The Therapeutic Body

The practices offered are informed by yoga — ancient practices originating in South Asia, which underpin much of present-day polyvagal-informed approaches to nervous system regulation in clinical settings.

You'll be guided through breath, movement, self-applied touch, meditation, rest, grounding, sensing and vagal toning practices, all held within a trauma-informed frame.

You will have time and space to rest in solitude or in the company of others whilst staying with a local Balinese artist and his family. Bali is our container — a place where the conditions for settling are already present in the rhythm of daily life. Walking in the rice fields, a welcome ceremony marking your arrival, pausing to witness the daily offering and reverence in daily Balinese life — this is how Bali holds and supports us this week.

Embrace pause and experience Balinese reverence and culture in the lush tropical gardens of Santra Putra Guesthouse. Located on the edge of rice fields in a pedestrian only area of Penestanan, Santra Putra is located on the outskirts of Ubud, away from the hustle and bustle, with easy access to local warungs (restaurants) and a walk or taxi ride into town.

If you'd prefer a resort-style stay, you're welcome to stay nearby and join us each day, including for breakfast — a different price applies for this option.

I have been visiting Penestanan for over 15 years and would love to share this beautiful place with you. 

About Nicole

I'm Nicole (she/her), an Accredited Social Worker with Honours by Research, somatic practitioner, and Level 2 Yoga Teacher with Yoga Australia, based in Garamilla (Darwin).

Across more than 20 years, my work has woven together counselling, somatic practice and community-based support in ways that centre safety, embodiment and relational care. My approach is grounded in polyvagal-informed principles, somatic inquiry and trauma-informed practice.

• 5 nights accommodation in a spacious, queen room with ensuite, verandah and kitchenette

• Daily complimentary breakfast

• Airport arrival transfer

• Canang Sari (Balinese offering) - making class

• Melukat Purification Ceremony

• Two delicious Indonesian dinners 

• Free flow drinking water in your room

• All teachings - morning and afternoon practices and discussion

• Group Rice Field walk

• Retreat booklet including readings shared in class, local activity suggestions and location map

• Free flow water in your room and more!

$2100 all inclusive

• Airfares

• Travel Insurance

• Visa (50,000IDR or $50) & Tourism Levy (150,000 IDR or $15)

• Airport drop off

This retreat is designed for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychotherapists, and other therapeutic practitioners — including those working in modalities like EMDR, where the practitioner's own stability and groundedness underpin the work. Trauma-informed and pain-science physiotherapists are also warmly welcome. 

This is an inclusive, trauma-informed space, welcoming to LGBTQIA+ and non-binary participants.

FAQs

I'm a yoga student looking for a retreat to support my own practice, but I don't have experience working with people in a counselling or therapeutic context. Can I still join? 

This retreat is specifically designed for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychotherapists and other therapeutic practitioners. Yoga in Real Life may be a better fit for you.

Can I claim CPD points for this retreat? 

It may count toward your CPD/OPD hours — check with your professional body (e.g. AASW, PACFA, ACA), as self-directed CPD is generally your own responsibility to log and evidence.

Is this retreat considered supervision, or will we discuss how to apply these practices with clients? 

No. This is an embodied immersion, not training or supervision. Discussion stays close to your own experience, not case application — this time is for you, not your caseload.