Trauma whispers in the quiet corners of your being, stealing joy and dimming your inner light. But what if you could rewrite your story? What if you could emerge from the shadows, stronger and more radiant than ever before?
This 3-day retreat offers a sanctuary for your soul—a place to gently unravel the knots of past pain and rediscover the boundless potential within you. Join Thea Van Straten, a fierce and compassionate guide, on a journey of profound healing and self-discovery.
This immersive 3-day retreat at Oban Farm Stay will provide a safe and nurturing space for participants to explore and begin to heal from the impact of #trauma. Utilizing a holistic approach, we will incorporate a variety of modalities to address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of trauma recovery.We will explore the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit,and cultivate tools and practicesto support lasting transformation.
This retreat offers a space for individuals to begin their journey of healing from trauma. Through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern therapeutic techniques, we will explore the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit, and cultivate tools and practices to support lasting transformation.
“The body remembers what the mind forgets.”
– Bessel van der Kolk
Ready to rise from the ashes and embrace your true potential? Join Thea on this transformative journey.
Schedule
Arrive the day before. First night. Arrival & Grounding
Day 1: Embracing Self-Compassion. Healing & Transformation
Day 2: Deepening The Healing. Healing & Restoration
Day 3: Integration & Departure
Detailed program will be send to you upon booking.
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“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, unites the body to the mind.â€
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Throughout the retreat:
- Free Time: Time for personal reflection, relaxation, reading, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
- Healthy Meals: Nourishing vegetarian meals will be provided to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Comfortable and relaxing accommodations will be provided to ensure a restful and rejuvenating experience.
- Organic Herbal Tea: Sip on our delicious herbal teas. Grown right here on the farm.
- Prior experience with yoga, meditation, or other mind-body practices is not required.
- Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing, a journal, and any personal items that will support their healing journey. A list of items to bring will be provided upon booking.
- Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
“Meditation is not just a way to calm the mind. It’s a way to understand it.â€
– Chade-Meng Tan
Retreat Philosophy:
- Trauma-Informed Approach: All activities will be conducted with a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing safety, choice, and respect for individual boundaries.
- Holistic Perspective: The retreat will address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that healing is a multifaceted process.
- Mindfulness & Presence: Emphasis will be placed on cultivating mindfulness and present-moment awareness throughout the retreat.
- Community & Support: A strong emphasis will be placed on fostering a supportive and compassionate community among retreat participants.
- Release emotional and physical tension stored within the body.
- Develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
- Cultivate inner peace and a sense of grounding.
- Reconnect with nature and find solace in the beauty of the surrounding environment.
- Build a supportive community with fellow retreat participants.
- This retreat emphasizes self-compassion, self-discovery, and the innate capacity for healing within each individual. We will utilize a variety of holistic modalities to support the release of emotional blockages, cultivate inner peace, and restore a sense of wholeness.
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Overall Objectives:
- Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on their lives.
- Participants will develop and practice self-soothing and grounding techniques.
- Participants will experience a range of holistic healing modalities to support their emotional and physical well-being.
- Participants will cultivate self-compassion and build resilience.
- Participants will leave the retreat feeling more empowered and hopeful for their healing journey.
“The brain that grows, heals.â€
– Norman Doidge
Benefits of Attending:
- Increased self-awareness and understanding of trauma’s impact.
- Development of coping mechanisms and stress management skills.
- Improved emotional regulation and resilience.
- Enhanced self-compassion and self-acceptance.
- Reduced anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Cultivated inner peace and a sense of well-being.
- This is a sample schedule and may be adjusted based on the needs and preferences of the group.
- All meals will be farm-to-table, utilizing fresh, organic ingredients from the farm.
- Experienced and qualified facilitators will guide all sessions.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Your Facilitator: Thea Van Straten – A Rebel with a Cause (and a Heart of Gold)
Thea isn’t just another facilitator; she’s a warrior who has walked the path of healing herself. A trauma survivor turned “chief rebel rouser,” she understands the labyrinth of pain and the unwavering strength it takes to find your way back to the light. An indigo child with a deeply intuitive spirit, Thea possesses an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. She holds multiple qualifications and is driven by an ever-present desire to learn more, constantly seeking new ways to mend broken wings and hearts.
More than anything, Thea is a fierce friend and a defender of the vulnerable and having had the privilege to train under Tony Robbins. She brings a potent blend of inspiration, sharp wit, and a delightfully crooked sense of humor to her work, creating a space where vulnerability is embraced and healing becomes a shared journey. With Thea, you are never alone.
Gordon Date: World Renowned Photographer
Out of the Dark and into the Light: A Photographer’s Journey After Stroke
Join Gordon Date, a seasoned photographer who once roamed Southern Africa chasing breathtaking vistas, as he shares his poignant journey of recovery after a life-altering stroke.
Life changed dramatically for Gordon, forcing him to confront a new reality and redefine his purpose. In this intimate conversation, he will candidly discuss:
- The devastating impact of stroke and the challenges of navigating disability.
- The emotional and psychological toll of losing his former independence and facing physical limitations.
- His inspiring journey of rediscovering his voice and finding new meaning in his art.
- How he adapted his photography to reflect his new perspective and embrace the beauty in unexpected places.
This is a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring human spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Gordon’s powerful message of hope and transformation.
Holistic Elements:
- Mind: Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, Binaural Beat Therapy, NLP
- Body: Qigong, Stretching, Nature Walks, Self Soothing Techniques, Somatic
- Spirit: Nature Connection, Sound Healing, Group Support, Storytelling
- Emotion: Art Therapy, Group Discussion, Emotional Freedom Techniques (optional)
- Breathwork: Techniques that regulate breathing patterns to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and increase energy.
- Guided Meditation: Mindfulness practices to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and connect with inner wisdom.
- Somatic Experiencing: Body-based approaches that help individuals process and release trauma stored in the body.
- Vibrational Sound Healing: Using music, meridian frequency healing, sound baths to create healing vibrations.
- Art Therapy: Expressing emotions and processing trauma through creative art forms.
- Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku): Immersing oneself in nature to connect with the healing energy of trees and the natural environment.
- Somatic Experiencing (SE): A gentle, sensorimotor approach to trauma healing that helps the body to naturally process and release stored trauma.
- Yoga Nidra: A deep relaxation technique that induces a state of conscious sleep, allowing for profound physical and mental rest.
- EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): Tapping on specific acupressure points to release emotional and physical blockages.