Forrest Wellness Retreats

Retreats are tailored to the therapeutic needs of the group with an over-arching goal of improving well-being and quality of life through connection with Yourself, Others and Nature. Located in the beautiful Otways and facilitated by Experienced Psychologists and Mental Health Care Workers, the therapeutic programs involve a combination of therapeutic Group Process (discussions, reflections and processing of emerging thoughts and emotions) and Nature-Based exercises. There is a focus on finding ways through difficult emotions, blocks and thoughts, learning theory and doing practical exercises. The skills and learnings are integrated into a home program. Fun is encouraged during informal socialisation time.

All retreats are located at the Masked Owl Retreat in Forrest, Victoria set in the beautiful Otway Forest. Forrest is a 2 hour drive from Melbourne CBD. If you are travelling by public transport from Melbourne, you can get a country train to Birregurra where we will pick you up. The Masked Owl Retreat is a small retreat facility which is booked exclusively for each retreat.

For more details of the retreat facility please visit the Masked Owl Retreat website.

A Focused Therapeutic Experience. A Supportive Group. Time in Nature. Space to Heal and to Begin Moving Forward.

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Trauma Recovery Retreats

These Focused Therapeutic Retreats are specifically tailored for individuals who are experiencing the impact of Trauma. The focus involves creating a Safe and Supportive space to work towards processing trauma, while learning about PTSD and Moral Injury, with progress towards Change and Recovery. The program combines structured group process; trauma-informed and nature-based theory, emotional processing, exercises, walking in nature, shared meals, and informal socialisation time.

The Pilot Study yielded extremely positive results for participants in the areas of; feeling safe and trusting others; being able to take psychological risks to process emotions/trauma; and to make decisions to make significant changes to improve their lives after the retreat.

The Retreat includes 2 nights accommodation at the Masked Owl Retreat, located in Forrest, Victoria surrounded by the natural beauty of the Otways. All meals are included. The Retreat starts Sunday afternoon and finishes on Tuesday afternoon.

The retreats are facilitated by Experienced, Trauma-informed Professionals with an emphasis on building Safety, Trust and Connection.

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Couple Re-Connection Retreats

This Retreat has an attachment-based focus on Rekindling, Strengthening and Deepening a Loving Connection between you and your partner. It gives you the chance to learn about each other’s emotional responses and intentions, to practise new relationship skills and to map your negative, repetitive cycles. The program involves a blend of relationship concepts, discussions and breakout exercises. Group sharing provides an opportunity to further assist you and your partner to tackle your Reactive Patterns, as well as building on your Strengths and Attributes. The goal is to facilitate a Safe, Secure, and Loving Connection between you that enables you to Navigate life’s challenges Together.

The retreat runs over 3 days. There is a meet and greet on Friday afternoon at 4.30pm with full day sessions on Saturday and Sunday. The program finishes at 4.30pm on Sunday.

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Police and Police Veterans Retreats

These Focused Therapeutic Retreats are specifically tailored for Police and Veterans who are experiencing the impact of Trauma. The focus involves creating a Safe and Supportive space to work towards processing trauma, while learning about PTSD and Moral Injury, with progress towards Change and Recovery. The program combines structured group process; trauma-informed and nature-based theory, emotional processing, exercises, walking in nature, shared meals, and informal socialisation time.

The Pilot Study yielded extremely positive results for participants in the areas of; feeling safe and trusting others; being able to take psychological risks to process emotions/trauma; and to make decisions to make significant changes to improve their lives.

The Retreat includes 2 nights accommodation at the Masked Owl Retreat, located in Forrest, Victoria surrounded by the natural beauty of the Otways. All meals are included. The Retreat starts Sunday afternoon and finishes on Tuesday afternoon.

The retreats are facilitated by Experienced, Trauma-informed Professionals with an emphasis on building Safety, Trust and Connection.

Values

Compassion

Being kind to yourself, each other, to animals and the environment. An attitude of empathy and caring with understanding. Being discerning rather than using criticism and judgement.

Respect

Honouring each other’s character, interests, beliefs, diversity in gender, sexual orientation, culture, ancestry, and religion without competing or being superior. Being curious to understand and continually question the meaning of equality. Respect for animals and plants as well as people past and present.

Courage

Healing and change through taking small risks and experiencing some discomfort. Learning how to allow yourself to tolerate and respond to bodily responses, emotional pain and getting to know your fears more deeply. Examining what may be blocking you? Gently, moving towards the places you find uncomfortable.

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Program Details

Inclusions

The Theraputic Program, Accommodation in the stunning Masked Owl Retreat, located in Forrest, Victoria (single or shared room with price variation) and All Meals (Vegan and GF options avalaible)

Full payment is required to secure booking and to negotiate room.

If you are interested please contact Dr Shona Tudge on: shona@gellibrandcounselling.com.au or call or text Mobile: 0433 553 689.

The retreats program can be view by clicking on this link. Please discuss the retreats with Dr Shona Tudge prior to booking

Retreat Cancellation Policy

Cancellations up to 3 months prior to the event will receive a 100% refund minus the $100 admin fee.
Cancellations between 3 months and 1 month prior will receive a 50% refund minus the $100 admin fee.
Cancellations after 1 month prior will not be eligible for a refund.
Up to one month prior you may change your booking to a different date if one is avaliable. This will incur a $100 admin fee.

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