The Heart of Holding Retreat

25th-29th Nov 2025 in the Byron Bay Hinterland

The Heart of Holding community is built on the belief that to effectively serve the people we work with and our communities, we must look deeply within and connect with ourselves. This retreat is a rare opportunity to come together and to do this deep personal work in a community of professionals.

Over the 5 days we’ll spend together, we’ll engage in self exploration using a variety of relational and somatic tools and techniques. Breathwork will form a central part of our practice together, supported by expression through movement and vocalisation and deep listening to ourselves, each other and the beautiful land on which we’ll meet.

Our time together will be supported by online group preparation and integration calls, to make sure everyone is as supported as possible in the journey.

Our Home for the Week

Our home for the week is Gymea Eco Retreat & Spa.

Gymea Retreat sits within 46 hectares (113 acres) of secluded rainforest in the heart of Australia's Green Cauldron. It’s nestled at the base of Wollumbin (Mt Warning), a UNESCO World Heritage national park in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll have access to the mineral magnesium pool and hot tub, and one evening you’ll have the option of using the sauna, steam and cold plunge.

We will eat nutritious, fresh vegetarian meals, prepared with local, organic produce by Cade McConnell.

The Experience

The Heart of Holding retreat is an opportunity for space holders of all kinds to come together and do deep work in a group with others who know what it’s like to turn up in service of others day after day, week after week.

We will have 6 journeys, using the breath as our medicine - two each day on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. You’ll breathe 4 times and sit twice - holding space and bearing witness for those who are journeying.

These breath medicine journeys will be supported by movement, vocalisation, somatic awareness and nature immersion workshops. Alongside all this activity will be time for spaciousness and rest.

The retreat will be supported with group preparation and integration calls, psychoeducation resources and integration practices. Additional 1:1 integration is also available for those who need it.

Accommodation Options & Equitable Access Program

We have two accommodation options:

Private -  $3,750 AUD

Shared room (twin or double) - $3,000 AUD

We have an equitable access program that provides a limited number of subsidised places to those who wish to attend but cannot afford the standard fees.

For those who are of means, there is the option to pay it forward, and make a contribution above the regular fee, to support equitable access. If you choose to pay it forward, 100% of these funds will go to subsidising places for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

If you wish to apply for a subsidised place, or pay it forward to support someone else to attend the retreat, you can note this in the application form.

Payment plans are available on all places, and a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your place in the retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Space holders of all kinds are welcome to apply.

    This includes therapists, medical professionals, coaches and other facilitators.

    If you hold space for others in other settings - such as those in management, leadership, education, communities and families - we encourage you to reach out and see if this retreat is the right fit for you.

  • As the intention of this retreat is to support and expand your professional capacity, we have been advised it is fully tax deductible.

    If you are uncertain you may wish to consult with your tax agent.