He noho wānanga ka haere e toru ra nohio

3-day wellness programme

We want everyone to be heard and accepted just as they are so they can grow into the true expression of themselves.

What is our 3-day wellness programme based on?

The different type of counselling/therapies at Ruby Retreat is primarily based on a client/person-centred approach. This therapy style encourages the client/group to lead the sessions, and the therapist’s role is to be congruent, and empathetic and hold the space with unconditional positive regard. It is our hope that by creating this environment the person may feel safe and empowered and the person’s longing to be heard and understood is fulfilled. This may result in the ability to express themselves with more openness/freedom, build self-esteem, and self-understanding, and feel less guilt and insecurity. We use breathwork to complement counselling/therapy to release negative energy, stress and trauma so we can get in touch with our true nature.

At Ruby Retreat we practice Nonviolent Communication (NVC) where we learn to hear our own deeper needs and those of others. Through its emphasis on deep listening — to ourselves as well as others — NVC helps us discover the depth of our own compassion. This language reveals the awareness that all human beings are only trying to honour universal values and needs, every minute, every day.

NVC can be seen as both a spiritual practice that helps us see our common humanity, using our power in a way that honours everyone’s needs and a concrete set of skills that help us create life-serving families and communities.

It is a model to understand Māori health, which we think is pertinent to wellness across the board. It infers that the four sides/cornerstones of health are taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), taha whānau (family wellbeing). And without all of these components, the house would fall down.

At Ruby Retreat we use exercise, nature and adventure therapy, bodywork, yoga, swimming and grounding exercises to reestablish our connection with our bodies. We believe that this will help us integrate and process concepts, feelings and emotions that may emerge from our deep work.

Why does it work?

Participants of the 5-day addiction recovery retreat hugging

Community

Being we are part of a community can enhance our spirits, character, image and overall wellness. We are then a part of something greater than ourselves and SHARING stimulates innovation and growth. This connection is what builds valuable relationships, and gives us a deeper sense of belonging. It helps us to reach our goals and brings a sense of security.

Ear listening compassionate communication

We listen

Allowing everyone to be heard and cared for we hope to create a safe space for growth and self acceptance.

Hand showing a love heart

Self-care

By eating nutritious foods, exercising, and connecting to our body we begin to notice ways to care for ourselves for optimal health and wellbeing.

Lotus flower

Spirituality

By practising meditation, yoga and finding ways to connect, rather than disconnect, we begin to find love for ourselves and trust our inner guidance for direction and care.

Gill Hall counselling a participant

Communication

By being able to communicate our needs clearly and compassionately we begin to put up boundaries to keep ourselves safe, protecting our sobriety.

Love heart smiling

Forgiveness

We forgive ourselves knowing that our actions were a result of pain, delusion and trauma. We forgive others knowing that their actions were a result of pain, delusion and trauma; we all have darkness and light in our being.

Wooden pawns of the staff members of Ruby Retreat

Our team of professionals

Our professionals are experienced, empathetic and professional in their approach, allowing the participant to relax into their wellness journey.

Price for our wellness programme

The investment for 2024 varies depending on individuals’ and groups’ needs, so enquire about the different options.

What a day may look like

8:00am

9:00am

10:00am

11:00am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:00pm

3:30pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

Yoga & meditation

Breakfast

Breathwork

Break

Group therapy

Lunch & service

Nature/private therapy or massage

Break

NVC

Closing circle

Dinner

Pile of colourful yoga mats
Participants' hands joining in circle
Adventure therapy session in the bush

Whakapā mai

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