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Compassionate Self Archeology™ Intensives

Frequently Asked Questions

Question Categories

Program Content & Structure

  1. What does a typical day look like?

Each day of a CSA Intensive follows a steady, intentional rhythm designed to support focus, safety, and depth—without feeling rigid or overwhelming.

Mornings begin together. We start around 8:00am with a home-cooked breakfast, followed by a gentle check-in. On the first day, this is simply an opportunity to arrive—who you are and what brought you here. On subsequent days, check-ins often reflect on insights, questions, or moments of clarity that emerged the day before. Sharing is always optional; listening is just as valued.

We then ground into the work. Each morning includes a simple mindfulness practice to help settle attention and bring us into the space together. This may include meditation, light movement or yoga, a walking practice, or another accessible way of arriving inward. No prior experience is needed.

The main body of the day follows the CSA process. Building on the archeological approach described above, the day moves between facilitated learning and personal exploration. Ideas and perspectives are introduced in a conversational, guided way, then explored personally through reflection, hands-on creative processes, and optional group dialogue. The rhythm allows understanding to deepen gradually, layer by layer, without force or urgency.

Meals and pacing are intentional. We break for a full hour-long lunch midday, giving time to rest, integrate, or enjoy quiet connection. The formal day typically wraps up between 5:00–6:00pm, followed by a home-cooked dinner together around 6:30pm.

Evenings are spacious. Evenings are unstructured, offering time to rest, reflect, or be on your own. Throughout the day, you move at your own pace. There is no requirement to share anything you’re not ready or willing to share. The intention is to create a focused, well-held environment where insight can emerge naturally and be integrated with care.

Group Services: The small-group format fosters a supportive and shared experience, where participants can engage in self-exploration alongside others on a similar path. Through structured lessons, guided reflection, and optional sharing, the group provides an opportunity to witness, connect, and practice self-compassion in a safe and facilitated environment. This format is ideal for those who value learning through shared insights while maintaining personal space for individual processing.

Individual Services: The individual format offers a personalized, one-on-one experience, allowing for tailored pacing, deeper exploration, and customized support. With direct guidance from a facilitator, participants will unpack their early blueprint, explore adaptive behaviors, and integrate new insights in a private and focused setting. This approach is ideal for those seeking deeper, individualized attention and a program adapted to their unique needs and personal themes.

  1. How does the program balance group activities and individual reflection?

The schedule is designed to balance group discussions, interactive exercises, and private reflection time, ensuring that both communal and personal needs are met.

  1. If I'm a private person, would the group services be a bad idea for me?

Not necessarily! You are always in control of how much or how little you choose to share. Some participants find that verbalizing their discoveries helps with processing, while others prefer to reflect more privately. Regardless of your level of sharing, simply being present in a supportive space can be profoundly impactful. Many find that witnessing others’ experiences fosters deeper self-understanding, and the connections formed within the group can be meaningful, even without extensive personal sharing.

  1. If I'm part of a group, will there be opportunities for one on one support? 

Yes, even in a group format, facilitators often offer brief individual guidance during the program. Additional one-on-one support can be arranged as needed. 

  1. Do I need prior experience with self-reflection or therapy to participate?

No prior experience is necessary. The program is designed to meet you where you are, whether you're new to personal growth or have been on this path for years.

  1. What if others have experienced harder lives than I have? Or, what if my experiences feel too much to approach?

Compassionate Self Archeology™ isn’t about comparing pain or forcing yourself into overwhelming material. It’s not a contest—and if it were, many of us would decide we either don’t deserve support or are beyond it.

This work focuses on how your system adapted to what you lived through, not on measuring whose experiences were “worse.” The process is paced, intentional, and grounded in safety. You are never asked to go faster or deeper than your nervous system can tolerate.

Your experiences matter because they shaped you—and CSA meets you there, without minimization or overwhelm.

  1. Is participation in all activities mandatory?

While full participation is encouraged, you are welcome to step back if you need time to process or rest.

  1. How is my privacy protected during the program?

Group agreements around confidentiality will be established at the start to create a safe and respectful environment.

  1. What if I feel overwhelmed during the program?

The facilitators are experienced and prepared to support participants through challenging moments. There will also be time built in for rest, reflection, and grounding.

  1. Is this therapy?

Compassionate Self Archeology™ is not therapy, counseling, or clinical treatment. It does not diagnose, treat, or aim to resolve symptoms. Instead, CSA focuses on understanding—creating space to explore how your story was formed and how earlier experiences continue to shape the present.


Many people experience CSA as a meaningful complement to therapy. Where weekly therapy often focuses on managing what’s showing up now, CSA slows the process down enough to look at the larger developmental picture—exploring what formed before insight was possible and creating a more coherent narrative that other forms of support can then build upon.

  1. What kind of follow-up support is available after the program?

There are options for access to online learning tools, one-on-one coaching, or deeper intensive work with your facilitator.

Program Logistics

  1. Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance.

  1. Can I register for the group services without a group of my own?

Yes, we will group you with others whose needs are compatible with yours.

  1. Can I register for group services with others of my choosing?

Yes, if you’d like to coordinate services with people in your life that you want to do this work alongside, we are happy to accommodate. Call (414-710-0400) or email (info@zeliahq.com) us to coordinate this.

  1. Are the groups co-ed or gender-segregated?

The groups we coordinate are typically gender-segregated to support participants' experiences and comfort levels, while also recognizing the limitations of the gender binary and remaining flexible to accommodate diverse needs. If you're organizing a private group, you're welcome to structure it in any way that suits your preferences.

  1. Where are you located?

Our office is headquartered in Milwaukee and we are in the process of securing a location as part of Unfragile Farm. While we aren’t quite there yet, we typically use a location in nature within SE Wisconsin for Intensives. If you are hoping to bring our services to a different location, let us know and we can try to accommodate your preferences.

  1. How do the sleeping arrangements work?

When you register for just yourself, you can expect a private room.

  • If you are registering for services for Couples, you can let us know if you’d like to share a room or have separate rooms. 

  • If you are coming with a group organized on your end and are open to sharing a room with someone you know, we can accommodate that with a 20% reduction in price for those sharing.

  1. Do I have to partake in lodging to get services?

It is strongly encouraged that you use this opportunity to immerse yourself in a healing environment where you can have the time and space to explore without the typical distractions of one’s daily routine. That said, we are open to making accommodations to fit your needs. 

  1. What if I have dietary restrictions?

We will discuss your dietary needs prior to your stay so that we can ensure your needs are met. 

  1. My needs or preferences don't fit the offerings that are listed on your website. Am I out of luck?

Not at all! We are flexible and can accommodate many different needs. Reach out and we’ll see what we can arrange.

  1. What is your cancelation policy?

Cancellations within 30 days of the start of the program will result in a 50% refund. No refund for cancellations within 72 hours of the beginning of programming. Options may include transferring your registration to a future program or another participant. Please contact us to discuss.