A 10 DAY INTENSIVE RETREAT IN ESPANOLA ONTARIO
H.E.A.L.I.N.G With Jesus (HWJ)
Dates: October 29th to November 7th 2025
Location: The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre
A Healing Journey for Both Partners Awaits
The recent discovery or disclosure of secret sexual behaviours can feel devastating to a couple, shaking the foundation of trust and intimacy. Healing, however, is possible—and it begins with creating space for sobriety, emotional stability, and trauma recovery.
This coordinated retreat is designed to support both partners in their unique paths to healing. Betrayed partners will have access to comprehensive online support, while men struggling with dysphilia will attend an intensive, in-person psycho-spiritual program—something like a transformative bootcamp for the heart, mind, and spirit.
If dysphilia has disrupted your marriage, this could be the first step toward rebuilding trust, restoring connection, and setting things right!
A Gateway to Lasting Freedom for You and Your Spouse
A 10 Day Catholic Intensive Retreat in the Canadian Wilderness
For Catholic men committed to healing from Dysphilia (pornography and sex addiction)
What is Dysphilia?
Dysphilia
dɪs-ˈfɪl-i-ə (noun)
Definition (clinical):
A maladaptive pattern of relating to self and others marked by distorted, deficient, or dysfunctional expressions of love, affection, or intimacy. Dysphilia is characterized by:
- Negative or conflicted self-concept that impairs the ability to receive or give love.
- Intimacy avoidance, emotional detachment, or overidealization of relationships.
- Reliance on secretive, compulsive, or unfaithful sexual behaviors (e.g., pornography use, sex addiction, extradyadic sexual activity) to regulate self-esteem or cope with relational distress.
- Reinforcement cycles where shame and self-condemnation further perpetuate the dysfunctional patterns.
Clinical Relevance:
Dysphilia is not an established diagnostic category in ICD-10 or ICD-11, but the construct overlaps with and may contribute to conditions including:
- F52.7 (ICD-10): Sexual aversion and lack of sexual enjoyment.
- 6D30 (ICD-11): Compulsive sexual behavior disorder.
- F60.3 (ICD-10) / 6D10 (ICD-11): Emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder, where unstable self-image and difficulties in intimate relationships are present.
- Z63.5 (ICD-10/11): Disruption of family by separation and divorce, when relational dysfunction plays a central role.
Differentiation:
Unlike paraphilic disorders (ICD-11: 6D32–6D36), dysphilia does not necessarily involve atypical sexual interests; rather, it reflects a core disturbance in the capacity for healthy love of self and others, which may underlie or exacerbate sexual and relational disorders.
Etymology: From Greek dys- “bad, ill, difficult” + philia “love, affection.” Coined by Michael A. Browning, RP (2025).
Rediscover Yourself in Nature at a Peaceful Retreat Center
Step away from the noise of everyday life and into the serene embrace of the Canadian wilderness at an established Catholic Retreat Center. This 10 Day, clinician-led psycho-spiritual retreat is a powerful opportunity for individuals seeking lasting recovery from Dysphilia, often termed pornography and sex addiction, and has the backing and support of the local ordinary Bishop Thomas Dowd. Through expert guidance, psychological and spiritual experiences, and a supportive community, you’ll begin a journey of deep personal transformation.
Why This Intensive Retreat Works
This isn’t just a break—it’s a breakthrough. Our program is designed to help you reconnect with your values, transform your faith in God, rebuild trust in yourself, and develop the tools for sustained sobriety and rebuilding the trust of your spouse.
Clinician-Led Healing
- Led by Michael A. Browning, RP, MDiv, MA, and other licensed therapists specializing in addiction recovery
- Evidence-based approaches including CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness
- Daily group and individual brief sessions tailored to your unique journey
Safe, Supportive Community
- Small group size ensures intimacy and safety
- Shared experiences foster empathy, accountability, and hope
- Confidential, judgment-free environment
Tools for Lasting Sobriety
- Develop a personalized recovery plan
- Learn relapse prevention strategies and emotional regulation techniques
- Build habits that support long-term healing and growth
* Immerse yourself into a specialized hybrid of Lectio Divina, Ignatian Exercise, and Parts Work therapy (HWJ method).
A Message of Hope
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a courageous step. This retreat is for those who are ready to face their struggles with honesty and determination. Your past actions speak to the lies you believed about yourself. Understanding the truth of what afflicts you and starting anew with grace and with new tools means healing is not only possible, it’s within reach.
We believe in the healing power of God, connection, and expert care to help you reclaim your life. Whether you’ve tried other paths or are just beginning your recovery journey, this retreat offers a fresh start grounded in compassion and clarity.
The In-Person Intensive Retreat Is For:
- Catholic men seeking intensive support for pornography or sex addiction
- Those motivated to make lasting changes in a safe, structured setting
- People ready to explore healing beyond traditional therapy
The Online Spousal Support Group Is For:
- Catholic women who have been struggling after discovery or disclosure of their husband’s secret compulsive sexual behaviors.
- To help partners start their journey to healing from the trauma of betrayal
Upcoming Retreat Dates & Registration
Our 10 Day Intensive Retreat will be held:
Date
October 29, 2025 – November 7, 2025
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
Location
The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre
1091 Anderson Lake Road, Espanola, Ontario, Canada, P5E 1T1
Financial Commitment: The combined program including online support for spouses is $5499 CDN or $3999 USD, with reductions if opting out of the spousal program or if you choose to share a room.
BOOK YOUR INTAKE BEFORE FEAR AND DOUBT STEAL YOUR RESOLVE!
Spaces are limited to ensure a deeply personal experience.
Secure your space with a small deposit today
Let this 10 Day Intensive Retreat be your turning point.
Let us walk beside you toward freedom.
Considerations:
- Due to the exchange the cost to US residents is much reduced compared to care in the USA.
- If traveling from the USA ensure you have a valid Passport that is not due for renewal for at least 6 months.
- Do not have a criminal record that might prevent entry.
- This is in the Great White North so pack with expectation of snow.
- Insurance will likely not cover US Residents receiving therapy in Canada.
- Canadian Residents may only get a partial insurance coverage due to the costs including rooms and food but most plans are capped at a certain dollar amount.
- Consider travel and health insurance coverage. The intensive does not have medical staff.
- The earlier you commit, the less expensive your airfare will be.
- In ALL cases, if use of insurance is intended, you have the sole onus to check first.
- *Deposits will be returned to anyone not chosen to attend by our intake team.
- Confidentiality of all participants is expected as everyone has mutual desire to keep these kind of matters confidential for themselves.
- An aftercare online support group and coaching is available for an additional cost but many participants will be encouraged to get a therapist local to them for individual and couple psychotherapy.
Remember that “Addiction is a solo sport, recovery is a team sport!”
About The Whitestone Clinic
The Whitestone Clinic is an Ottawa-based psychotherapy and counselling center offering support to individuals, couples, families, and groups, with a specialized focus on intimacy disorders such as Dysphilia (sex addiction) and Partner Betrayal Trauma.
As a clinic, our therapists integrate diverse therapeutic models to provide compassionate, education-based care—though we do not offer medical or psychiatric services.
Committed to advocacy and outreach, we provide programs and resources aimed at prevention and recovery for those affected by Dysphilia/sex addiction and their loved ones. If you’re seeking help or a current client ready to continue your journey, contact us at 866-288-9669 or contact@whitestone.clinic.
