Immerse yourself in an empowering WILD WAY RETREAT with Andrea & Lucy
at Summer Solstice at the beautiful and peaceful Embercome in Devon inclusively from Thursday 20th June til Sunday 23rd June 2024.
This retreat is exclusively for women and there are only limited places available.
Join us for a transformative 3-night retreat surrounded by peaceful and lush shared spaces.
Andrea and Lucy have designed and created this unique experience to bring you a retreat like no other.
The wild way retreat is especially and only for women and it offers you
a profound journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection with nature.
Highlights of this wild way retreat include:
Solstice Celebration: share this magical time of renewal.
Nature Immersion: connect deeply with the natural environment at Embercombe. Spiral Walk: take a symbolic journey of self-reflection.
Holistic Practices: meditation, dreamwork, movement, crafting, group-work, oracle card readings, and more, to deepen your connection with self and nature.
Shared Space: be present with like-minded women in a supportive and restorative environment.
Andrea and Lucy’s aims for your wild way retreat experience
Feel calmer, connected, and embodied
Gain insight into your triggers and patterns
Step into your unique power
Gain clarity about what you want and need for yourself
Feel free to be you and explore new things
Feel rested and relaxed
Explore and express emotions in a safe and professionally held environment
Supported by nurturing new friendship
Reserve your spot for this empowering retreat by contacting Andrea & Lucy at contact@lucyfurniss.co.uk
Meet Your Retreat Guides Andrea Hobbs and Lucy Furniss
Lucy Furniss Experienced Gestalt Therapist and Wild Therapist
We are delighted to introduce Lucy Furniss, an experienced Gestalt Therapist and Wild Therapist, who will be guiding you through transformative experiences during the Wild Way Retreat.
Background: With a rich background in Gestalt Therapy and Wild Therapy, Lucy has been actively working with individuals and groups in and around the New Forest and Bournemouth since 2016. Her private practice reflects her commitment to guiding others to discover and expand their inner wisdom and strengths.
Guiding Philosophy: Lucy is passionate about helping you to find your inner wild and living a spontaneous and creative life, and is dedicated to supporting you on an enriching journey of self-discovery. She believes in helping individuals connect with their inner selves, fostering psychological growth and healing. Her unique approach involves exploring and nurturing your connection to the outdoors, with a belief that the natural world has much to teach us and transformative potential.
Environmental Advocacy: Beyond personal well-being, Lucy is committed to protecting and healing our planet. She actively advocates for humanity to find its place as an integral part of the natural world, emphasizing the importance of harmony and interconnectedness.
Personal Touch: Lucy finds her greatest joy outdoors, often seen walking her dog, and immersing herself in the restorative surroundings of the forest, beach and water. Her connection to nature is not only a professional commitment but a deeply personal and fulfilling aspect of her life.
Experience Lucy’s calm presence, therapeutic guidance and knowledge as part of this Wild Way Retreat, to support you in an inspiring journey, bringing you to a deeper relationship with yourself and the world around you.
More about Lucy: For more detailed information about Lucy’s work and extensive experience, you can visit her website www.lucyfurniss.co.uk
Andrea HobbsExperienced crafter-artist, Wild & Art Therapist, Meditation Mind Calm Coach, Tarot and Oracle Card Guide.
Joining us on this transformative journey is Andrea Hobbs, a seasoned expert in various realms of creativity, mindfulness, and therapeutic practices. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to enhance your Wild Way Retreat experience.
Background: Originally trained in Art Therapy and now as a Wild Therapist, she also works for a charity. Andrea is dedicated to the holistic well-being of individuals. Her journey has led her to become a certified Meditation Mind Calm Coach, a facilitator for mindfulness art & craft groups, and a skilled guide in the realms of tarot and oracle cards.
Guiding Philosophy: Andrea offers a distinctive blend of wild creativity and intuitive pragmatism to every experience. Her approach is rooted in the belief that exploring our creativity, connecting with nature, and delving into the intuitive self can lead to profound personal transformation. She has traversed a path of alternative spirituality for over four decades, exploring a myriad of avenues and paths, and returning to nature as a primary source wisdom.
Connection to the Unseen: Andrea’s deepening connection with the unseen aspects of life infuses a unique energy into the Wild Way Retreat. Her observations will open doors to the mystical dimensions, fostering an explorative and transformative experience. By blending the mystical with her well-grounded approach, she creates a harmonious balance that can guide you through your own journey of self-discovery.
Personal Touch: Andrea is based in the picturesque County Durham. Her happiest moments are spent in nature, whether it’s the simple joy of sitting beneath her favourite oak tree with her dog in the ancient woodland close to her home, or exploring the untamed beaches of Northumberland, scanning for driftwood, shells and pebbles.
Prepare to be guided by Andrea’s vibrant expertise as you embark on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection during the Wild Way Retreat. Be prepared to embrace the wisdom of nature and uncover your own beauty and power.
More about Andrea: For more detailed information about Andrea and her expansive portfolio, please visit her website at andreahobbs.co.uk.
Welcome. I am Andrea Hobbs – a Wild Therapy and Art Therapist and meditation coach. I offer individual and group work for adults of all ages. My approach is intuitive and creative, with a deep connection to the natural world we are part of. Life can be complex and we’re not meant to do it alone. I work with you to co-create a space where you can mend at your own speed, and in your own way.
My events page on my website will tell you about workshops, current groups and residentials coming up, either facilitated by me alone, or with friends and colleagues who are like-minded.
Here is a little information about what I can offer you:
Wild Therapy
1-hour long one2one sessions outside in the ancient woodland very close to my home. Alternative outdoor spaces can be negotiated, or if accessing inclines and muddy paths is difficult for you. If weather is very challenging then I may use a quiet space in my house instead, but this would be exceptional.
Wild Therapy brings wildness, spontaneity, boundlessness, and freedom for those of us who prefer being outside in nature. It is suitable for anyone who may find a traditional therapeutic approach narrow, constraining or intense, or just wants something different. Wild Therapy is usually conducted outdoors. It allows emotional healing and growth supported by the wild environment. Our more-than-human and other-than-human companions on the planet. You can read more about Wild Therapy here.
I chose this way of working as it challenges traditional norms of sitting in a room which I found uncomfortable and un-natural, and contributed to my choosing not to pursue a career in a clinical setting. We can weave an Art Therapy approach into sessions when desired: opening up the possibility to explore through making things from natural found objects, or taking materials out into the open. This way of working provides a tactile and visual way to facilitate self-exploration and is not just for people who see themselves as artistic or ‘creative.’
Both Wild therapy and Art Therapy bring in the ‘something other’, encouraging a dialogue with something external but connected to you, rather than being focussed on just talking. As your therapist, my role is to walk alongside you on your journey to improve your emotional wellbeing, resolve emotional challenges, and help you to discover for yourself a greater sense of peace and acceptance. Unsure if Wild and Art Therapy is for you? Why not get in touch and book a short ‘taster’ session?
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Mind Calm Meditation
Small groups or individual meetings: (usually) 6-week introductory course. Meetings last around 1.5 hours and include learning talks, instructional techniques, and a period of silent meditation to introduce you to the Mind Calm approach.
Individual meetings are held at my own home, or in specific circumstances, at your own home (e.g., for health or access reasons).
One-off group workshops are sometimes available.
Groups are held at local venues and therefore charges vary according to venue costs.
Mind Calm meditation can help you to be less distracted by a busy mind, experience better sleep, cope with life’s stresses more calmly and have more peace in life.
Mind Calm is not affiliated to any specific religion or philosophy but does have a wide spiritual intent. You will not be asked to sign up to or arrive with any particular belief. Meditation is particularly helpful if you suffer from endless thinking (a busy mind), sleeplessness, or if you’re just feeling that life is OK but not great, and you’d like to feel more content, peaceful or happy.
Once you have completed the introductory course, you are welcome to join any local regular groups that are running. Meditating as a group is extremely supportive and helps us all to take the time out from our busy lives. I have been meditating on and off for over 30 years, and with more commitment for the last 10 years, exploring different methods in that time. I chose Mind Calm as it makes meditation accessible to everyone and anyone, and it’s so quick to learn and easy to understand; it’s fun, and it can really make a difference to your life.
See Events on the website for more details and dates.
In the summer, meditation groups are sometimes held outside in the beauty of Teesdale
Card Readings
1.5 hours approximately at my home in a quiet private space. Or readings are also available online too, so you can access this service from wherever you live.
Readings are not recorded, so you may wish to take your own notes.
For an additional charge, I offer a digital coloured drawing of your reading. This can help to integrate the messages you receive, and means you can carry it around with you for a while on your phone, tablet or as your screen saver on your PC. Drawings usually take 2-3 weeks to completion and are not immediately available.
I offer personal insight card readings rather than premonition or ‘future forecasting’. I see myself as a translator of the message that comes to you through the cards from your own wisdom, or Higher Self. A card reading can help you to clarify where you are in life, validate your own intuitive ‘hits’, help you to make better decisions for yourself, or reassure you that you are on the right path.
For sessions I currently use a combination of card decks: a modern-day Tarot deck that is based on the 4 elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth rather than the traditional symbols by Radleigh Valentine, and a super-simple Insights deck created at Findhorn. From time to time, I may use other decks, depending on your own preferences.
I am a spiritual being, but not a religious one. Since my young adulthood, I have explored the alternative, mysterious and intuitive side of life as a human. My self-exploration has always included card decks for inspiration and guidance.
Other Stuff
I am available as a celebrant, or facilitator, for weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals and other family ceremonies. I am very open and will be guided entirely by your own vision and ideas. I also bring my own intuition, creativity and imagination to the process of shaping your ceremony.
My very personal approach leans into our human need for connection, healing through ritual or ceremony, and an alternative approach to celebrating our life-cycles. Please contact me for a ‘no commitment’ chat to find out what is possible.
Groups – indoors and outdoors
My small one-off Calm Craft sessions that I run indoors or outdoors across County Durham and North Yorkshire (within reasonable travel distance). These groups usually begin with a very light touch relaxation/mini meditation exercise, followed by a simple craft or creative project that everyone can have a go at. Please contact me for more details and discussion about what you want. Prices will vary and depend on materials and travel required. Charities and not-for-profits will be offered a reasonable rate.
Highly Qualified
Andrea has a BA (Hons) degree in art and design, and went on to qualify as an Art Therapist, gaining a Post-graduate Diploma in Art Therapy in 1993. Having worked in varied social care and voluntary roles since 1989, with children and adults across England, Scotland and in Romania, Andrea has spent the last 20 years working in the voluntary sector, mostly as a charity manager.
In 2021, she turned her attention back to her art and therapeutic skills, running her Calm Craft groups, and qualifying as a Wild Therapist in 2023. She is also an accredited Mind Calm Coach with best selling author Sandy Newbigging’s Mind Detox Academy.
Andrea completed a Hypnotherapy training in 2007 (non-practising), and followed a Hay House card reading course online in 2020-21, with sessions from Denise Linn, Radleigh Valentine and Kyle Gray.
She is a part-time charity manager and an artist and textile crafter. She lives close to Barnard Castle with her husband, dog and chickens.
Andrea is a registered to practice Wild Therapy, and is accredited with the Federation of Holistic Therapists as a Mind Calm Coach. She is in the process of re-registering as an Art Therapist. She is insured through Holistic Insurance Services. Andrea has an enhanced DBS check for both adults and children (refreshed annually)
How to Get in Touch
Individual support requires you to get in touch, which you can do here or directly by email to support@andreahobbs.co.uk
Although my offers are stand-alone methods, all three can be blended fluidly together if this appeals to you.
It can be difficult to make that first move to reach out for support. I offer a no obligation by phone or on-screen short chat to make sure that I am offering what you need, and to make any practical arrangements required for your safety and comfort.
You can enjoy my regular blog which you will find here
Pop onto the website for all prices and timeframes, which are provided as a guide only. Travel and ‘walk-in’ times at different outdoor spaces may require longer sessions.
I am delighted to spotlight on Linda McBain, a therapist, who I met many years ago in the early days of my business. Linda is extremely gentle, but I found her to be a powerful therapist. She is an incredibly humble woman ,with great empathy – an open heart indeed.. I definitely recommend her gentle therapies Linda says
“I love working in harmony with the Organica J essential oils and balms, as they work in flow with my crystal and reiki sessions” and in her own words she goes on to say
“All benefit the therapies I offer ,as a place of well being for my clients, the environment and the earth. I am in full harmony of my mind, body and soul when working with these oils and balms . These essential oils work hand in hand with the crystals bringing in from the Earth the most healing precious tools that Mother Earth has to offer It allows us to live in a harmonic lifestyle in all aspects of our life mind body, heart and soul.
We as a family have been buying from Jacqui, for over twenty years and we have have loved every part of our experience. All products have been made in balance with Mother Earth, each artisan piece made with love and nurturing care.
The therapies I offer are Reiki, Self Love and Crystal Therapy . Within these therapies there are many treatments, depending on the client and what they need.
The therapy I often start with is a hand reflexology using a baby crystal and essential oil of rose. Whichever hand is your prominent hand we start with. Both hands are treated in the same way. All the time the crystal and essential oil are instrumental to open heart, and opening up your meridian points and clearing your chakras. It is a very unique and individual treatment .
I have been guided to offer the Self Love Workshops. I have found through doing therapies with clients, that self love is truly needed. The workshops will offer a space to bring back your own self worth and self love. You will be given the opportunity to tap into your own divine healing energy. This has been so beautiful to be a part of, as I see clients opening up to their own sacred intuition.
Having practiced Reiki for over 15 years, I was intuitively guided to offer the teachings of Reiki. It opens up so many beautiful energies for you and your journey. I act as a gatekeeper for you to embrace your own healing through a universal energy.
I am honoured to be offering Reiki Levels to pass on the teachings of Dr Usui and the Reiki way of Life. Call me for details of dates available for you..
I was also guided to offer up my knowledge on crystals. My crystal course will run over a few months starting in June 2022. On this course, I am working in harmony with my daughter Nicola, as she has extensive knowledge of the crystal guardians and has been working with them for over 20 years. There is so much information to learn about these amazing earth guardians . It’s time for me to share this with you. Having done an extensive crystal course many years ago, and now having so much experience working with clients with crystals since then. It is now time to pass this knowledge onwards. Nicola and I have created a Crystal Course in harmony with our crystals and Mama Earth and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Linda sees clients in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Her contact number is 07989 636295
Linda runs a private Facebook Group called Open Hearts for those who wish to join with her there. Or connect with her on instagram
Forgive me if I am stating the obvious here. The likelihood is that if you’re reading this, you’ve researched the menopause front to back.
Whether you are peri-menopausal or comfortably (or not so comfortable) into the menopause, this post is for you to add (positively) to your bundle of research.
You see, in my coaching I draw my methods primarily from an evidence-based perspective. Sprinkle in a little more compassion and holistic perspective – and bam. That’s me. And for those who are reading this post, I am offering a 3 free week coaching trial! More information on that at the end of the post – so stay tuned.
The issue with being an “evidence based coach” and working with women,
Is that researchers are a bit stingy when it comes to studying specifically women.
And that’s because we are a complex bunch and hormonally, no two are the same.
Think about it – I’m sure you’ve experienced different menopausal symptoms to our other friends.
So it’s not so simple to conduct research and studies.
What changes are happening?
Essentially what happens in menopause is a reduction in sex steroid hormones. We get a big old drop of oestrogen levels.
As a coach, what I often hear from women as one of the more challenging changes from a physical perspective, is the redistribution of body fat.
It is more likely (not always) we will see our bodies redistribute fat from the legs and bum to around our mid-section.
Which when you are struggling with the other side effects of menopause (such as low mood), can be incredibly challenging for our body image and self confidence.
It is often regularly presumed that menopause ruins our metabolism and that is why we gain body fat during this time.
This is not really the case.
When oestrogen drops, our appetite will likely increase. Therefore we have a physical drive to eat more.
We are also a lot likely to move less if we are having poor sleep, low mood and lacking in energy.
Great – so we are eating more and moving less. And it’s largely out of our control!
But there are areas that we can control…
If there was ever a time to focus on your diet, it’s now.
Protein
Okay so I know there is a general assumption that a high protein diet is for body builders and gym junkies.
But what if I told you that the population who would benefit the most from a high protein diet are the elderly?
And then I would say women going through the menopause come in a close second.
Why?
Yes protein does support muscle mass. Which why in an elderly person it is important. Think about it – more muscle mass, less likely to slip and fall. More likely to move around independently as they age. More muscle literally equals a reduce in all cause mortality (dying).
So why is protein important during menopause?
Remember that drop in oestrogen? That also causes a quick decline in the amount of muscle mass and strength we have.
If you want to maintain muscle mass (and I’m not talking from just an aesthetic angle here), getting regular servings of protein in each day is going to be incredibly important.
Alongside exercise and specifically strength training… You are on to a winner and you in 30 years time is going to thank you.
What is protein?
The recommended daily amount of protein per day is widely considered in the health and fitness industry to be too low.
It is 0.8g per kg of body weight. So that means someone who weighs 60kg should have 48kg per day.
Now let me point out that that is the minimum amount to avoid deficiency.
If you are looking to support and improve muscle quality – we should be aiming for more like 1.6-2.2g per kg bodyweight. So that would be 96-132g per day if you weight 60kg.
Protein doesn’t just support muscle mass, it is used for all the cells in our body and supports:
Immune function
Transport around the body
Regulation of DNA
Quality of skin, hair & nails
Some examples of protein:
Meat:
Chicken breast (100g = 26g P)
Rump Steak (100g = 36g P)
5% Beef Mince (100g = 27g P)
Fish:
Cod (100g = 18g P)
Salmon (100g = 21g P)
Tuna (90g = 20g P)
Dairy:
Egg whites (190g = 20g P)
0% Greek Yoghurt (200g = 20g P)
Plant Based:
Quorn Chicken Pieces (200g = 30g P)
Tofu (200g = 26 P)
Chick peas (200g = 16 P)
Lentils (200g = 12g P)
Phytoestrogens
There is some evidence that behind phytoestrogens supporting changing that occur during menopause.
Phytoestrogens are naturally present in plant foods.
Think flax seeds, soy beans, legumes and berries. The evidence shows they may help reduce bone loss and the frequency of hot flushes.
Disclaimer though – if you are taking HRT clear with your medical professional that it is safe to include these foods in your diet in larger quantities. Just to be safe!
Fruit and Veg
I think we are all aware that the classic 5 a day isn’t really cutting it.
I don’t think I really need to spend time banging on about the importance of vitamins and minerals we get in fruit and veg.
But where it can also come in handy during menopause is the amount of bang for your buck you get with vegetables.
You can get a huge plate of vegetables for a lot less calories than you can compared to something like a small bowl of nuts.
This is not only good for fibre and vitamins,
But remember when we mentioned your hunger levels can be impacted?
Bigger portions means feeling more full after meals.
So ensure you are aiming above and beyond the 5 a day recommendation!
Compassion
Ultimately, the most important thing for you to tackle at this time – is self compassion.
It’s a huge change for our bodies that mentally can be a struggle.
It’s frustrating when all the methods you have used in the past to change your shape, may not work in the same way now.
It is more important than ever to be journalling, practicing meditation, and calling yourself out on negative self talk.
My coaching hones in on these areas to ensure that you are at a positive place mentally – to get the most out of the physical changes.
Free 3 Week Coaching Trial
A bit of background on me:
I have been working in the fitness industry since early 2019 as a personal trainer.
Remember March 2020? When the world turn upside down?
I moved most of my business to online. Which is still a relatively new way of coaching – but incredibly popular.
Now, I coach a small handful of women (and men!) face to face down in Brighton. The rest of my clients I work with remotely.
The beauty of online coaching is there are no time commitments & no location restrictions.
We mutually decide on targets and actions with your exercise, nutrition and more that will progress you to your ultimate goal.
You are then held accountable to these by myself throughout our coaching journey.
Hey there! I hope you are all doing well in lockdown.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Josephine. I am an online coach, personal trainer, and also Jacqui’s daughter!
As you can imagine, being brought in an environment where health is put first, my passion in life led to helping others achieve a sustainable, healthy, fit and strong lifestyle.
Before lockdown, I was working as a Personal Trainer in a gym. When the gyms are open I still train clients 1-1. But the positive that the pandemic has given me, is that I launched my online coaching service, meaning I can coach women across the UK.
Providing a holistic approach to weight loss and fitness, women who work with me create not just a stronger body, but a stronger mind.
Now more than ever, it is so important for us to focus on health. Both mental and physical.
So, here is my list of 5 things you can introduce to your daily routine in order to shape up in lockdown!
Chiropractor – Dr Nimarta Paul MSc (Chiro), MScApp (Paediatrics) DC FRCC
Dr Nimarta is an experienced bespoke Chiropractor and Mentor offers multidisciplinary services and care, for physical, emotional, nutritional and spiritual cultivation of health and wellbeing.
Services include Chiropractic, Cranial-sacral Therapy, Applied Kinesiology and Nutrition, Genius Biofeedback Practitioner, Mentoring for exceptional living, Spiritual healing.
She lives and breathes for a greater world also specialising in helping mothers and babies have the greatest possible start in life with chiropractic care and love.
Helping Patients Achieve Optimal Health
Dr Nimarta Paul is passionate about life, health, and fitness, helping patients achieve optimal health and be the best version of themselves. She graduated in 2002 from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic University College and later completed Masters degree in the field of Paediatric Musculoskeletal Health. Nimarta is committed to provide and support tailor made solutions for her patients healthcare journey.
