Self, other, world:
multicultural competence TRAININNG
Mexico City, Mexico
October 30 - November 2, 2025
mEXICO CITY
“Self, World, Other is a cultural immersive intensive for helping professionals who take multicultural competence seriously.”
Stop learning about cultural competence from textbooks. Start living it!
What if your next CE requirements could transform not just your practice, but your entire perspective on the world? Our exclusive "Self, Other, World" retreats take you beyond theoretical multicultural training into authentic cultural immersion that changes how you connect with every client who walks through your door.
Picture yourself earning APA-accredited continuing education credits while navigating bustling markets in Mexico, sharing authentic meals prepared by locals, or participating in traditional ceremonies that textbooks can't capture. These aren't tourist experiences with training tacked on—they're carefully designed four-day, three-night experiential odysseys where real cultural encounters become your classroom.
With only 10 participants per retreat, you'll dive deep into meaningful connections while having plenty of unscheduled time to explore, reflect, or simply absorb the transformative power of stepping outside your familiar world. Because the most profound cultural competence doesn't come from studying other cultures—it comes from discovering parts of yourself you never knew existed.
Ready to earn your CE hours while expanding your world? Secure your spot in our next "Self, Other, World" retreat.
your training
(what we’ll do, how we’ll do it)
Using Sue et al.’s (2009) well-established tenets of multicultural competence as a guide, our three-day training focuses on the following three domains:
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Awareness
Discover Your Cultural Lens
What assumptions am I carrying into the therapy room?
We’ll guide you through a transformative half-day journey of self-discovery using powerful insight-building interventions—CBT techniques, Internal Family Systems work, mindfulness practices, and reflective journaling. Together, we'll uncover the cultural worldview we bring to every session and examine how our personal ideologies and values shape what we see, hear, and feel with each client.
This isn't just intellectual exercise—you'll experience real-time awareness of how your cultural lens influences your therapeutic presence.
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Knowledge
Step Into Their World
How can I truly understand my clients' lived experiences?
Learning about culture from textbooks only takes you so far. That's why we've designed an immersive afternoon "field trip" that places you directly in the heart of your host culture. You'll witness firsthand how this community views mental health, what they expect from helping professionals, and how historical and political contexts have shaped their relationship with healing.
Experience becomes your teacher as you develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the worldviews your multicultural clients navigate daily.
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Skills
Bridge Worlds Through Practice
How do I translate cultural understanding into effective therapeutic interventions?
In our experiential processing groups, we'll work alongside you to develop the practical skills that make all the difference. You'll learn to think flexibly about mental health across cultures, discover how to communicate authentically with diverse populations, and master culturally relevant therapeutic interventions that truly resonate with your clients' experiences.
This isn't theoretical—you'll practice, process, and refine these skills in a supportive environment designed to build your confidence and competence.
your hosts
“We have built a truly unique training experience to help broaden your personal and professional horizons. We can’t wait to enjoy this experience with you!”
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As a therapist, Dr. Stephens provides compassionate and inclusive counseling services to those in need. Ashley has worked with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, homelessness, and has trained in a variety of therapeutic styles. Whether the client needs more structured services or an accountability partner to get through to reach their goals, clients can expect to feel supported, listened to, and cared for. Feeling heard and understood is vital and the goal is to help individuals feel safe to explore their current barriers in order to progress past them and move forward to a better tomorrow.
As a consultant and trainer, Dr. Stephens has taught courses in cultural awareness and competency, mindfulness, brain injury, and leadership development. She has coached executive leaders, managers, and front-line employees, while providing opportunities for individuals to grow in the areas of organizational development, team building, executive development, and training. She looks forward to continuing to train and teach others.Item description
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Dr. Ashley Stephens, Ph.D., CSW-S
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Dr. Vanburg is a Licensed Psychologist with specialization in general mental health and trauma related disorders. She earned two B.A.s at The University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Counseling at St. Edwards University. She received her doctorate at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas and completed internship and residency in trauma psychology at the South Texas Veteran's Health Care System (Audie L. Murphy VA). Dr. Vanburg works from a strengths-based, solution-focused orientation that celebrates collaboration, the inherent role of clients as the expert on their experience, and the importance of cultural humility. She is a practitioner and clinical researcher of mindfulness-based interventions and has authored protocols and presentations on the integration of interoceptive and cognitive-based interventions. Dr. Vanburg also currently holds certification in gold-standard trauma treatments Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
In her therapeutic work, Dr. Vanburg uses evidence-based interventions to build personalized, brief, solution-focused programs that encourage, empower, and embolden clients to make value-driven changes and live skillfully. She is honored to work with individuals who are curiously and courageously pursuing big changes and grateful for the opportunity to help them make it happen.
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Dr. Regina Vanburg, Psy D, L.P.
Your Accommodations
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Backyard
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Dining Area
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Bedroom
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Exterior
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Bathroom
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Roof
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Roof
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Roof
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Welcome!
your experience
(what’s included)
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Enjoy 3 nights in Mexico City, in the safety and comfort of this beautiful home.
Your private room is unique and equipped with a double bed and ensuite bathroom with shower.
(Single occupancy only.)
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We have a sumptuous welcome feast planned for our first evening together and breakfast is served daily.
The menu will consist of deliciously authentic local cuisine with consideration to the dietary preferences of attendees.
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A special guest will join us on our first evening. In true Mexican culture we will be taken on a journey through storytelling. Learn about traditions, legends, and lore about healing, illness, grief, and mental health all in this captivating featured lecture.
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You will receive 15 credit hours through APA sponsorship, available for participants with licenses in Social Work, Counseling, and Psychology.
Bonus! We will also provide you with a spreadsheet to track deductible expenses. Flights, food, registration, and accommodations are deductible. This itemized spreadsheet will include options for you to enter any additional expenses you wish to track.
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Transportation to and from the cultural immersion field trip on Day 2 is covered!
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We know that rest is revolutionary, so we are pleased to offer you an experience that is part education and part vacation. We'll keep the training fun and engaging while leaving plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and adventuring.
Download the Full Agenda here
book now!
4 days, 3 Nights
Mexico City, Mexico
$3400
* Payment plans available at check out, including four monthly payments.
Review our Terms and Conditions
Need more time? Stay current on this retreat! Sign up
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Welcome Dinner
Daily Breakfast
Cultural immersion field trip with transportation
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Flights
Transport to and from the airport
Dinner on nights two and three
Lunches and snacks
Did we sell out?
Join the cancellation waitlist HERE!
We’ll be sure to notify you if we have a cancellation for the trips you specify.