roof that rises to allow for sweeping views through a large lake-facing window. Quietly beautiful interiors keep your focus on yourself and your surroundings.