Frequently asked questions

How strenuous are the walks?

They are moderate. If you already have a pair of hiking boots in your cupboard you will have no problem in joining us. If you will have to purchase your first pair of hiking boots to come on one of our weeks you will probably find our walks slightly challenging but doable. We tend to keep a good pace and walk for three or four hours. There will be, of course, stops and we do not engage in a race. However, the walks are an essential element of these holidays and the little challenge that they might present to some of you is an important aspect of the walkwithin formula, and of the natural, healthy rhythm that we hope you will fall into.

Do I have to walk every day?

No, you are free to do what you feel like. You can take a day or two off if you wish, or if your legs need a rest. However, experience has taught us that keeping the rhythm, and overcoming the resistance to walking on the odd day results in a rise of your self-esteem, a crucial ingredient in what we are trying to achieve.

Do I have to walk if the weather is bad?

No, you don't. We understand that 'bad weather' is not what everybody usually associates with being in the outdoors, and few of us have ever experienced being out in Nature under the rain, or in the mist for a few hours. However, if one is properly equipped and feels guided and safe, one may experience the sense of total freedom and power that derives from having mastered not just the rain but a pre-conceived notion that Nature is on our side only as long as the sun shines.

'Every walk tells' (Richard Holmes)

Is this a retreat or a holiday?

What we offer you is a holiday that you may decide to turn into a retreat.

During our week you will be staying in beautiful and exclusive places, where total privacy is guaranteed with no restrictions on food and drinks. You will be free to join the activities as many or as few as you wish.

However, there is a strong accent on discipline and time keeping when you partake in the activities. Our goal is to provide our guests with a nurturing structure for the length of their staying. What we offer is a healthy schedule which combines discipline with pampering, in a tranquil setting where some caring and professional listening is available an hour every day for six consecutive days.

Some of us may have been lucky enough to experience this beneficial blend during childhood, some of us may have not.

I've never been in therapy. What am I supposed to talk about?

This is entirely your choice. You are there to express yourself, to be listened to, and to explore burning issues you might have in your life, or just go over some aspects of your self or of your present circumstances which might need special attention. The person you will work with during the sessions is bound by absolute confidentiality and she/he is on your side to help you reaching a better understanding of the person you are. There is no judgement involved, just care.

What if I don't find the sessions useful, and I don't want to continue?

You can stop at any time. In this case you can spend the rest of the time 'on holiday' and still enjoy the walks, the massages, the gardens, the food. However, sometimes the resistance to further sessions is prompted by the possible discomfort you may experience when delving into certain areas of your inner self, especially if never explored before. You will be helped to understand or overcome the resistance if so you wish.

What if I find the journey within beneficial and wish to continue it once back home?

You can continue the work with your walkwithin therapist if you wish and if you live in London. Alternatively we will help you find a suitable therapist where you live, and we may send a referral to the new therapist, if you agree to this.

What if I don't like the other guests during the week?

You don't have to mingle with the other guests. You don't have to talk during the walks - actually silence is encouraged although not always possible, and you can have your evening meals on your own. Remember that every feeling which will arise during your staying is a precious telltale sign of something that might need to be explored. That is precious material for your afternoon sessions.

Do I have to share the meals with the other guests?

No, you can be on your own. Even during the walks you can have your picnic distant from the other guests.

I am already in therapy and I wonder if coming on a week might confuse me...

If you are taking an interest in what we offer, it may mean that you wish to challenge your present position from a different standpoint, or that you need the distance from home to focus on a particular issue.

Is this a sort of 'life coaching'?

It is and it isn't. We do not aim to tell you 'what to do next' once you go back home. We provide a special setting where you will be listened to and encouraged to clarify your areas of insecurity or pain, so that you can freely decide if you want to take action to change something in your life. We do not cure you, nor teach you anything. The key concept is that of increasing your awareness of what is going on in your life, and what is your potential to improve your life.

Can anything seriously useful be achieved in just six sessions of therapy?

Yes, a lot can be achieved in five or six sessions if the clients' will is our ally in this work. We believe that three major elements facilitate the process:

Clients do not need to fear becoming dependent on the therapists (often a big resistance in approaching therapy) since the time is limited to the week.
Clients will be able to delve into their inner worlds undisturbed by external interferences which might hamper the 'walking within' when they are in their usual environment.
The long walks and the restorative connection with Nature will enhance the broadening and clarity of thoughts and the tuning in with one's feelings. This is inevitable on our weeks, and a crucial ingredient in our recipe.

Furthermore we believe that past experience in our lives tells us not only about our weaknesses but also about the potential solutions already existing on our horizons. Our joint efforts consist in bringing this to awareness. We delve into the past only in as much as it already contains indications of the clients' inner (often hidden) resources, and clues about what 'works' for each client. The emphasis is on finding a way forward and highlighting what each client can realistically and independently achieve, rather than lingering in the pain or discomfort.

For those clients who feel that more work needs to be done once back home, the first six sessions will have resulted in a solid bedrock of understanding about one's priorities.

Would you ever consider pairing psychotherapy and yoga, or psychotherapy and riding?

No. Walking is what humans do by nature. We do not swim, nor fly, nor ride. We walk, and it is the act of walking that establishes a natural rhythm between body and mind we easily sink in. This is a quintessential element pivotal in stimulating your awareness without engaging extra attention.

'Walk yourself into well-being' (Kierkegaard)

Is this 'group counselling'?

No, it's not.

Can I come with my partner?

Yes, you can come on an 'individual therapy' week with your partner. In this case your partner can enjoy all other activities (and split with you the five or six massages offered if you wish). He or she will have more time than you will to rest, read and visit the surroundings.

Do you offer 'couple counselling'?

We do on certain weeks. Please check at the time of booking whether the week you have chosen offers couple counselling or individual therapy only.