The Origins Story

The Origins Story

It all began with an unexpected request.

I was about to close my London Harley Street hypnotherapy practice for my summer break when a call came in from a prospective client.

"I need your help," the voice on the other end pleaded. "I'm feeling incredibly low."

The man, Matthew, was a highly successful businessman who suffered from persistent depressive disorder. A close friend of his, who happened to be a former client of mine, had recommended my services. Matthew had been on meds for the past 4 years. Over that time, he has seen eleven therapists of different persuasions.

I told him that I could see him when I got back to London in October.

“"That's three months away! My daughter’s getting married in September”, he said, “I want to be in a better state for her. I need your help, but I want it in person, not through some Skype therapy."

"I'd love to help you, but I'm going away.", I said.

"This city is driving me crazy." he replied. "My home is filled with painful memories. I need to change the scenery. I’ll go with you…wherever you go.”

I paused for thought.

“Money won't be an issue," he added.

Originally, my plan was to go for the first half of the summer to the Black Sea Coast, to a beach I’ve been going to for many years. It can be quite a wild place. A well-travelled friend who works in television described it as “Goa, Ibiza & Koh Phangan all rolled into one and with a little je-ne-sais-quoi extra”. It’s a place with its very own therapeutic qualities, but my instinct was saying that it might not be the best fit for Matthew.

On the other hand, my destination for the second half of the summer seemed more suitable.

“Have you ever been to Crete?”, I asked him.

No, he had not. Matthew rarely took vacations in Europe, preferring five-day trips to vibrant places like Miami, Vegas, or New York.

To cut a long story short. I rearranged my summer holiday plans and took Matthew to the southern region of Crete in July. We went to a small village on the Libyan Sea surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery.

He stayed in a beautiful villa with a great swimming pool.

We did hypnotherapy for two hours every day.

However, it very soon became apparent that Matthew needed more than just therapy. He required a complete lifestyle overhaul.

With the assistance of a local expatriate friend and Matthew's own input, I devised a special immersive program for him. In addition to hypnotherapy, it included daily swims in the sea, hiking, and horseback riding.

Some activities in his programme – like yoga and nudist sunbathing – were entirely new to him. Others, such as cycling and table tennis, he loved but had neglected for a long time.

He even went on fishing trips grilling the day's catch for dinner.

Prior to his arrival in Crete, Matthew's daily highlight– on the days when he could drag himself out of the house that is – was lunch at his favourite Chelsea restaurant.

By the time he departed the island, he was waking up at 6:30am to jog alongside the seacoast. He would then retire, – in his own words -“pleasantly exhausted” - at 11:00pm, after a full day spent outdoors basking in the sunshine

Most of our therapy sessions took place outdoors, in serene and picturesque locations or on his terrace next to the swimming pool.

When Matthew returned to London, he was a changed man.

A few weeks later, he called me to report that his daughter had a fairy-tale wedding. He garnered as much attention as the happy couple themselves. His family and friends were pleasantly surprised not only by his healthy tan, but also by his newfound positive energy, overall well-being and sense of humour, which had been sorely missed.

That’s where it all began.

A year later, when the COVID-19 lockdowns forced me to close my London practice, I returned to Crete as soon as travel restrictions were lifted and stayed on

I’ve been swimming in the sea nearly every day, even during the winter. I have explored the island extensively, uncovering extraordinary places. I have made new friends, including local organic farmers, taverna owners, and fishermen, as well as interesting expatriates who have chosen to call this island their home.

Most importantly, I have continued helping people, both in person and online.

Following Matthew's success, several clients have followed in his footsteps, traveling to southern Crete for life-changing experiences that combine therapeutic relaxation, immersion in nature, and transformative lifestyle changes. Most of them were Matthew's recommendations.

This is how the idea for personalised retreats took shape.

It was actually one of my clients who questioned why the personalised retreat was not offered on my hypnotherapy website. "In fact," she suggested, "you should create a separate website dedicated to it."

"Good point," I thought, especially since I spend so much time in Crete.

And so, here it is, half a year later…www.retreatsincrete.com