Casa Jamila El Placer Othón p Blanco , Mahahual , QRoo Mexico
Up to 8 in group
Apr 16 - 20, 2026
About this Retreat
As a Yoga Teacher and Postpartum Doula, I have spent years bridging the gap between physical support and deep emotional healing. My expertise, however, is not just professional—it is deeply personal.
Living with autoimmune challenges like arthritis took me on a profound journey of trial and error to find relief. While I personally lean on an Ayurvedic lifestyle to support my well-being, my professional focus is on deep nervous system regulation. I use Hatha Yoga, breathwork, and Yoga Nidra not just to relax the body, but to train the brain. My goal is to help you slow down and "notice" what is really there, without jumping to conclusions—creating the safety required for true healing.
The Vivid-Shift retreat represents a full-circle moment for me. I personally worked with my two co-hosts—experts in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and physical rehabilitation—to navigate my own recovery. Their guidance helped me rebuild strength and, most importantly, regain trust in my body. I bring this unique perspective of having been both the patient and the practitioner to help you find your own path to feeling better.
Credentials:
RYT®500 Yoga Teacher (Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco, Swami Ramananda, Swami Divyananda)
Yoga for Arthritis Teacher (Dr. Stephanie Moonaz)
Registered Pediatric Nurse (Germany, 10 years experience)
Postpartum Doula (San Francisco, since 2016)
Additional Trainings and Certifications: Raja Yoga, Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Shirodhara Oil Treatment, Sound Healing, Yin Yoga, Breathwork.
Hi, I’m Amy Pitner—founder of Vivid-Fit and a passionate advocate for people reclaiming the power of their own bodies.
My journey is rooted in over 30 years of expertise in personal training and physical rehabilitation. Over the decades, I have helped hundreds of people move past chronic pain, injury, and the silent limitations that keep them from fully living. My work is a bridge between rigorous science and a deep belief in the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right support—physically, emotionally, and neurologically.
My approach is grounded in proven, evidence-based methodologies. My advanced training with The Postural Restoration Institute, Z-Health, and Functional Range Conditioning has shaped my focus on sustainable pain relief and functional movement. I integrate breathwork as a foundational element, recognizing its vital role in nervous system regulation and physical recovery. By seamlessly weaving together elements of Feldenkrais, Pilates, and targeted isometric training, I create transformative programs for everyone from "weekend warriors" to those managing debilitating chronic conditions.
What truly lights me up? That moment when a client realizes, “I’m stronger than I thought.” Seeing someone move freely—without fear or pain—for the first time in years is the magic that drives me. Whether we are utilizing neuro-centric drills, exploring postural restoration, or testing for amino acid deficiencies, everything I offer is designed to help you feel powerful, seen, and vibrantly alive.
Through Vivid Shift and our immersive retreats in the Mexican Caribbean, I bring this integrative style to life. I’ve created a supportive environment where you can dismantle the "fear-avoidance" cycle and rediscover the pure joy of movement.
If you’re ready to feel what’s possible again, you’re in the right place. Let’s begin
My own 40-year journey with chronic pain led me to this work. I know the frustration, the limitations, and the worry it brings because I lived it. Like you, I tried everything, but it was Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) that finally allowed me to resolve my symptoms and transform my life.
My Approach: The Intersection of Science and Compassion I bring a blend of neuroscience nerdiness and deep empathy to our retreat. While we explore movement and breathwork together, I help you layer in the neurological framework needed for a full recovery. Having navigated this path myself and supported my co-host, Verena, through her recovery, I bring both scientific expertise and lived experience to every session.
I specialize in helping clients shift out of the pain-fear cycle associated with persistent conditions —from back, neck, and joint pain to migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and IBS.. Today, I know the joy of doing the things I love without fear, and I am deeply committed to helping you do the same.
Education & Professional Training
Ph.D. Molecular Virology – University of Warwick
B.Sc. (Honors) Biological Sciences (Genetics) – University of Leicester
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
Advanced Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Practitioner – Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center
Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) Training – Dr. Howard Schubiner
Certified Pain Management Coach – Pain Coach Academy
Details of this retreat
Vivid Shift: A Neuroscience-Backed Chronic Pain Recovery Retreat
A Foundation for Recovery
The Vivid Shift retreat is a powerful start to your recovery journey.
While PRT is a retraining process that happens over time, this immersive experience provides the ideal environment to shift your perspective and begin the work.
To redefine the journey of pain recovery by bridging the gap between modern neuroscience and the healing power of nature.
Set on pristine, secluded, and tranquil shores, we envision a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the noise of daily life to reconnect with your body. Our goal is to empower you to move from a life of restriction to one of vivid possibility and joy, supported by the rhythm of the ocean and the neuroscience of recovery.
Rebuilding the Connection
Do you feel disconnected from your body? Living with chronic pain often feels like a constant negotiation. You limit your movement to avoid symptoms. You hesitate to make plans. Over time, the relationship with your body shifts from trust to protection.
The Vivid Shift Retreat is an invitation to rebuild that connection. Designed for individuals navigating chronic pain, this retreat offers more than just relaxation—it offers a foundational roadmap to reclaiming your agency. We bridge the gap between modern neuroscience and holistic practices to help you shift from a state of fear to one of neural safety and physical capability.
Our Three-Pillar Approach
We believe true recovery requires addressing the mind, the body, and the nervous system simultaneously. This retreat is a catalyst for your long-term journey, focusing on:
• Foundations of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT): Guided by an Advanced PRT Practitioner, this is the core of our program. You will learn the new science of pain and gain practical tools to begin retraining your brain. PRT works by restoring an over-active pain control system back to normal. These methods will be tailored to fit your unique symptoms and experiences, ensuring you leave with a personalized roadmap to continue your practice at home.
• Nervous System Regulation: Through Breathwork, Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and somatic practices we train the brain to calm the nervous system.
A Sanctuary for the Senses Healing requires the right environment. Our retreat takes place on a beautiful, remote beach. Away from the over-stimulation of city life, the rhythm of the ocean becomes a partner in your recovery. This secluded setting allows your nervous system to down-regulate, making the work we do in our sessions deeper and more effective.
• Functional Movement: Movement is medicine, but we understand that starting can feel uncertain. Our Rehabilitation Movement Specialist guides you through gentle yet powerful isometric holds and intentional movements that prioritize safety and control. These techniques allow you to build strength while staying within your comfort zone. Together, we will show your body—and your nervous system—that you are strong and capable of moving with confidence and playfulness once again.
Is This Retreat Right For Me?
This experience is specifically designed for those ready to move beyond "management" and explore the path of recovery.
This retreat is for you if:
• You have experienced persistent pain such as back, neck, joint, migraines, fibromyalgia for more than six months, and where life-threatening conditions have been ruled out.
• You’ve tried everything and nothing has worked.
• You feel "stuck" in your recovery, and are ready to try a totally new approach.
• You are curious about the neuroscience of pain and want practical tools to use at home.
• You want a personalized roadmap and practical tools to continue your recovery at home.
• You are looking for a supportive environment of people who truly "get it."
Learn more about Pain Reprocessing Therapy and whether it’s a good fit for you at www.ShiftYourPain.com
This retreat may not be for you if:
• Your pain is caused by an acute injury, active infection, or malignancy that requires immediate medical intervention.
• You are not currently in a place where you can engage in gentle movement or group discussions.
• You are looking for a traditional vacation without an educational or therapeutic component.
• You are looking for an immediate "cure" or a 4-day fix.
The Vivid Shift retreat is a powerful start to your recovery journey. While PRT is a retraining process that happens over time, this immersive experience provides the ideal environment to shift your perspective and begin the work.
Come ready to learn, ready to rest, and ready to shift.