Morning Preparations for the Retreat
It’s 8 am on Friday morning, and Tony and I are enjoying breakfast while catching up. Our walking therapy weekend starts early in the afternoon, so we spend the morning putting the final touches on our content, tailored specifically for the individuals we’ll be working with.
Although we've run many of these retreats over the years, there’s always a sense of excitement mixed with a little apprehension. It’s not that we’re unprepared—our routes and presentations are well-rehearsed—but we’re eager for our attendees to have the best experience possible.
For many, this is their first walking therapy weekend, and each person brings a unique dynamic. We aim to ensure every participant enjoys a transformative three days.
Arriving at Rydal Hall
By noon, we arrive at Rydal Hall and, as always, receive a warm welcome from the front-of-house team, along with their amazing coffee. Our only concern is the weather, but luckily, the forecast for Friday looks promising. Even when it rains, we adjust our activities to ensure everyone stays as dry as possible.
We’ve frequently used the same room for our sessions—The Bishop’s Room, which features a large, curved window overlooking the gardens. The view of the 1909 Italianate terraced garden and the breathtaking valley beyond never fails to impress. The sight alone is a therapeutic experience.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Our guests arrive safely in the early afternoon, and the group quickly relaxes in the supportive environment we strive to create. This atmosphere is crucial for the success of our sessions. It's amazing how quickly a therapeutic oasis can be established, and our participants soon engage with the content.
We try to spend as much time as possible outdoors. A personal highlight for me was a session conducted beneath an ancient tree, next to a gently babbling waterfall. The natural surroundings foster a sense of connection with nature, and one client even remarked how the bark of the tree resembled prehistoric fish scales—a real moment of wonder.
Saturday's Therapy Walks
Saturday morning begins with a generous breakfast, overlooking the terrace as we review the day's programme. Much of the weekend is focused on self-awareness. Most people come to us wanting to make changes in their lives, but meaningful change begins with a deeper understanding of oneself.
After some fun yet introspective activities, we travel to Elterwater for a walk. This is where the real magic happens—each client has a personal therapy session while walking. The outdoor environment, surrounded by rivers and waterfalls, encourages a more open dialogue that can be harder to achieve in a traditional counselling setting.
After exploring some amazing caves, we enjoy a picnic lunch and later refreshments at a riverside café. Our day ends with a ‘wrap-up’ session over tea and cake, where Tony and I reflect on how to make the next day equally engaging.
Sunday: A Time for Reflection
Sunday arrives quickly, as they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”. While there’s a serious side to the weekend, most attendees are seeking to become what we call a ‘fully functioning person’—someone in touch with their deepest feelings and desires. Reaching this level of self-awareness allows individuals to make changes aligned with their values, without being held back by personal issues.
Midway through today’s walk, we pause for a peaceful picnic overlooking Rydal Water, allowing nature to do its part in the healing process.
Closing Thoughts
Before long, the weekend comes to an end. Believe it or not, Tony and I get as much out of these weekends as our clients. We relax with coffee and cake, reflecting on the experiences shared and looking forward to the next Counselling Room with a View.
For those who join us, the weekend offers a unique start to their counselling journey, often more effective than traditional face-to-face counselling. Why not invest in yourself and experience the benefits of this transformative retreat?
Testimonials
Here’s what some of our participants have said about their experience:
"When I stumbled on the site, my instant reaction was that I needed to do this. I was right! Thank you, beyond words, for seeing, believing, and recharging me." Michelle, NHS Mental Health Practitioner, Yorkshire
"To have a heart-to-heart in person with nature and to feel I was listened to was great." Peter, July 24 Programme
"I got more out of this programme than imagined." Maria, July 24 Programme
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