“Trauma is actually NOT the story of what happened a long time ago; trauma is the residue that’s living inside of you now; causing uncomfortable sensations, panic reactions, anxiety, depression, uptight-ness, explosions, anger, physical emotional pain and negative impulses.”

Dr Bessel Van der Kolk 

 

Trauma is not only held in the mind—it lives in the body. Whether caused by childhood adversity, relationship abuse, illness, burnout, sudden loss, or overwhelming life events, trauma can remain trapped in the nervous system long after the experience has ended. It can quietly affect our mood, relationships, physical health, and ability to feel calm and safe in our own bodies.

 

Join us for a nurturing one-day retreat in the tranquil Gaia Healing Centre, designed specifically for women seeking to explore trauma-informed, body-based healing. This retreat offers gentle, science-backed self-help practices that support and regulate the nervous system, restore connection between mind and body, and reduce the symptoms of unresolved stress and trauma.

 

You will be guided by Metka Zurman Volkwyn, a trauma-informed life coach, Certified Trauma Release Exercise (TRE®) Provider, mentor, and survivor of complex trauma who has personally found recovery from PTSD, anxiety, and chronic back pain through the very methods shared during this retreat.

 

What You’ll Experience:

 

    •    A safe, confidential, and compassionate space to explore stress and trauma release through body-based techniques and self-regulation.

    •    Trauma-informed insights to help you understand how trauma gets stored in the body and nervous system—and how to begin releasing it.

    •    Gentle group discussions that offer connection, support, and shared healing with other women on similar journeys.

    •    Trauma Release Exercises® (TRE®), x2 sessions, a powerful practice that activates the body’s natural neurogenic tremors to release stored trauma and return to calm and balance.

    •    Vagus nerve stimulation techniques to support your body’s natural relaxation and healing responses.

    •    Breathwork and rhythm therapy to help release stress, reset the nervous system, lower acidity in the body, and build emotional resilience.

    •    A science-backed cue-controlled relaxation technique that can calm anxiety anywhere, using just one word.

    •    Grounding tools for moments of dissociation, overwhelm, or anxiety—bringing you back to the present with clarity and calm.

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   •    We will end the retreat with a drum circle integration where you will learn how to play a West African rhythm or two that foster stress release, engagement, healing, co-regulation, joy and deep connection. NO experience required, Djembe drums will be provided.

 

This Workshop is Especially For You If You Are:

 

    •    Experiencing anxiety, panic, irritability, or chronic stress

    •    Struggling with anger, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion

    •    Holding onto trauma memories or persistent physical tension

    •    Living with chronic pain, IBS, tension headaches, or sleep disturbances

    •    Recovering from burnout, illness, PTSD, or a life-altering diagnosis

 

Important Notes:

 

    •    Women only | Small group for personal attention and a safe atmosphere

    •    Not suitable if you are pregnant, have a history of seizures, recently had major surgery, or cannot perform gentle leg exercises

    •    This is not a quick fix, but an opportunity to get introduced to and learn some practical and empowering somatic tools for long-term healing

    •    You will leave feeling calm and grounded with a renewed connection to your body, deeper understanding of trauma, and with self-help tools to support your ongoing journey.

 

Date: Saturday, 30/8/25

Time: 09:00 – 16:00

Venue: Gaia Healing Centre Constantia

Facilitator: Metka Zurman Volkwyn

Wellbeing Investment: R1499

Early Bird: R1200 valid until 22/08/25

Booking essential | Limited spaces available

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Book here

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ELECTRONIC GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 

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