Trends watch: the power of trauma retreats

As the concept of wellness expands, spas are responding with retreats that address guests’ deeper emotional issues.

Processing and releasing past trauma is a niche but growing area. To offer truly transformational results requires careful planning, skilled therapists and an emotionally engaged team.

Given that trauma is often imprinted in the body and can be retained there for many years, it is natural for therapies to encompass a wide variety of modalities from talking and counselling to deep body work, mindfulness and even drama.

Techniques can also include holistic counselling, somatic therapies, shiatsu, psychotherapy, movement and dance.

Examples of trauma programming in spas

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand offers several programmes that address trauma and emotional challenges.

“Designing retreats that address trauma requires the curation of a safe and nurturing environment where people feel truly supported,” says Gopal Kumar, general manager and director of wellness development at Kamalaya.

“It’s an approach that requires empathy and the use of holistic practices that engage mind, body, heart and spirit, facilitating a comprehensive healing process.”

All programming at Euphoria Retreat in Greece includes aspects designed to heal trauma, with a specific one called Emotional Harmony.

“The most important aspect in all our retreats, is we ensure a safe and nurturing space, like we are giving them a mother’s hug,” says Marina Efraimoglou, owner of Euphoria Retreat.

At Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort in Italy, consultations and screening in advance of arrival are a cornerstone.

“This is essential for tailoring a programme that effectively addresses guests’ trauma,” explains Patrizia Bortolin, co-founder of Glowing Flow Wellness Specialists and transformational wellness coach at Preidlhof.

“The complexity of each guest’s story requires a sensitive approach to design a programme that will achieve the best results.”

Empowering teams to deliver trauma programming

The key to any successful trauma retreat comes down to the skill of individual therapists and practitioners, coupled with team dynamics.

Teams need to be educated and supported to guide with care, kindness and compassion.

At Euphoria Retreat, staff are offered one-to-one sessions with spiritual mentor Mary Vandorou.

“Staff are trained in reiki, and we regularly clear the treatment rooms using pranic healing techniques with sage and crystals,” says Efraimoglou.

At Preidlhof, Bortolin says: “We provide continuous training and development, particularly in trauma-informed care and therapeutic techniques. It’s important to foster empathy and compassion within the team, encouraging practices like mindfulness and reflection.”

Freedom to flourish

Working with trauma presents many challenges and opportunities. With a growing awareness of how trauma can be held in the body, more people are seeking to undertake work in wellness spaces to clear these blockages.

Through emotional healing, guests can gain a sense of self-acceptance, self-love and an increased presence in the moment.

Along with renewed enthusiasm for life, they can also find new purpose and a sense of empowerment and freedom.

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