J A Forrester
October 22nd, 2025
I had such a remarkable experience at 4 Winds. I honestly had no idea what to expect before I got there. I’ve always been a very “linear”, type of person. I relied on Western medicine and Western philosophies and therapies to get me through some of the darkest times in my life. It didn’t work. My trauma was so deeply seeded that I couldn’t see it for what it was. At 4 Winds, I learned strategies that actually help. Even something as simple as breath work can yield amazing results if you just do it right! In the four weeks that I was there, I was introduced to practices that would help me long-term deal with my trauma and the shame that had driven me for so long. One of the most significant concepts that I worked on while I was there was to have the ability to create boundaries within my life and with the people in my life. The entire staff is fabulous. The food was unbelievable and the lodging couldn’t have been nicer. Plus, the friendships that I made while I was there, I anticipate will be lifelong relationships. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to go to
4 Winds. It really was a once in a lifetime experience.
Penny Marie
March 12th, 2025
I am a woman in my 50s, who went completely blind for 3 years in my twenties and through an experimental surgery, I gained 20% Vision in my left eye. I never took the time to grieve the loss of my vision (my trauma), as I was a single mother of a 7-year-old at the time. Also battling the addiction of alcoholism. Although I do have 10 years of sobriety and have worked my 12-step program twice, I started to spiral and literally didn't know where to turn. I knew deep down that I needed to dive deeper into my root cause of my depression and suffering. I did a Google research for a woman's health center and that's how I found 4Winds Farm. I live in Southern California and there are many programs here but something kept drawing me to Colorado. In desperation I made the phone call and Dora answered. She was kind, compassionate and related to what I was going through. She assured me that this program would definitely benefit me. She couldn't be more correct!!
Occurred to me that the weather was not going to be ideal for me only having 20% vision and it be mid-January 2025. So I decided to go during spring. It did not take but one week where I was getting ready to blow up my life and marriage once again due to my inability to cope. So I gave Dora another call and asked her if I could come that week. She said "of course, honey let me know when you buy your ticket and we will be there to pick you up".
From the moment I was picked up, by Mary Beth and Mel, I already felt welcomed and cared for. Prior to me getting there Dora asked me if I would be okay in an apartment on my own. As she was concerned of the spiral staircase in the shared two bedroom. "Absolutely I can, I would prefer it!" , I confirmed.
The apartment was very cozy and clean. I felt very comfortable my entire stay of 30 days. Because of my limited vision , the snow on the ground and the ice, I agreed to accept a ride to and from the main house and Studio for group and one-on-one sessions.
Before I arrived, I made a promise to myself that I would surrender and dive headfirst into whatever was offered to me for my healing. I believe that I had hit a bottom or a ceiling that I couldn't break through, until I started to understand Shadow work taught by india. How to regulate my nervous system taught by Julie. Brain spotting with Bridget! Like wow! She found a way that I could do it without having to actually "see". Instead it was through "insight" I don't think I cried that hard in all my life. Discovering what I discovered that day. Having to "feel to heal". Bridget also facilitated Zoom family sessions with my husband and myself. We have been through six different therapists and she is the first one where I felt we can get through anything. We are continuing on what therapy outside of my stay.
Yoga and nutrition with Jen was a huge part of my journey especially using food as a source of addiction. Interval workout and boxing with Kami was something I looked forward to. Especially the boxing! I didn't think I would be able to see good enough to do it, but she coached me through it and met me where I was at. It's incredibly empowering. Dena the private Chef was AMAZING!!!! Acupuncture with Michelle was so helpful and healing . Massage with Kate was icing on the cake! We were taught about the medicine wheel and lineage from Lynette. Judy literally helped me retrieve my soul. Mel, who made it possible for me to join in on archery. Who knew? She did! She had the faith in me and I did it!
When I mention these women... it's truly hard to describe what they have given to me. Not to mention, the other clients/ women who were there along on my journey learning from each other. Laughing loving and learning. Oh yeah and lots of crying LOL but the good cry. I loved the Gritto so much, it's something I'll always have in my bag of tools I received here.
I highly recommend 4Winds Farm to ANY woman for ANYTHING!! My wish and hope for the future is for any woman in crisis or just overwhelmed in life, to experience all of these gifts that were given to me.
Crystal Thomas
December 26th, 2022
My stay at 4 Winds is absolutely the best thing I have ever done for my mental health! The variety of treatments are used together and complement each other very well. Before my stay at 4Winds I had always dreamed of being as mentally healthy as I have been the past 6 months. I did all the things, years of counseling, still I couldn't get out of the fight or flight trap and it continued to effect every aspect of my life. I am and will forever be greatful for the team at 4WINDS.
Cindy Voll
April 27th, 2025
4 Winds is a magical place, their approach to therapy is spiritual and innovative. But what sets them apart is the location, and their beyond AMAZING staff and therapists! The staff, and this is an understatement, are truly like family. Their attention to details, your individual needs is carefully crafted to help you get the most out of your stay. The grounds of this unique place is very healing, the individual apartment(s) are so comfortable and welcoming, I didn’t want to leave! The gourmet meals are to die for fresh and delicious! I felt immensely pampered and walked away feeling Rejuvenated, Heart center and ready to face the world. I would go back in a heart beat, Not just for the treatments, but because the staff are like family and I have Developed everlasting friendship! 4 Winds is spiritual, loving, caring And very healing!
Kathy Colbenson
May 29th, 2025
I went to 4 Winds for help in healing from the trauma and losses of my husband, daughter and subsequently my life’s work leading a mental health nonprofit focused on children youth and families for almost 40 years. Their holistic approach and use of plant medicine was incredibly impactful and transformative. I have increased awareness and more tools in my toolbox. I highly recommend them.