We have no scheduled retreats in the near future. Check this page for future updates or email us to find out our next retreat date.

What to expect from the Mensana Wellness Retreats
The program consists of 8 days of Daily Meditation, Yoga, and Group sessions as well as individually tailored Psychological Sessions. It is advised that people take the residential option to fully immerse in the program.
The program is participatory, experiential, supportive and it will include:
Daily Guided instruction in Mindfulness Practice and Silent Mindful Meditation
Daily Stretching and Mindful Yoga
Daily Group Dialogue and ACT based group sessions
Individually targeted ACT sessions

In the Meditation and Yoga sessions you will learn to:
Apply mindfulness skills
To be the “observer”
To contact the present moment 

In the group and individual sessions you will learn:
What is emotional and behavioural avoidance and how does it impact negatively on your life?
How has avoidance affected your life?
What are control strategies? And what are your internally based/externally based control strategies?
What are your values? What gives your life true meaning?
What steps should you take to move in your preferred life direction?
What is fusion and what thoughts and emotions do you fuse with?
How to apply Defusion and Acceptance to thoughts and feelings to allow our actions to be  in accordance with what matters to you.

As a result of this retreat you will learn ways on how to: 
reduce stress and worry
handle painful thoughts and feelings far more effectively
break self-defeating habits
find fulfilment in your  life
build more satisfying relationships and, above all, 
Create a rich, full and meaningful life 

You will receive:
Yoga mats, blocks, bolsters and belts to use during the retreat’s Yoga classes and meditation
Art materials for experiential exercises in the group sessions
A variety of handouts for your own use 
A diary/note book to record your daily experience

Please Note: This retreat is aimed at the general public and is based on the principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (as described in Russ Harris's book, The Happiness Trap). 

Suggested pre retreat reading: “The happiness trap” by Dr Russ Harris
 
Research and Outcomes
The Society of Clinical Psychology (APA’s Division 12) has listed ACT as having research support for helping patients cope with psychosis, for those struggling with mixed anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder,  for
the treatment of chronic pain and for those dealing with symptoms of depression.