A Holistic Approach to Dealing with Grief and Trauma
If death is the ultimate journey, it’s no surprise that a whole programme of travel has sprung up around helping us handle our grief. In the face of personal and collective bereavement on an unimaginable scale, many have turned to alternative avenues for healing. Grief-focused retreats have emerged as a tailored and holistic adventure to navigate these turbulent emotions.
A Wide Range of Retreats to Suit Individual Needs
These retreats are not limited to coping with the loss of a loved one. Whether it’s the end of a relationship or another traumatic event, these refuges can be tailored to suit various needs. From chakra realignment and gem therapy to acupuncture and surfing, these retreats provide a range of activities to aid in recovery and escape from distress. Some retreats offer structured group workshops, while others provide a more flexible and private environment for personal healing.
Refuges for Healing in Beautiful Locations
Portugal’s Paço da Glória is a secluded 18th-century country estate in the lush Minho region. This estate has built a community to support residents in need of refuge, starting with its own resident death doula. With its mysterious history and serene surroundings, it offers a safe space for individuals to process their grief.
Resurface, on the other hand, focuses on physical pursuits as a remedy for depression and trauma. Their Surf Therapy retreats, held in various locations around the world, provide a profound connection with nature and the opportunity to create new positive memories.
New Life Portugal, nestled in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, offers a month-long grief recovery program. Combining counseling, psycho-educational sessions, mindfulness activities, and group workshops, this wellness center provides a comprehensive approach to healing.
In the UK, the Grief Space offers the Grief Alchemy retreat, which harnesses the healing power of nature. Set on the sprawling grounds of Erth Barton manor in Cornwall, guests engage in yoga, breathwork, and ‘grief tending circles’ to cultivate a new relationship with their traumas.
For those seeking to travel further for healing, Kamalaya in Thailand hosts an ’embracing change’ program. Surrounded by lush hills, this retreat focuses on rejuvenating mental health through holistic practices, such as acupuncture, cupping, herbalism, and gem therapy.
For those who prefer a more private healing experience, The Place Retreat in Bali offers individual therapy sessions with an experienced psychotherapist. Guests can also engage in Kundalini yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine.
