Testimonials

Deepening Self Compassion & Befriending Your Nervous System

As an introvert and a fairly reserved person, I was anxious about not having enough time for myself or feeling too much out of my comfort zone but I’m happy to say that I was able to find enough time alone and although I definitely felt out of my comfort zone it was in the best possible way because I felt safely held and guided by Cath and was able to expand the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with which feels amazing!!
— Stephanie, Cornwall
I fully enjoyed the retreat in Devon with Cath and would recommend it to anyone. It gave me joy and pleasure and, more importantly, I learned a lot and gained real insights. If you want to deepen your NVC practice, learn about yourself, all while meeting amazing people, this workshop is for you!
— Johannes, London
An incredibly enriching experience. I gained knowledge and insight, received empathy and understanding. We lived in an atmosphere of connection, healing, movement and play. I witnessed hugely transformative NVC processes and met like minded beings who will undoubtedly form into a network of support and inspiration. There are no words for the power of Cath. You need to witness to believe.
— Becci, Taplow
I am very new to NVC, having only completed the level one training a few days before starting Cath’s course. I was extremely pleased when I realised the focus of the week was the nervous system/anxiety, as I suffer a great deal with this in my life.

Cath was extremely knowledgeable and professional, without ever being aloof or separate from the group. She conveyed her extensive knowledge with such warmth and kindness and presented the information in such a way that it all seemed completely organic. I feel that the learning was absorbed naturally and quickly and reaffirmed by the behaviour of Cath and her team, as well as the other members of the group. Throughout the week I felt so supported, cared for and even loved.
— Sue, Bath
I feel immensely nourished and connected to myself! Actually I feel I am a better version of myself or a person I always wanted to be! I am still triggered but at the same time I am back to myself much faster! Such a relief!
— Mau Poland / Ireland
I feel like I’ve done 5 years worth of personal growth in 5 days! As a rather unfit and out of shape person, I was nervous of the movement and dance sessions but shouldn’t have worried: anything goes on the dance floor and I felt comfortable to lie down in the rest zone when I needed.
I long to respond from love instead of my wounded places. This workshop fulfilled my need for growth in this area and so many others: play, rest, challenge, time in nature and belonging.
This was a wonderful experience, full of learning, connection and fun. A beautiful setting and we were expertly guided through the material by Cath. Many glimmers of joy - singing, laughter and fantastic dancing.
— Ginny, Leicester
Cath created a beautiful and safe container that enabled me to bring my whole self to the group. These few special days met my needs for learning, growth, fun, self-expression, movement, safety, connection and belonging.
— Emma, Hampshire

Finding your flow: getting fluent in NVC

The retreat gave me the opportunity to boost my practice thanks to thought-through exercises, as well as to start integrating NVC in my way of being. Seeing Cath and other participants embodying NVC over a longer period of time (than the usual online catch ups) was real role modelling for me. I feel much more resourced to go back to the world!
— Maud, Paris
The combination of structured NVC exercises in the mornings and movement in the afternoons met the needs of both my mind and body every day. I came to the retreat to deepen my NVC learning and integration through practice. I definitely got that, but also so much more: movement, fun, self-awareness, connection with others, relaxation in the sauna, and nourishment from the delicious food and beautiful surroundings.
— Ola, Finland
I loved the combination of NVC and dance. It helped me live NVC deeper in my body, and feel the inner dance while practising NVC. Although I was pregnant, I could really enjoy the movement while respecting my body’s pace.
Also, I could feel a lot of care and deep human connection with every person in the group, which deeply nourished my heart and allowed me to really welcome all my experiences. I think this was helped by the time we spent together, as well as the magnificent place and fluid organisation.
Huge thanks to Cath and the dream team of assistants!
— Maia, France
This course is incredibly well structured and to the point. Cath teaches complicated concepts in a simple and funny way. The format of Finding your Flow NVC residential retreat course doesn’t only work for different learning styles but together they’re a powerful means to make you actually learn. I could feel my heart growing while doing the activities. I would gladly do the course again just for the teaching style alone.
— Jean Pierre Szajniuk, S.E London
A wonderful retreat which taught me so much and helped me move forwards with my NVC practice. The retreat is held in a beautiful, peaceful setting and is so comfortable with the best healthy and delicious meals. Cath runs the sessions so well and ensures all participants feel safe and well cared for, along with her two very helpful assistants.
— Louise, London
Through the different practice activities, modelled roleplays and conversations with all the participants and trainers, I came to see how I could capitalise on what lives inside me to have open, authentic and engaging conversations with people holding ideas and opinions that go against my own and how this could easily turn a no into a yes. As a result, I have more faith in my ability to handle potential disagreements, am less afraid and avoidant of them and am also more likely to make requests which fully meet my needs.
— Sandra, Wiltshire

The surprising purpose of anger and the freedom of sorry

I left this retreat with a completely different perspective on my anger and other people’s anger as well. I understand how anger is a bell, alerting me to unmet needs, and I can honestly say that I now welcome not only my own anger but that of other people. I’m not afraid of it anymore.
— Stephanie, Cornwall
Cath’s NVC anger and dance retreat brought me warmth and connection with others, but most importantly with myself. It was a rediscovery of a love for, and the deep importance of, movement, open space, natural light and the warmth and comfort of genuine connection and community for my well-being.
— Tina, France
The course provided me the opportunity to experience vulnerability and authenticity (my own and others’) not available in other contexts, not even at home. This was possible because of a feeling of safety and sincere care available to me and each participant. This was further inspired by the courage and openness of other participants. The topics were relevant and brought out deep emotions. It helped me to experience that behind the different faces and age groups, we all share the human condition.
— Rolando, Hereforshire

This course has been beautifully crafted. It was intellectually stimulating, physical, and it touched my soul.
— Dyane, Devon