Morocco 11 - 18 December 2021

Resilience and Flow Retreat - Cancelled

# # # The life-changing, transformative, evidence-based therapeutic retreats are set-up to help clients flourish and grow.

Overview

This exclusive, life-changing programme is dedicated to understanding the science of human flourishing. The goal of our programme is to give you the knowledge, tools and practice to deeply – significantly - impact your life strategies, in a fun, action-based week. It is the truly unique fusion of the power of surfing, positive psychology workshops, mindfulness, group therapy and bonding in an intimate group that translate our aim into reality.

At Resurface we believe that treating any psychological condition requires a holistic approach due to the complex nature of the human condition. Trauma and depression often impacts a client’s cognitive skills, emotional regulation and somatic responses. As a result of this we need a variety of interventions and approaches to successfully deal with all of these problems. The Resurface programme is primarily based on three evidence based modalities recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as safe and effective trauma treatment: EMDR, CBT and Mindfulness.

Included

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Psycho education
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Surfing lessons
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Coherence training
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Experiential group therapy
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7 nights accommodation
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All meals
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Detailed assessment
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Follow-up after-care suggestions
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Airport transfer to and from agadir
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Yoga
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Meditation
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Mindfulness
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Rest day of culture - trip to imsouane

Highlights

Surfing

This is a core element of the Resurface programme that underlines and supports everything we do. The therapeutic effects of surfing are becoming increasingly evident in psychological research. Recent studies have started to document how surfing can lead to improvements in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression (Rogers, C. M., Mallinson,T., & Peppers, D., 2014). There are various reasons why surfing might have such a positive impact on mental health. The most obvious being participating in physical activity, but other important factors include engaging in a group activity and experiencing flow states.

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Psycho-education

Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for clients and that provides information and support to better understand and cope with depression and trauma. Psycho-education teaches problem-solving and communication skills and provides education and resources in an empathetic and supportive environment. Results from more than 30 studies indicate psychoeducation improves family well-being, lowers rates of relapse and improves recovery (Vreeland, B., 2012)

Each day starts with a workshop related to trauma recovery. The purpose of these daily interactive workshops and lectures is to explain and frame the basics for each day’s topic, as well as giving you an understanding of the traumatic condition. These workshop also give you the tools to manage traumatic symptoms, reframe thinking styles and develop positive resources to help you build resilience and flow in your life. Research shows that education alone has a powerful therapeutic effect and is particularly empowering when part of a holistic program.

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Experiential Group Therapy

Developed in the 1970s, experiential group therapy is a therapeutic approach that encourages patients to identify and address hidden or subconscious issues through activities such as role playing, guided imagery, the use of props, and a range of other active experiences.

The deep potential impact of these sessions cannot be understated. We see again and again from past testimonies that clients experience powerful realisations and revelations during these experiential groups, enabling major positive behavioural changes.

While each session will have a volunteer main protagonist enact a scene from their past, present or future, enrolling the help of their ‘fellows’ to do so, it is often those witnessing these that will gain the most from the process. These sessions invite a deep connection between participants and help heal many of the defects associated with neglect and trauma.

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Body Work Groups (Yoga and mindfulness)

In our view, and in the view of many, the body needs to be part of the treatment process. We have to actively and purposefully engage the body and learn how to 'intercept' if we are to recover from trauma.

Interoception is our capacity to feel and sense our body’s experience. It’s our sense of the physiological condition or environment of the body, e.g., our perception of sensation and muscle dynamics. In the words of functional neuroanatomist A. D. Craig, interoception is our experience of our “sentient self.”

Because of advances in neuroimaging, we now know that particular parts of the brain which are involved in interoception are under-active in traumatized people. At Resurface we hope to start reactivating these interoceptive pathways.

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Rest Day - Surf, Food and Culture

As well as making new fiends, group bonding and learning therapeutic skills, we hope that you will enjoy tasting much of Moroccan culture. On the mid-week rest day we take a trip up the coast to the fishing village of Imsouane, where there is the option of surfing a world class long-board wave and eating delicious grilled fish for lunch.

On the way we see some of the famous Moroccan waves (Boilers, Dracula, Tamri) as well as the Bedouin caves and the illustrious ninja goats.

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Evidence-based - Significant Decreases in Anxiety and Depression

At Resurface we believe that all our therapeutic interventions must be evidence-based and proven to work. Our research shows significant decreases in anxiety and depression, and an increase in outlook after attending a Resurface retreat.

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Meet The Team

Clinical Director

Josh Dickson

MSc., FDAP (accredited), SMMGP,
EMDR (accredited)

Josh is an accredited EMDR therapist, an accredited drugs and alcohol counsellor and a licenced Heartmath coach. He is the clinical director of the Resurface programme.

He has been working in private practice and as a consultant for Start2Stop since 2012 and has a special interest in treating trauma and promoting positive psychology. He is an experienced group facilitator, lecturer and public speaker.

He is currently training with The Flow Research Collective.

For more information please visit LinkedIn Page.


Dr. Kristine Steffenak

Dr. Kristine Steffenak

Dr. Kristine Steffenak - M.D./Yoga (cert.)

Kristine is a medical doctor with experience as both a GP and Obstetrics/Gyneacology, working in both the UK and Norway.

She completed her 200 hours yoga teaching in Kerala, India, in January 2019 and is certified by Yoga Alliance USA. Kristine is particularly interested in Trauma-focused yoga (TF-yoga).

Kristine is a keen photographer and her photos can be seen on the Resurface Instagram page.

Venue

The Riad Dar Haven

A special place to stay, away from the hustle.

The Resurface programme includes full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) sharing in a twin room at the hotel. We encourage participants to share rooms as part of the healing process. We hope that you will generate new connections, a sense of community and an opportunity to process the day's events with someone on a more private level.

There are limited single-room options on some of the retreats. Please contact if you want to discuss further.

Website: www.riad-dar-haven.com

7.15 -8am - Optional yoga on the roof terrace

8-9am - Breakfast

9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Positive Emotions'

10.30 - 3pm Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)

3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session

6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation

7.30pm - Dinner

7.15 -8am - Optional yoga on the roof terrace

8-9am - Breakfast

9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Engagement and Flow'

10.30 - 3pm Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)

3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session

6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation

7.30pm - Dinner

7.15 -8am - Optional yoga on the roof terrace

8-9am - Breakfast

9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Positive Relationships'

10.30 - 3pm Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)

3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session

6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation

7.30pm - Dinner

Day trip to the fishing village on Imsouane. This includes a bbq lunch, option to surf on a world class long-board wave, and taking in the sights including ninja goats, the Bedouin caves and famous surf spots including Dracula, boilers and Tamri.

7.15-8am - Optional yoga on the roof terrace

8-9am - Breakfast

9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Meaning and Purpose'

10.30 - 3pm Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)

3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session

6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation

7.30pm - Dinner

7.15-8am - Optional yoga on the roof terrace

8-9am - Breakfast

9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Accomplishment and Grit'

10.30 - 3pm Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)

3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session

6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation

7.30pm - Dinner

9am - breakfast

10-1pm - Leaving exercise/rest, massage, shopping etc.

3pm - leave for the airport

Is this trip for me

Hammam and Spa

We really recommend booking a hammam or massage on the Wednesday evening, once we come back from the day trip, or on Saturday morning before the return flight home.

Morocco 11 - 18 December 2021

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