IMPACT

This is what healing looks like.

Since 2014, Stress Is Gone has helped thousands of veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors reconnect to peace through our retreats, coaching, and community care.

Hear their voices, see their stories, and understand the measurable difference your support makes.

"Brett did a virtual workshop for our women’s domestic violence trauma support group, and it was very powerful! He helps people move through abandonment and betrayal to self-love, and, in the process, heal the anxiety, anger, and sorrow."

Karen Ifert, Center for Empowerment & Education, CT
"Working with Brett has given me structure and peace during a time I felt incredibly overwhelmed. I am getting to know and understand myself. Forgive those who hurt me, and love and forgive myself. I'm a healthier person, no doubt."

Dawn Fantini, Retired Police Officer
"Brett awakens your ability to heal. The retreat and follow-up coaching had miraculous results, helping me reduce my medication with Dr.'s guidance. If you want a boost toward a better life I highly recommend Brett and his wife Stefanie."

Vania Czumak, Ret. US Coast Guard, Ops Specialist 1st Class

For 22 years, I battled the deepest and most darkest sides of PTSD, anxiety, depression & addiction. All my adult life I have been at war with myself and on numerous occasions contemplated suicide to end my suffering because I saw no way out. I was hopeless, that is until I met Brett!

Brett taught me to connect with the power I have inside myself and guided me to a place of true healing and inner peace.

For the first time in many years, I feel happiness and joy rather than dread and despair. Brett showed me the way out of the darkness and quite literally saved my life!

- Trenton Williams, 11B/Infantry/OIF Veteran

"This is an outstanding resource for veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The meditations, exercises, and measurements are comprehensive and easy to apply and have helped me personally on my path to recovery from long term stress as a recruiter in the US Army."

James, US Army
"The Stress Is Gone class for our blind and visually impaired veterans was very effective and the feedback was very positive. They were especially grateful for the tools that help them destress whenever they like."

Jacqueline Yoshimura, MSW, Rehabilitation Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL
"As a Doctor of 14 years, prior service member, and Director for a Civilian Navy SEAL Training Program, I understand stress. I have found Stress Is Gone's unique & innovative approach helpful for my patients' overall sense of wellness, and use the program in my practice daily."

Dr. Steven M. Erle

I served as an US Army infantryman in Iraq in 2003-2004. Ever since then my daily life has been overwhelmed with feelings of shame and guilt. When I signed up for Brett Cotter’s 5-day workshop, I honestly didn’t expect more than a few days of relaxation, and maybe some new meditation practices.

I was shocked at how quickly he began bringing out of us what was really hurting. I’ve never met anyone who listens to pain as well as he does, and reflects back such empathy.

He listened to me talk about my Iraq experience in a way that made me feel safe enough to really open up. He mirrored my grief and acknowledged my frustration and then he guided me back to my heart, my good pure heart, and helped me stand tall and proud again.

My daily stress levels have gone down since the workshop. This is one of the most helpful experiences I’ve had in managing my post-traumatic stress.

- Antwan Martin, Army Veteran

“Brett Cotter is an amazing healer. His book and subsequent workshops have been outstanding, and they continue to make a difference in people’s lives.”

COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs, Warriors For Life / Victory For Veterans
I was angry, depressed, and suicidal. In 30 minutes that all changed. I followed his lead and today I rarely struggle. I owe my life to Brett. I have learned to live with PTSD to the point of being at peace within myself.”

Rick Williamson, Veteran, MT
Battling depression, anxiety and PTSD for decades led me to several counselors but Brett was different. His technique was exactly what I needed and didn’t take long at all! I say he is a “miracle worker” and I am a miracle! Life is sweet again.

Rhonda Stockstill, Ret. USAF

After a decade of medications and therapy, I was still stuck in the past with deep pain from survivors guilt. My therapist recommended I attend a retreat. Within 24-hours of Brett helping me release the tension, sadness, and anxiety, I was happy to be alive again and felt a sense of peace. I got so much out of this work. I addressed my trauma and realized I don’t owe anything to those who passed. There was diversity and a deep sense of support and community within the group as we created such a safe space for our pain to arise and release.”

- Kevin Merritt, Ret. USAF, TSgt

I had no idea what to expect of the Stress Is Gone Woman’s Retreat but the idea of reducing emotional pain was calling to me.

I specifically hoped to dig down on past traumas that still had “strings attached.”

The retreat exceeded my expectations! It hit emotional pain head on. And it worked.

What sets it apart?

First, Brett is incredibly talented. His combination of kindness, spirituality, intuition, and knowledge is rare and precious. He is clearly passionate about helping others. And very good at it.

As core group sessions delved into each woman’s specific challenges, Brett handled each situation with insight and compassion.

Additionally, he shared ways of thinking and words of healing that are applicable to multiple situations, providing takeaways for everyone.

Secondly, Brett included talented guest presenters and healers in the program, including his wife Stefanie, who guided us through Qigong and dance.

They offered retreat goers a variety of ways, and disciplines through which, to approach, analyze, and diminish emotional trauma.

Thirdly, as you can imagine, the sessions were emotionally probing…. Yet, they were tempered with light humor, camaraderie, and connections.

Meditation and dance. A sound bath and nature walks around the grounds of the center.

The skills we learned are easily incorporated into daily life. Most are practical and simple, yet effective, ways to work through pain and fend off anxiety in its immediacy.

Lastly, the Stress Is Gone retreats offers wonderful follow up. Attendees receive a workbook written by Brett, along with membership to his Stress Is Gone live meditations and Stephanie’s movement sessions (9-9:30 a.m. weekdays).

Additionally, there are ongoing, optional private and group connections via Zoom meetings and Instagram. Brett tells us some groups are even inspired to continue to meet via outings such as hikes.

To me, the retreat was a wonderful, transformative experience. It changed my life for the better by teaching me to understand and negate my fears and anxiety.

What more can you ask for?

- Beverly Bachtle Pinzon

IMPACT

This is what healing looks like.

"Brett did a virtual workshop for our women’s domestic violence trauma support group, and it was very powerful! He helps people move through abandonment and betrayal to self-love, and, in the process, heal the anxiety, anger, and sorrow."

"Working with Brett has given me structure and peace during a time I felt incredibly overwhelmed. I am getting to know and understand myself. Forgive those who hurt me, and love and forgive myself. I'm a healthier person, no doubt."

"Brett awakens your ability to heal. The retreat and follow-up coaching had miraculous results, helping me reduce my medication with Dr.'s guidance. If you want a boost toward a better life I highly recommend Brett and his wife Stefanie."

"This is an outstanding resource for veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The meditations, exercises, and measurements are comprehensive and easy to apply and have helped me personally on my path to recovery from long term stress as a recruiter in the US Army."

"The Stress Is Gone class for our blind and visually impaired veterans was very effective and the feedback was very positive. They were especially grateful for the tools that help them destress whenever they like."

"As a Doctor of 14 years, prior service member, and Director for a Civilian Navy SEAL Training Program, I understand stress. I have found Stress Is Gone's unique & innovative approach helpful for my patients' overall sense of wellness, and use the program in my practice daily."

“Brett Cotter is an amazing healer. His book and subsequent workshops have been outstanding, and they continue to make a difference in people’s lives.”

I was angry, depressed, and suicidal. In 30 minutes that all changed. I followed his lead and today I rarely struggle. I owe my life to Brett. I have learned to live with PTSD to the point of being at peace within myself.”

Battling depression, anxiety and PTSD for decades led me to several counselors but Brett was different. His technique was exactly what I needed and didn’t take long at all! I say he is a “miracle worker” and I am a miracle! Life is sweet again.