Have you ever considered going on a silent retreat?
Perhaps you’re terrified at the idea of not speaking and disconnecting from technology for a week. Or maybe you can’t comprehend what would be the purpose of meditating for day after day. Or perhaps you already have a meditation practice, but think you’re not ready for a week of mindfulness and meditation.
However, a silent retreat can be deeply rejuvenating and is a deep form of self-care. And as therapists, it’s essential we take care of ourselves so we can be in the best state to provide care and attention for our clients.
I recently went on a silent retreat and reflected on the numerous personal and clinical benefits.
In this episode I share 5 compelling reasons why every therapist needs to experience a silent retreat.
The 5 reasons are:
- A silent retreat helps you learn to tolerate difficult sensations and feelings
- A silent retreat helps you grows your capacity for holding others
- A silent retreat helps you improves your personal resilience
- A silent retreat helps you feel part of the human race
- A silent retreat gives you a deep sense of self-care, recovery and rejuvenation.
I also interview three Australia Counselling members who have been on silent retreat with me to ask them about their experiences.
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
- MBSR – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, run by Openground Training and Consulting
- Jon Kabbat-Zinn – mindfulness practitioner
- www.felicitygendunpsychology.com.au – Felicity Gendun – Gestalt Therapist and Psychologist
- www.amandawoolveridgecounselling.com.au – Amanda Woolveridge – Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Listen to the audio with the player at the top of this post, or listen on SoundCloud, Stitcher Radio, or subscribe in iTunes.
