Frequently Asked Questions

The C.O.R.E. is a residential, two-day trauma-recovery intensive designed to help men move beyond the wounds and experiences that keep them tied to the past. The weekend combines psychoeducation, nervous-system regulation, somatic healing, nature-based practices, and experiential trauma-release modalities.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma can affect the body, relationships, beliefs, and daily life while developing practical tools for regulation, resilience, connection, and intentional living.

The next C.O.R.E. Intensive will take place November 13–15, 2026.

Participants must plan to attend the entire weekend. More detailed arrival and departure information will be provided after registration.

The intensive will be held at The Living Sanctuary at Valaterra, located at:

7101 Shrader Lane

La Grange, Kentucky 40031

Valaterra is an environmentally conscious retreat space surrounded by nature and designed to provide a comfortable, peaceful setting for reflection, connection, and personal work.

Learn more about Valaterra here.

Yes. Participants will remain at the retreat location for the duration of the intensive. Because the experience is designed as a complete and connected process, participants must plan to stay for the entire weekend rather than commute or attend only certain portions.

The C.O.R.E. Intensive is intended for adult men who feel stuck, disconnected, burdened by past experiences, or ready to examine patterns that may be affecting their relationships and daily lives.

Participants do not need previous experience with therapy, group work, meditation, or somatic practices.

No. The C.O.R.E. Intensive is not a replacement for ongoing individual therapy, psychiatric care, substance-use treatment, crisis intervention, or other medical or mental-health services.

Participants who currently work with a therapist or other provider may wish to discuss the weekend with that provider and arrange additional support afterward.

The weekend may include psychoeducation, guided reflection, nervous-system regulation exercises, movement, somatic practices, nature-based activities, group discussion, and experiential trauma-recovery work. Participants will receive more detailed preparation information following registration. 

Participants will be invited to engage honestly and meaningfully, but they will not be expected to disclose every detail of their history. Staff will encourage participants to communicate their limits and make informed choices about their level of participation.

Some activities may be emotionally challenging, and participants should be prepared to remain present, respectful, and engaged throughout the weekend.

Participants will be expected to respect the privacy of everyone attending and not share another participant’s personal experiences outside the intensive. However, no group setting can guarantee absolute confidentiality.

Yes. The facilitators are licensed therapists and are legally required to report certain information under Kentucky law. These requirements arise under KRS 620.030, KRS 209.030, and KRS 202A.400. 

They must take appropriate action when:

• they know or have reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused, neglected, exploited, trafficked, or otherwise endangered;
• they have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult who may be unable to protect themselves is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation; or
• a participant communicates an actual threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable person and the legal requirements for a duty to warn are met.

Depending on the circumstances, this may require the facilitators to contact protective services, law enforcement, the person who may be at risk, or another appropriate party. When possible and appropriate, the facilitators will explain the concern and the steps they are legally required to take.

Yes. Participants must refrain from alcohol, recreational drugs, and other non-prescribed intoxicating substances for at least 72 hours before arriving and throughout the entire intensive.

Participants should continue taking prescribed medications as directed by their medical provider unless instructed otherwise by that provider.

A complete packing list will be sent to registered participants before the intensive. Participants should generally expect to bring comfortable clothing, appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear, personal toiletries, prescribed medications, and anything else identified in the preparation materials.

Participants who have mobility, dietary, sensory, medical, or other accommodation needs should contact The CORE Initiative before registering or as early as possible.

The team will discuss the request and determine whether the participant’s needs can be safely and reasonably supported during the weekend.

No. Registration or submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

The CORE Initiative may conduct a screening process to determine whether the intensive is appropriate for each applicant. Staff reserve the right to decline or withdraw participation when necessary to protect the safety, well-being, or integrity of the participant, staff, or group.

After registration, participants will receive additional information about screening, preparation, required forms, arrival and departure times, what to bring, and other weekend logistics.

Participants should complete all requested materials by the stated deadlines.

Please use the contact form or email info@thecoreinitiative. A member of the team will typically respond within 2–3 business days. You can visit our Contact page here to send us a message.

Do not use the contact form for an emergency or immediate mental-health crisis. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, or call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.