Back to Our Roots · Bosnia and Herzegovina

Understand what shaped you.
Choose what comes next.

A five-day retreat for Balkan women exploring the connection between ancestry, identity, relationships, and the life they want to live now. Join Selma Baćevac for guided inquiry, somatic practices, movement, and healing circles. Make time for joy, exploration, and rest alongside women who may recognize parts of your world.

June 9–13, 2027 · Bosnia and Herzegovina
Start with a conversation Explore the experience ↓

Every woman has a short conversation with me before she joins, so the room is safe for all of us.

Hotel Monti set among the wooded mountains of Igman
June 2027Back to Our Roots
Your gathering place · Hotel Monti, Igman

Is this you?

Everyone calls you. Who do you call?

You remember the forms, the birthdays, the appointments, what your mother needs, what your kids need.

You can lead a meeting at work. You hold your whole family together.

And still, very few people know all of you.

There's a name for part of this. Kinkeeping: the quiet work of keeping a family connected. Calling, remembering, planning, smoothing things over. In our families, it almost always lands on a woman.

You learned it from your mother. She learned it from hers.

You don't need another way to carry more. You need somewhere you can put it down.

The datesJune 9–13, 2027
The settingHotel Monti, Igman
The gathering20 women maximum
Your time away5 days together

01 / Is this for you?

You can understand a pattern.
And still find yourself doing it.

You know why you say yes before checking what you want. You recognize the guilt that appears when you disappoint someone. Yet in the moment, you may still explain yourself, take responsibility, or put your own needs aside.

These five days offer time and skilled support to explore the gap between understanding and responding differently. We consider how family relationships, cultural expectations, and lived experience influence your choices today. We also recognize the care, belonging, and traditions you want to carry forward.

Women laughing together on stone steps at a past gathering with Selma
Time together at a past gathering with Selma.

Choose what feels familiar

Give your own preference time to appear.

You may agree quickly and discover your answer later. Here, we can explore the expectations behind that response and what a pause might make possible. You choose which patterns you want to question.

What might you notice if you gave yourself time before answering?

Your family history can give you context without deciding the rest of your life. We can ask what you value, what has become difficult to carry, and what you want to choose now. Your own relationship with your roots belongs in that conversation.

What another year of this costs

Another year of maintaining your life instead of living it.

Another year of being known in pieces: one version of you at work, another with family, another with other mothers.

And your children watching, learning who carries what.

This is not about blaming your mother or leaving your culture behind. It's about keeping what taught us to belong, and putting down what asked women to disappear.

Selma Baćevac smiling in her studio, seated with one knee up
Your guide · Selma Baćevac, MA

02 / The person beside you

Clinical experience.
Cultural understanding.

I’m Selma Baćevac, a licensed psychotherapist and the gatherer behind Balkan Mama Therapy. My work explores trauma, attachment, early relationships, and intergenerational patterns in the context of women’s lives. I bring clinical knowledge and lived cultural understanding without assuming that every Balkan woman has the same story.

As a Bosnian woman, former war refugee, and mother living in the United States, I understand that culture can offer belonging and carry expectations. My approach considers the demands placed on women and the support available to them. You bring authority over your own life, including what you want to share and change.

Since 2010Working in the field
1,500+Balkan women worked with
3 countriesRetreats & gatherings hosted
Education & clinical training

Selma holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies, a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health, and a postgraduate certification in Infant and Toddler Mental Health. She is a licensed psychotherapist, registered with the Florida Board, and a Florida Qualified Supervisor. Her training includes EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, EFT, ACT, IFS, and Circle of Security Parenting.

Her background informs her facilitation. The retreat does not include every therapeutic approach listed here.

Start with a conversation ↗

Experiences with Selma

Read their words.
Consider what matters to you.

Read reviews of experiences with Selma as you consider whether this retreat is right for you.

Adela

I am really grateful for this experience. It has given me peace, it's given me excitement. It's given me acceptance for myself and who I am.

Read the video transcript

Selma has been my therapist for a few years, and she has been my safe space. She's helped me personally, but not until I experienced the Sisterhood Healing Collective that I've been a part of. And the Sisterhood Healing Collective has been incredible. It has given me depth, it has given me confidence, it's given me validation, and it's been wonderful. It's tapped into parts of me that I didn't know were there. So when I heard about this retreat and that it was happening on our soil, I got excited and there was no way that I was going to miss out. And I've met these beautiful women. Some of them already knew from a previous workshop. And I've met these beautiful women. I've reconnected with them, and I've met some others. And when we are talking about sisterhood, this in its. In its purest form, it is the raw sisterhood where we are talking about, we are exposing ourselves, we are getting naked in the mindset. But it's beautiful because everyone is doing it. And I feel so included. Everyone is opening up slowly but surely, confidently. I've seen a transformation in myself. I've seen a transformation in these women. It's like we blossom. I am really grateful for this experience. It has given me peace, it's given me excitement. It's given me acceptance for myself and who I am. Because these women, they don't look at you like everyone else looks at you. They look at you differently, and they see things in you, and you are able to see things in them that they're not yet able to see. And they are. It's so beautiful. And I would really encourage for this to continue. I see Selma as someone actually just going to put this out. I see Selma as someone. She's not the kind of person that you would stick with for a year or a session, or you would read something about her, or you'd come to one of these things. You stay with her, and you stay with these women. She has this magnetism. She is not aware of it. She is one of us, and she is really humble. And then when you're like, thank you, Selma, she really still can't believe that the impact that she's making on me, the impact that she's making on these women, and it's so beautiful. One of the things that she says, gosh, this is it. This is how you describe Selma. Her warmth, her capacity to care for everyone in their own way. Just general presence. It's heartwarming and very comforting. And she is my safe space and so all you beautiful women out there who are thinking about joining this incredible community and, like me, were feeling apprehensive at the beginning. You will get something wonderful out of it, whatever that looks like for you. So, to all my sisters, come together, be part of it, and maybe see you soon.

Arnela Hadziomerovic

I had a transformation that I can be present, I can feel happiness, I can belong to a community.

Read the video transcript

I would like to tell you about my experience here in the retreat with Selma. It just was amazing. I think I'm here to control my emotions to have better self regulation to be more present in the time that I live and yes this was my main intention for this retreat but in this time I can just say it was more than that. It was such a beautiful experience with the sisters to leave the community to belong somewhere, to know where are you from and to know where have you to go and it was just something new for me to notice at this way I had a transformation that I can be present, I can feel happiness, I can belong to a community. I would recommend you this retreat if you want to experience really nice connection to these people to talk about everything you feel, everything you want to know and to exchange experience to know you better to go out from this and thought hey, I just needed it for my life, for myself and for the community. Thank you.

Minela Kajmak

And one of the major feelings I've felt during this retreat was being very relaxed. That sinking feeling that I usually constantly have in my stomach was gone. It's not there.

Read the video transcript

I had the privilege to attend the first Balkan Sisterhood retreat we had in Dominican Republic last year. And so when Selma announced this one, it was a no brainer. I need to go. My experience here was transformative. And that made me realize that I've already healed part of myself thanks to Selma in the last, what, three years? Now that I've known her through Balkan mama therapy, I feel very rejuvenated and refreshed. And one of the major feelings I've felt during this retreat was being very relaxed. That sinking feeling that I usually constantly have in my stomach was gone. It's not there. I can't wait to go back home and do the work again. In my thumb too. Do I recommend it? Highly. Highly. I cannot recommend this enough. If you are or anybody in your life wants to live fulfilled life, life filled with self love, self respect, peace and calm, being accepted, being understood, doing, this is the place for you. This is the place to be. Salma is that one person. And I am going to go to the end of the world for her. And this is for sure not my last retreat with her. Thank you.

Semira Klenk

The most favorite thing about this retreat is that everybody is absolutely open for every thought and for every word you can imagine.

Read the video transcript

Hi, My name is Semira. I'm 37 years old, mother of four beautiful children. And I signed up for this retreat because I wanted to relax my soul. And I'm so excited to tell you that I have achieved this target. It was the best I have ever because I recognized so much further beautiful souls. And I'm happy that they are now part of my life. The most favorite thing about this retreat is that everybody is absolutely open for every thought and for every word you can imagine. For me, transformation was a kind of when I in my life are a lot of clouds hiding some things. And this retreat opened like a sun with clouds and let new things come in my life. And I would every woman recommend a visit in such a retreat for your soul, for your heart, and for your life.

Jasmina Skender

Draga moja Selma, Ucinila si da se secam videnom i prihvacenom bez ikakve osude. Kroz sve nase razgovore, smijeh i suze, pokazala si mi koliko je vazno biti blaga preme sebi i koliko ljepote ima u ranjivosti. Hyala ti sto si mi pomogla da pronadem snagui da verujem da je svaki korak napred, bez obzira koliko mali, vrijedan slavlja

Selma Muratovic

You saw the real me - raw, vulnerable, and hurting - and met me with compassion instead of judgement. You thought me how to face my pain, trust my worth, and believe in a future I had stopped dreaming about.

Read the video transcript

Let's do a story time on my mental health therapist and share how my experience has been working with her over the last couple of months. And I hope that this video will help some of you in some way. Maybe this will be a step that you needed to take to finally start that mental health therapy. Because it's been life changing for me. Truly changed my life in ways that I never thought possible. I've had the pleasure of working with Selma Bacevac from Balkan Mama Therapy since May of this year. I can't tell you how life changing it has been for me ever since I started working with her. When I first started therapy, I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't even sure that it was going to help me. I was carrying so much years of pain, self doubt, fear. At the time I felt like I was drowning, that I was barely keeping my head above the water. But then I met Selma. And from the first session that I've had with her, she has created this space. She's created this space where I could feel, seen, understood, heard. A space where I didn't have to pretend that I had it all together. She saw me. Not the version that I thought the world needed to see, but she saw me raw, vulnerable, hurting. And instead of judgment, she gave me compassion. Instead of giving me answers, she gave me the tools so I can find the strength on my own. Instead of letting me sit in pain, she gently and patiently walked me through it. She's been more than a therapist to me. She's been a guide. She's been a cheerleader. She's been a safe haven on the hardest days. She's also been a mirror that reflected my own courage on the days when I had a hard time seeing it. She's taught me how to feel my feelings without fear, how to set boundaries without feeling guilt. And most importantly, how to trust that I'm enough. Just as I am through every tear filled session that we had, every breakthrough, every moment of silence where words were not enough. Shown me that healing isn't linear, but that it's possible. She's also taught me that progress doesn't mean never struggle again. Rather, how to be kinder to myself on the hard days. That lesson alone has been life changing. She's also helped me reclaim pieces of myself that I thought were lost forever. She's given me the courage to face my past, the tools to handle my present. She's given me the hope to dream for a better future. And because of her, I can finally breathe a little easier. I can finally believe that I'm worthy of love. She's also gently invited me to her online sisterhood community where I've had the privilege of meeting so many sisters where I can share how I feel every single day if I wanted to get support. I've attended so many healing circles that she has on there with a couple of other therapists. Most recently I attended her eight week class of parenting because I want to be a better parent for my daughters and this woman will never know how much she has helped me, how much she has saved me. She's always available for whenever I needed to send her a message, she's there. She listened to me. We've had situations where I needed to have an emergency session with her because I was struggling and she made it possible to meet that same day. God knew that I needed her and I am so glad that I finally got enough strength and courage to start therapy. So if you're someone who has been thinking about starting therapy and let this video be your sign. And to Selma, thank you from from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your wisdom, for your patience, for your kindness, for your unwavering belief in me even when I couldn't believe in myself. Thank you for showing me that healing is possible and that I'm not defined by my pain, but my resilience. You've made an extraordinary difference in my life. I'll forever be grateful for the role that you've played in my healing journey. Thank you for being my light in the dark. You've truly changed my life and I will always carry the lessons that you've taught me. Thank you.

How we get to know each other

Five days in our homeland, with Balkan women from across the diaspora who need no translation.

Each day has guided inquiry, time in your body through movement, and time together for joy and rest.

You'll spend time in small groups and pairs, so you get to know the women around you, not only me.

You share only what you choose. Nobody is asked to perform.

03 / Imagine your days here

Inside your five days.
Explore, notice, connect.

These are the three strands of your retreat experience. Explore how guided inquiry, movement, and time together make room for your questions. The detailed schedule and arrival guidance will be shared before booking.

Women sitting in an outdoor conversation circle at a past gathering
A past gathering with Selma. This is not the retreat venue.

01 / Guided inquiry

Explore the messages
you grew up with.

Consider what you learned about being a woman, belonging, responsibility, and need. Connect those questions with the relationships and choices in your life now.

You choose what to share, when to pause, and how to participate.

Explore inquiry and circles
  1. CONSCIOUS INQUIRY

    Your ancestry in context.

    Explore the connection between family history, cultural expectations, and present-day life. Your ancestry offers questions and context, rather than a fixed explanation for who you are.

  2. WORKSHOPS & HEALING CIRCLES

    Consider a familiar pattern with support.

    Bring attention to a response you recognize, such as agreeing before checking what you want. Listen, reflect, and share what you choose while considering another response.

  3. WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP

    Make room for care and belonging, too.

    Consider the traditions, relationships, and values you want to carry forward alongside the expectations you want to question.

These sections describe the retreat’s focus, rather than a finalized daily timetable. The detailed program, activity arrangements, and arrival and departure guidance will be shared with you before booking.

Start with a conversation

What stays here

What is shared at Igman stays at Igman. Every woman agrees to this before we begin.

This is not group therapy. It's a held space, with structure, care and rest.

Who this is not for

  • A woman in crisis right now, who needs more support than a retreat can safely give.
  • A woman looking for therapy. This retreat doesn't replace individual mental health care.

If that's you, reach out anyway. I'll help you find the right next step.

04 / Your gathering place

Your setting:
Hotel Monti, Igman.

Set on Igman in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hotel Monti brings a mountain backdrop to our five days together. Gather for focused work, enjoy relaxed company, and make time to experience the place around you. Your retreat information will explain the accommodation arrangements and the full package.

Venue photography: Hotel Monti. Accommodation arrangements and activity inclusions will be confirmed in your itemized offer. Spa access included: indoor pool, saunas, steam room, salt room and hot tub.

05 / The details, clearly

A considered experience.
A clear offer.

This is an all inclusive retreat at Hotel Monti for 20 women, guided by Selma. Your personal offer explains the investment and full package. Review the accommodation, inclusions, and terms before deciding.

At the heart of your retreat

  • June 9–13, 2027 at Hotel Monti, Igman
  • A gathering limited to 20 women
  • Guided inquiry into ancestry and present-day life
  • Healing circles and purposeful workshops
  • Somatic practices and body movement
  • Time for connection, exploration, joy, and rest
  • Spa access included: indoor pool, saunas, steam room, salt room and hot tub.

THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Five days with
time for your questions.

All inclusiveThe stay and facilitated retreat experience

Your offer brings the program and stay together in one clear offer. It will explain the accommodation, meal plan, and activity details. You can ask questions before making a commitment.

  • Guidance from Selma Baćevac, MA
  • A shared focus on roots, relationships, and choice
  • An intimate group with room for different stories
Start with a conversation

YOUR PERSONAL OFFER

The details you need
to make your decision.

Shared privatelyYour investment and itemized package

Review room arrangements, meals, planned activities, and the full investment. Travel and transfer inclusions and any additional activities will be clarified in the offer. Spa access included: indoor pool, saunas, steam room, salt room and hot tub. Booking and cancellation terms are provided before you commit.

  • Begin with the interest form
  • Speak one-to-one with Selma
  • Review the offer before deciding
Start with a conversation

The exact accommodation arrangements, meal plan, activities, and travel and transfer inclusions will be confirmed in your itemized offer. Expressing interest carries no booking or payment obligation.

Payment plans are available. $350 holds your spot.

06 / How to join

Your place begins
with a conversation.

You do not have to make every decision today. Start by getting the information you need and speaking with Selma. There is time to consider the experience before committing.

  1. 01

    Fill out a short form.

  2. 02

    Book a 15-minute conversation with me right away.

  3. 03

    If it's a good fit, I'll send your deposit link the same day.

Start with a conversation

No payment is due when you express interest.
An enquiry does not reserve a place.

07 / Beyond the retreat

What do you want
to choose when you go home?

Perhaps you want to stop agreeing before you know what you want, ask for support without a long explanation, or make room for enjoyment. Bring a real intention into the circles and workshops. Connect what you explore about your roots with a choice you want to practice now.

01

Name your intention.

Identify what you want to understand, make space for, or approach differently in your life.

02

Explore with support.

Use circles, workshops, somatic practices, and movement to notice your experience and consider new choices.

03

Choose what comes next.

Define a manageable next step and the support you may need to follow through at home.

These are intentions to work toward. Each woman’s experience will be her own.

08 / Before you decide

Your questions
belong here.

You can be interested and still have concerns. Explore the practical answers, then bring your own questions into your conversation with Selma. You deserve clear information before deciding.

Why do we talk first?

Because the room matters. A short conversation lets us both see if this retreat fits where you are right now. It keeps the space safe for every woman in it, including you.

What is the investment?

The retreat is planned as an all inclusive experience at Hotel Monti from June 9–13, 2027, with healing circles, workshops, somatic practices, body movement, joy, and exploration. This is a premium, all inclusive experience, with an intimate group guided by Selma Baćevac, MA. The investment and itemized package will be shared privately after our conversation. Room types, meals, travel, transfers, and any additional activities will be clarified in the offer before booking. Spa access included: indoor pool, saunas, steam room, salt room and hot tub.

Will I have to share personal experiences?

You choose what you share. Participation should respect your boundaries, including your choice to listen or step back. Group agreements and expectations will be discussed before the retreat.

What can I expect to take home?

The experience is designed to support clearer intentions, greater understanding of your patterns, and practical next steps. Each woman's experience will be different, and a specific transformation cannot be guaranteed. This retreat does not replace individual mental health treatment.

Is there a finalized schedule?

The detailed program and arrival and departure guidance will be shared with you before booking. The experience will make room for conscious inquiry into ancestry and present-day life, healing circles, workshops, somatic practices, movement, joy, exploration, and rest.

Can I come on my own?

Yes. You can express interest without knowing anyone else attending. Use your private conversation with Selma to discuss the group, your questions, and what would help you decide.

Can I discuss access, dietary, or movement needs?

Yes. Discuss your needs with Selma before booking so you can review the actual venue, accommodation, and program arrangements. Ask about participation options and what is available for you before making a commitment.

Which retreat is right for me?

Show Up · North Carolina, April 9–11, 2027: 3 days, up to 10 women, close to home in the US.

Back to Our Roots · Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 9–13, 2027: 5 days, up to 20 women, in our homeland, for women anywhere in the diaspora.

Not sure? We'll figure it out together in our conversation.

June 9–13, 2027 · Maximum 20 women

You can begin
with a question.

Join us June 9–13, 2027 at Hotel Monti in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Begin with a private conversation about your intentions, questions, and whether this experience fits what you are looking for. If it's a good fit, I'll send you everything you need to hold your spot.

Start with a conversationBosnia and Herzegovina · June 9–13, 2027

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