“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 

 

 The body remembers what the mind has learned to live with. Trauma is not held only in our thoughts or memories. It also lives within the body and nervous system, showing up as anxiety, tension, panic, irritability, emotional overwhelm, exhaustion, disconnection, or a sense that it is difficult to truly relax and feel safe within ourselves. 

 

Trauma can arise from many experiences: childhood adversity, relationship abuse, illness, burnout, sudden loss, or other overwhelming life events. Even when the experience has passed, the body may continue to carry its imprint. This gentle one-day retreat offers an opportunity to pause, breathe, reconnect and begin exploring ways of releasing some of what the body has been carrying.

 

Rather than trying to “fix” or force anything, we will create space to listen to the body with curiosity and compassion, while practising practical, trauma-informed tools that can support nervous-system regulation, emotional resilience and a deeper sense of connection with ourselves.

 

A Day to Slow Down, Breathe & Reconnect

 

You’ll be guided by Metka Zurman-Volkwyn, a trauma-informed life coach, Certified Trauma Release Exercise (TRE®) Provider, mentor, and a recovered survivor of complex trauma.

 

The retreat takes place in a beautiful, calm and tranquil natural setting, a peaceful space where you can step away from the busyness of everyday life and simply breathe.

 

The beautiful grounds offer gentle opportunities for rest, reflection and connection with nature. You can wander through the garden, swim in the eco pool, find a quiet place to sit and be, or take a contemplative walk through the labyrinth made from rose quartz stones, often described as the “stone of unconditional love”.

 

There is no need to rush. No need to perform. Just an invitation to slow down and come back to yourself.

 

What You’ll Experience

 

• A safe, confidential and compassionate space to explore stressed trauma release and body-based approaches to healing.

• Trauma-informed insights into how overwhelming experiences can affect the body and nervous system.

• Gentle group conversations offering connection, understanding and shared experience with other women.

• Two TRE® sessions, introducing a body-based practice that uses natural neurogenic tremors to help release muscular tension generated during trauma and support a return towards calm and balance.

• Vagus nerve stimulation techniques to support the body’s natural relaxation response.

• Breathwork to help release stress, settle the nervous system and cultivate emotional resilience.

• A science-backed cue-controlled relaxation technique that can be used almost anywhere, using just one word.

• Grounding practices for moments of anxiety, overwhelm or dissociation, helping you gently reconnect with the present moment.

• Time and space to rest, reflect and integrate what you are learning.

• An opportunity to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings, garden, eco pool and rose quartz labyrinth at your own pace.

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This Retreat May Be Especially Supportive If You Are

 

• Experiencing anxiety, panic, irritability or chronic stress.

• Living with feelings of anger, overwhelm or emotional exhaustion.

• Carrying difficult memories or persistent physical tension.

• Experiencing chronic pain, IBS, tension headaches or disrupted sleep.

• Moving through burnout, illness, PTSD or a life-altering diagnosis.

• Simply feeling disconnected from your body and longing to feel more grounded, calm and at home within yourself.

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A Few Important Things to Know

 

Women only. The group will be kept small to create a sense of safety, intimacy and personal attention.

 

This retreat is not a quick fix. It is an opportunity to engage in practical, empowering somatic tools that you may continue exploring as part of your longer-term healing journey.

 

The retreat is not suitable during pregnancy, for those with a history of seizures, following recent major surgery, or for anyone unable to comfortably perform gentle leg exercises.

 

To keep costs accessible, and to accommodate the many different allergies and food sensitivities people may have, the retreat will be self-catering.

 

Payment is non-refundable, but your place may be transferred to a friend or family member who meets the same participation criteria.  

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Date: Saturday, 31/10/2026

Time: 09:30 – 16:00

Venue: Sweet Valley, Constantia

Wellbeing Investment: R1299

Early Bird:R999 until  24th Oct

Booking essential | Limited spaces available

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BOOK HERE:https://www.quicket.co.za/events/401440-trauma-release-retreat/

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