Couples retreat with Internal Family Systems and Self-Compassion
Immerse yourself in meditation and hiking in the magical French countryside. Experience five days of self-discovery, self-compassion and clarity with your partner.
Dates: New RETREAT is planned in May
Indulge in an exciting journey with your intimate/romantic relationship in the picturesque French countryside and bring your love to the next level. You will learn Self-led communication through a place of compassion, curiosity and calm. You will see the importance of emotional healing and courageous conversations. In this retreat you will strengthen your relationship from the inside out. Also, you will identify the parts of you that hinder your intimacy, a possibility to heal these parts, and with safety you can share the most vulnerable parts with each other. Clinical research has shown the importance of self-compassion, compassion and forgiveness in intimate relationships and the benefit it has on body and mind. Through meditation, reflection, exercises, hiking, good dining, relaxing by the pool, a whole lot of fun, and sublime connection you will experience a week that recharges you for a long time ahead.
We offer a safe retreat for deep exploration with yourself and with your partner through:
- Presentations
- Group discussions and reflections
- Meditation and reflections
- Experiential exercises to be done individually or as a couple
- Writing / journaling
- Hiking and forest bathing
- Yoga/movement
- Meditation in nature
- Fine dining
- Cozy dinners
- And lots of fun
Leader
With a solid experience as a Family Counsellor, a Master in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University and an ongoing Certification in Internal Family Systems, Simone Nilsson has an extensive experience with psychotherapeutic work and in holding retreats.
This is a journey where we combine couple’s healing with nature therapy with the following methods as a foundation:
IFS Internal Family Systems
In the context of couples, IFS helps partners understand and communicate with each other’s internal parts more effectively. It involves exploring each partner’s inner landscape, identifying protective parts that may hinder intimacy or communication, and fostering compassion and understanding between partners’ parts.
By working with each partner’s internal system, IFS for couples aims to promote empathy, deepen emotional connection and resolve conflicts in a way that honors the needs and perspectives of both individuals. We will cover why intrapsychic work in couple’s interaction can be healing. It can help couples develop healthier patterns of communication, navigate relationship challenges and strengthen their bond. To read more about IFS visit https://ifs-institute.com
Self-compassion
Self- compassion for couples involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding and acceptance, especially during times of difficulty or conflict within the relationship. Self-compassion can result in reduced self-criticism which can impact the relationship by reducing defensiveness and fostering a more supportive environment. Self-compassion helps regulate emotions more effectively, allowing oneself to respond to relationship challenges with greater calmness and clarity. When partners practice self-compassion, they are better able to empathize with themselves and, by extension, with their partner’s experiences and emotions.
People who practice self-compassion bounce back more quickly from setbacks or conflicts, which can contribute to greater overall relationship satisfaction and longevity. By cultivating self-compassion, couples create a foundation of self-awareness and acceptance that can deepen intimacy and connection with each other. The practices and exercises in the retreat are based on Kristin Neff’s and Chris Germer’s; The Mindful Self-Compassion Program.
Hiking / Forest bathing
Hiking meditation combines the physical benefits of hiking with the mental clarity of meditation. It allows you to fully engage in the present moment and embracing the beauty of nature. This practice allows us to enter a realm of tranquility and peacefulness.
Forest bathing is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to promote well-being. It involves engaging the senses fully and mindfully to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment.
The benefits of forest bathing include reduced stress levels, improved mood, boosted immune system function, lowered blood pressure, and increased overall feelings of calm and relaxation. The experience of being in nature can help reset the mind, promote mindfulness and foster a sense of connection with the natural world.
Hiking therapy is a transformative experience that nourishes our mind, body, and soul. By being mindful in nature, we can find consolation, transformation, and a great sense of connection to the earth.
Retreat schedule: will come soon
Unique venue with a touch of mindfulness
The retreat is held in this unique venue. There are three bedrooms with six sleeping places. While we want you to feel at home, you also have a safe professional team, and a program with long experience, that takes care of you during the stay.
Small group
We are a small group with maximum six participants which contributes to that every participant receives a deeper guidance and feedback on their inner journey. We also see that small groups facilitates meaningful and supportive relationships between participants.
What is included
Accommodation
Meals – organic and local as much as possible.
Coffee, tea, snacks, local desserts, sweets
All activities
Care and support from the retreat leader and the house host
What is not included
Aire fares
Individual insurance
Transfer on the check in and check out day (This is because participants can arrive and depart with many different flights. We can help you coordinate a shared transfer if possible and assist you in the different options).
Payment
To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a deposit of 1000 Euros.
You can pay through:
- Paypal
- A traditional bank transfer
The final payment deadline is –
It is possible to pay for the retreat in three instalments, the first when signing up for the retreat and the last at the latest 30 days before the retereat starts.
Cancellation policy
If you withdraw 60 days before the retreat we charge half of the deposit amount of 1000 euros. When withdrawing 59 days to 40 days we charge 30% of the whole retreat price. If you withdraw less than 39 days before the retreat we charge 50% of the retreat price.